My Mom watches this every year. My favorite movie set during the holidays is The Apartment. Takes place throughout Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve.
100% SAME! The ENTIRE scene of the town coming together to help George, makes me tear up. But that LAST line from his brother has me blubbering like a baby! Every. Single. Time. (it's practically Pavlovian now,) Some things are SO uplifting & inspiringly beautiful, you just can't help it.
A few things: - Mr Gower's son, Robert, died on May 3, 1919 of influenza. That was during the Spanish Flu epidemic. - The pool under the floor really exists and is still in use at Beverly Hills High School. - The movie was filmed at the RKO Ranch in what is now Encino, CA., during a heatwave. - The writer of the short story on which it is based, Phillip Van Doren Stern, couldn't find a publisher for his short story, so had it printed as a Christmas card style gift. He sent out 200 copies to friends and family in 1943. The story was titled "The Greatest Gift". - Sam didn't only give George the money because they are friends. He also gave George the money as a thank you. Remember the night of the call when George and Mary were on the phone with Sam together? George gave Sam the idea of using the Tool and Machine Works in town, which he could get cheap and all the labor he needed. He also gave Sam the idea of making plastic from soy beans. So, a lot of Sam's wealth is directly because Sam followed George's advice.
It's not really thought of nowadays but Italian discrimination was very high at this time which is why Potter mentions "garlic eaters." The scene of George helping Martini get a home and eventually a bar was somewhat radical for the time and shows how good a man he is.
All the xenophobic tropes we see in today's politics were in play back then. Italian immigrants were labeled "mafia" and considered "dark" and "swarthy." Traditional Italian cuisine exotic. The reason we have Columbus Day is because the Italian community needed a way to show they were part of the American story.
What many people don't realize is that Jimmy Stewart (George Bailey) was a real hero of WW II. He was B-24 Bomber pilot who flew 29 combat mission over Germany. Stewart became Wing Commander of an entire squadron of bombers and was awarded the 2nd highest medal Distinguished Flying Cross (2nd only to the Congressional Medal of Honor). This was Stewart's first film since returning from the war. He eventually attained the rank of Brigadier General of the Air Force Reserve.
Stewart was drafted, flunked the physical for being underweight, then pulled some strings to get another chance, which he passed "with some help from some friends". The only other time he pulled any strings was when he realized the Army was keeping him from going overseas to serve in combat.
Tying a string around your finger was the old-time way of prompting yourself about something you needed to remember. You'd look down at your hands and see the string, and were supposed to think, "Oh yeah, I got that thing I gotta remember." Sort of like today if you had set a reminder alert to go off, but one which didn't have a description -- the alert itself was enough. Uncle Billy having several strings was meant to show that he was very absent-minded.
11:44 When Uncle Billy goes off screen, and there is a loud crash; it was not planned. A stage hand had dropped a tray of props, so the actor just went with it. The movie was nominated for a sound Oscar, and the stage hand was given a $10 bonus for "enhancing the sound".
After leaving The Little Rascals he ended up owning a bar while also breeding hunting dogs. One of the people ended up losing his hunting dog but refused to reimburse him for the loss. They ended up getting into an argument and Switzer was shot buy the other man.
My mom loved this movie. She cried Everytime she watched it. Mom was battling Multiple Myeloma. She lost her battle in 2011. On the day of the funeral I heard the Church Bells ring. Mom got her wings.
My condolences on your loss my friend i 've lost both my parents already and it gets hard to be reminded of that this time of year . My mum instilled a love of the movies in me and i'm grateful to be here enjoying this classic with JEN , yourself and everyone who's here to enjoy this as well Blessings Have a happy Christmas season !! 🎄 🙏
When I was 11, I asked my Uncle (Mom's Brother) what his favorite movie was. He told me that it was It's A Wonderful Life. I hadn't heard of it, and that Christmas (not Dec. 25th, but at our family Christmas party), he brought his DVD over. After the dinner and gifts, we sat around and watched the colorized version- I had seen black and white movies, but for some reason I wanted to see it in color. I thought it was pretty good. A few months later, my Aunt (Mom and Uncle's sister) took me to a Salvation Army, and they just so happened to have IAWL on VHS, so I bought that along with a few others. (There was a black and white copy and a color copy, I bought the black and white copy.) I watched it that afternoon and enjoyed it. I watched that tape a few more times too. I saw the movie in 2009. In 2011, my Mom remarried an abusive guy, and in 2013 I went to live with my Grandma (Dad's Mom). A babysitter that I had gave me a bunch of VHS tapes to go through, and one was It's A Wonderful Life, so I watched it once with Grandma and once with a cousin. I later got rid of that tape, but when I was 17 I think I watched it on TV, and I told my Grandma that It's A Wonderful Life is officially my favorite Christmas movie. (9 years later, and it still is.) I've seen this movie about 10 times and I still get moved by it. I remember last year at work (McDonald's), my co-workers were naming their favorite Christmas movies, and I walked in, and one of them said: "Hey Zach, what's your favorite Christmas movie?" I immediately replied: "It's A Wonderful Life." They were like: "What's that?" Setting aside how sad it was that these high schoolers had never heard of it, I replied: "It's a very uplifting movie about a man who wants to kill himself on Christmas Eve." Everyone was like "WOAH", but I mean...tell me I'm wrong? Whenever someone says that Elf or The Polar Express or A Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation is their favorite Christmas movie, I admittedly silently judge them. Those are all good movies, don't get me wrong, but It's A Wonderful Life can't be topped. It's uplifting, with a message of everyone having worth. If all Christmas movies had to vanish, and I had the power to pick one to save, I would pick It's A Wonderful Life without thinking twice. It's A Wonderful Life is a wonderful movie- not just the best Christmas movie ever made, but one of the best movies of all time. PS: I think subconsciously, this movie is a very mild reason why I got through my abuse.
I would agree with you on that. It's a wonderful life lifts you up, you realise that whatever is happening in your life, its still a wonderful life and would be a tragedy to throw it all away.
“Every man on those transports died. Harry wasn’t there to save them because you weren’t there to save Harry.” Most chilling and profound line in movie history. I’m so glad you watched this and appreciated it. And frankly, we need more George Baileys now in a world of Potters. It’s not easy, it hurts but simply doing the right thing matters.
Powerful moment. While I am sure many today would say, "Well Duh!" with all the time travel stories out there, the delivery while at brother's childhood gravestone, makes it MUCH more impactful! (Like you can't help but think about all those additional gravestones that are now out there.)
35:26 About the one thing that's bothering you, If it's any consolation, Saturday Night Live did a skit of the "lost ending" of "It's a Wonderful Life" which had all the happy people at the end turning into an angry mob, going after Potter, and exacting violent vengeance upon him.
My ending is close. Potter gets word of what the town did for George, has a massive stroke & dies on Christmas Day. When he gets to the Pearly Gates, everybody laughs hysterically at him, flips him the bird, and points DOWN.
Yes, I was about to write the same comment when I saw you had posted this. Jen, The skit is available on SNL’s TH-cam channel. Just search for “Its a wonderful life lost ending”. It’s introduced by Bill Shatner, too!
I just realized that the empathy in the face of distressed anger fueled by grief that George shows to Mr Gower is the same empathy that the whole town and his own family shows to him when he’s at his lowest and acting out. They understand that him acting like an asshole in those moments are clearly because he’s going through something and not who he really is so they don’t ostracize him. Instead they pray for him and, as soon as they hear from Mary how they can help, they immediately do. May we all be so kind to people that when we’re at our lowest, they realize that we need help even when we can’t admit it to ourselves.
14:01 Jimmy was actually working through some PTSD trauma from his service in Word War II. During this take (the first one, by the way) George had a longer speech, but the emotion was so real and raw that Capra shouted, "Cut! Print!". It was also the first time Jimmy did a screen kiss since before he left for the war.
Many of us go through life feeling like an abject failure at one point or another, it can lead to a wish to end it all. Like we have let everybody we love down. And you dare not tell anyone how you are feeling or why. It's an encredibly important message. Each of us go through life never realizing who we have touched or what good we have done. Mostly we just see our failures.
You are so right, but additionally I feel many Americans can't see or don't even know who they really are. They live their lives constantly comparing themselves to others - yet those "other" people are often thinking the same thing.
Congrats Jen on 90k followers! On your way to 100k! You definitely deserve it, I always look forward to seeing your videos. Your sincerity and humor always shine through and we can tell You're having just a good a time putting putting out these videos as we love watching them. You're one of the few reactors that we can tell are truly invested in what you're watching not just giving lame shallow on the spot reactions. You really know the history especially when it comes to Star Trek of what your reviewing. Keep the great work please! I predict even bigger and better things for your channel's future. Congratulations again!
Miracle on 34th Street. The black and white version., please. I seem to remember, Donna Reed threw that stone and broke the window on her own. The director thought they would have to use film trickery to film it. He didn’t know she played baseball in school :-)
Yes, it's George who is deaf in one ear, which was why he didn't hear Young Mary tell him that she'd love him until the day she died. She knew that he couldn't hear her--it was only for herself and the audience to hear.
6:13 The Hollywood tradition of 30-year-olds playing teenagers lives on! Jimmy Stewart age 37 Donna Reed age 26 At the time of filming 'It's a Wonderful Life.' At least the kid Mary is chatting with at the dance is 19. That actual teenager is Carl Dean Switzer, best known for his time as Alfalfa in 'Our Gang in 1935.
(21:32) Jimmy himself couldn't go to war because of his weight. That didn't stop him. He fattened himself up to guarantee his acceptance and then went on to a career in the service that surpassed Harry Bailey, ending his career as a Brigadier General. All of this while being one of the greatest actors of his age. :)
Just to understand, when Potter offers George the $20,000 a year job, that's about 8.5x his current salary of $2,340. Three years may not sound like too long, but that's 25 years of his current salary. That's life changing money. George really shows his principles in that scene. $8,000 in 1946 would be worth about $130,000 today.
Potter wasn't serious about that offer. He just wanted to get George so he could take over the B&L and shut it down. He would have found a reason to fire George soon after.
the film was released in 1946, but the story takes place over decades. George doesn't get married after WWII, he gets married in the early 1930's. Potter offers him 8.5 times his salary long before 1946. in fact, George goes home after sitting in Potter's ridiculously low chair and finds out his wife is pregnant for the first time. in 1946 he has a whole houseful of children, and even ZuZu is in kindergarten. if you adjust $20k from the correct year in the timeline for inflation, George turned down over $465,000 annually, and the three years would have ended in the mid 30's.
I still remember an old SNL sketch where they recreate the ending except Uncle Billy remembers that Potter must have the money and it turns into a reverge actiion flick :) "You made one mistake Potter, you crossed me and left me alive!" LOL
Now that was real funny😅 it has me in tears🤣 I have never seen that before. Jen will be real happy that Potter finally got what was coming to him, a can of whoop #%&.
Extraordinarily gifted actor Thomas Mitchell. The first actor to win both an Oscar, a Tony, and an Emmy. The crash at 11:47 was an off-screen accident, but Mitchell saved the take by improvising the “I’m all right! I’m all right!” That smile you see isn’t George smiling at his drunk Uncle Billy, that’s James Stewart smiling at the genius of Thomas Mitchell.
Thomas Mitchell , great character actor, was also in Capra ‘s Lost Horizon, You Can’t Take It With You, Mr Smith Goes To Washington, and his last film Pocketful Of Miracles
Some historical events in the movie that give context: Druggist's son dies of the flu: Spanish Flu worldwide pandemic of 1918 (made covid look like the sniffles) Run on the bank: Beginning of the Great Depression George's brother, war hero: WW2 Aside: James Stewart (George Bailey) was not only a great actor but was a bomber pilot in WW2 in Europe who led bombing raids over Germany. His final rank was Brigadier General (in Air Force Reserve).
The run on the bank is not the beginning of the depression. It's 1932 or 33, the worst part of the depression. He was born in 1907 and was 22 when his dad dies, 1929. Then Harry attends college, another 4 years. So at least 1933.
I was in NJROTC back in high school. It’s kinda like a military academy but it’s just for that one class rather than the entire school being military-esque. They teach you a little bit about military but mostly about patriotism, citizenship, character development, and fostering leadership skills. There’s a JROTC program for each branch of military army, navy, air force, marines. Ours was a navy unit. It’s a wonderful life came on tv as it does every year, and I watched it as usual. When it was over my parents came in and told me our JROTC instructor Master Chief Gilland had passed away. He meant the world to us cadets, he was one of the greatest teachers I ever knew. He was a father figure to a lot of us kids, he taught us not just about the curriculum or the program but even stuff about life lessons. It was devastating when he passed. I had just finished watching It’s a Wonderful Life and then my parents delivered the saddest news and so now I always remember this movie with a bittersweet moment. Master Chief had spent his last days visiting with his family and playing with the grandkids. Lived a full and good life, navy veteran for 20+ years as a machinists mate. He lived a bit longer than most guys who worked in the engine rooms and he had a full and good life. He taught all of us so much and he is missed, but he had a good life and was a great man. Thank you for listening 🙏
I’m sorry to hear he passed but Im glad he meant so much to all of you I took army JROTC and our main teacher was really great too I shit you not his full title was Lieutenant Colonel Robert Sanders (so yes he went by Colonel Sanders 😂) tough but fair
@@joshuagoforth1658 Josh, I loved how you squeezed in that military jargon 'I SHIT you not'! LOL instead of I'm not kidding! Did you serve? Peace out people...
Uncle Billy's crow (raven) was named "Jimmy". He was actually a well trained and experienced performer. Aside from dozens of appearances in Hollywood films, including the Wizard of Oz. In that Jimmy was the crow who settled on the Scarecrow's shoulder. {by the way: You're not the only one who feels like crying watching this---that's really normal}
I think the most devastating thing that could happen if I was never born is that two amazing human beings wouldn’t have been born. My children have become two wonderful people and I couldn’t imagine the world without them.
People used to tie a string on a finger to remind themselves to do something important that day. Uncle Billy's memory is so bad, however, that even multiple strings didn't do the trick. 😄
Two Capra movies that are my favorites are "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "Mr. Smith goes to Washington". He made a lot of movies beginning in the 20s. Two that are Christmas flicks although not Capra films are "The Bishop's wife" and "Serendipity" and a Jimmy Stewart film that Is a personal favorite is "Harvey". Glad you like this one. Have a Merry Christmas.
This is one awesome movie. My family and I watch this multiple times every year. I love the lesson of how a person can make a huge impact without it looking like one, for example what George was dreaming about, futuristic cities and such. There is a Jimmy Stewart museum in his hometown of Indiana, PA. It's a 90 minute drive from home and I have to get there. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, $8000 in 1946 is now $138,678.24. Frank Kapra III was a second assistant director on Christmas Vacation, which paid homage to this movie with a loose top of a newel post, and Russ watching the movie just before the grandparents show up.
Hello Jen, Yes string tied on finger was to remember, one sees etc the string and they recall why they tied on finger etc for reminding themself of ....
26:55 The long zoom that Capra did here was not intentional. Jimmy did such an amazing first take but could not recreate the emotional hit on successive takes. So they had to use the first one and copy and enlarge manually frame by frame to fake a 'zoom' to get that tight shot when George pleads to God.
9:58 I love how when he says "anyway, my father didn't think so" and he pulls his shoulder back and it reveals the portrait of his father in the background. Nice touch by Frank Capra.
Fun Fact, The sound of garbage cans being knocked over @11:45 was actually a stagehand off camera that dropped some props. Totally an accident, Jimmy Stewarts laugh was genuine and the actor playing Uncle Billy improvised the line "I'm all right, I'm OK", Frank Capra apparently loved it and it made the final cut.
First-time viewer of your channel. You come off as real and kind. The background of your RVC studio has a warm and peaceful look. Nicely done. New subscriber. Merry Christmas
2:35---At one time, Jen, people used to tie a piece of string around a finger as a reminder of something they needed to do. Uncle Billy always forgot the strings were there.
I’m a 45 year old man, and I cannot begin to guess how many times I have seen this movie, my favorite movie. From the line “God, let me live again” to the credit roll, I cry unashamedly like a little kid.
Not everyone gets to live their dream, but speaking as an engineer myself, it would be really tough for someone in science or technology not to get to work in their chosen field, especially if they know they have the talent for it, as George does. He wants to be a civil engineer who works on big projects like bridges and skyscrapers, and it was really a huge, painful blow for him not to have been able to go to school and then get to work on all of that. Not having been able to see the world was only part of the sacrifice he was always making for the sake of others. I always wince when I see him kick his bridge model over. He still hadn't given up on that dream, or at least felt compelled to work on and build something. In his mind, his talents were going to waste. 😟
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington is another Capra classic, also starring Jimmy Stewart. Some of the other actors from this film are in it, like Mr. Gower's actor.
I was in crappy mood until I noticed you were reacting to my favourite movie of all-time. Thanks Jen! By the way, the crash that happened in the scene where you mentioned that George should walk Uncle Billy home, was an actual stagehand dropping props off screen and the actor Thomas Mitchell improvising his line, "I'm alright, I'm alright". Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Jen!
Great reaction Jen. It's a Wonderful Life is one of the most classic Christmas movies of a time and is of my favorite movies of all time. I watch it every year during Christmas. Another Christmas classic you should see is White Christmas from 1954. I watch it every Christmas eve.
little shop around the corner , I can watch this movie a 1000 time , I would always cry at the end , you do not need millions at the bank to be rich and good , just be human and kind to others , merry x-mas Jen from bottom my heart
There was an old "Saturday Night Live" sketch that was a follow up to this where Uncle Billy remembers that he left the money in the newspaper and that Potter must have taken it. The whole town pays Potter a visit and shenanigans ensue. Of course the whole point of the movie is while Potter might be rich, he's miserable and alone, whereas George Bailey is the wealthy one because everyone cares about him and he has a loving family.
14:20 It could very well be what she was married in. It's the 1940s, some folks wore elaborate wedding dressed, but many people just wore their nicest "church clothes". The conventional white wedding dress became more popular among the middle class during the social prosperity that followed World War II.
I watched the full-length version with you and wanted to see it again. Just think of all the people you've touched with your reactions, the laughter, joy, tears, and happiness you've touched with your kindness an delicate heart. Merry Christmas, Bright Angel. Thank you for the light you bring into this sometimes dark world.
Some of Frank Capra’s best. (The starred ones are my favorites) *It Happened One Night Mr Deeds Goes to Town *Lost Horizon You Can’t Take It With You *Mr Smith Goes to Washington Meet John Doe *Arsenic and Old Lace
Such an awesome movie. I love the little part where Burt says his brother Harry flew through a snowstorm just to be able to help George. George meant so much to everyone.
The bartender in Matinia is played by Sheldon Leonard who later became of the greatest TV produvers doing shows for Danny Thomas, Dick Van Yke and Andy Griffith, among others. As an actor he often played gangsters.
During the run on the bank (15:22), did you notice the portrait of Herbert Hoover on the wall? He took most of the blame for the Great Depression. I'm sure that portrait in the shot was no coincidence.
I watch this movie literally every Christmas Eve. It's been a tradition for our family for the past 20+ years, and since I am a softie who loves Christmas, I bawl my eyes out every single time I watch it. I am beyond excited to watch this reaction video. Thank you, Jen. Merry Christmas!
You should look up the SNL skit where they present the "alternate ending" of It's A Wonderful Life where Uncle Billy remembers what happened with the money and then the whole town runs over to kick his butt. Lol.
Such a great reaction to one of the best movies, not just Christmas movies, of all time in my mind. Even as a bitter and heartless old man (or so I hear) I tear up every time I watch this movie. And for someone who has struggled so much with depression and self-destructive thoughts throughout my life, the lesson of this movie has always been one of the reasons I've never given in to those urges. And, yes, the old standard was to tie a string around your finger to help you remember what you needed to do. Jimmy Stewart was pretty much fresh out of serving as the pilot of a B-24 bomber in WWII when this movie started production. After flying so many bombing missions over Germany in the course of his service and seeing all the death and destruction of a world war, he was suffering from what we'd now call PTSD. Lionel Barrymore (the hated Mr. Potter) was the main one who got Jimmy Stewart to take this role when he really didn't want to, and the end result was playing the character that he called his favorite of the ones he played. The movie was therapeutic for him as well. Stewart said that acting out the scenes where George was enraged was cathartic for him. While filming the scene in which George prays in the bar James Stewart was so overcome because of how low he felt in his own life that he began to sob. Frank Capra later re-framed and blew up the shot because he wanted to catch that expression on Stewart's face. It really hammers home the feeling of Stewart BEING George Bailey. James Stewart was such a brilliant actor anyway, but this role might have been great therapy for him as well as a perfect role for him to play. I imagine Potter's punishment was the endless frustration that, no matter what he did, George Bailey would always win out. And if nothing else we can be thankful to the awful Mr. Potter for getting Jimmy Stewart to do this movie.
Jen, Frank Capra directed a long list of amazing films, including Pocketful of Miracles, A Hole in the Head, It Happened One Night and tons more. Great job on the reaction. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a very Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Stay safe and well.
James Stewart was one of the greatest actors of his generation, comedies, dramas, tragedies, westerns - a great body of work - you might enjoy - Philadelphia Story, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Rear Window - so many greats
Frank Capra directed a number of movies that are considered classics: _Arsenic and Old Lace_ , _Meet John Doe_ , _You Can’t Take It With You_ , _Mr. Smith Goes to Washington_ , _Mr. Deeds Goes to Town_ , and _It Happened One Night_ . This is another one of those movies that it’s hard for someone my age to imagine someone not having seen it. For much of my childhood, it would be shown on TV on multiple stations, multiple times, during the holiday season; it was as impossible to escape then as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You” is now. 1:35 Mr. Gower was played by H. B. Warner (no relation to the Warner Brothers) whose career went all the way back to the silent era, through five Frank Capra movies, and his last credited role was in the Biblical epic _The Ten Commandments_ . 5:44 I have to compare what happens to George with my own experience. My own dad told all four of his kids (including me) to get out of the little town we grew up in (which happened to be Elmira, NY, where the bank examiner towards the end of the movie was from) and that he’d rather burn his business down than have any of his kids have to run it; he’d inherited it from his own father and he hated it. 6:17 Well, that’s because many of them were nearly 40 years old. James Stewart is supposed to be 22 in this scene and he’s 38. By the end of the movie George is supposed to be about 40. In contrast, Donna Reed was just 25. 11:33 You cut out one of the best bits of acting in this movie: the bit where the camera just circles around James Stewart, and he shows without saying a word how George realizes the trap that he’s put himself in, and his determination that he’s going to stay in it, rather than let his brother take his place.
18:29 The man talking to Potter about Bailey Park is Charles Lane. He became the oldest member if the actor's union SAG/AFTRA at age 100. He died in 2007 at age 102.
Uncle Billy losing $8,000 at that time would be equivalent to almost $139,000 today. George Bailey making $45 per week was about $780 in 2024 dollars, while the offer of $20,000 per year from Potter was the same as George turning down an annual salary of $346,695. Meanwhile, the lady who asked for $17.50 was the same as asking today for $303.
Sentimental hogwash! Sorry I missed your premiere of this Jen - my fave film of all-time (so glad you FINALLY got to this!) - I was literally @ NYC seeing this @ IFC with special guest Mary Owen, Donna Reed’s daughter, who has appeared for about 15 yrs now annually for this event every Christmas (I’ve met her and befriended her & gift her a Christmas card every year). This is my fave film of all-time. Incredible cast, impeccable direction, timeless screenplay and a powerful message - everyone matters and the love you give always gives back tenfold. James Stewart's George Bailey as he runs into an ECU registering fear, terror, horror, surprise & finally a sense of unerring understanding of what is actually happening after his wish of 'never being born' 2 his Guardian Angel,Clarence in . Literally 3 secs. Some trivia - Frank Capra wanted Cary Grant originally but Grant was booked solid as well as Jean Arthur (who worked with him & Stewart on 2 previous films YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU & MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON - both you so need to see) but she too was already hired for works. Stewart had just served as an officer in the Air Force during WWII and this was his (& Capra’s - who shot war documentaries) return to Hollywood & his career. He was uncertain of his future as an actor and if he still had the drive to be one after witnessing the horrors of war (he saw many of his friends killed in front of him) but Capra had faith & foresight to persuade him (as well as Lionel Barrymore - who in real life was a complete 360 from his villainous Potter - who told Stewart he had to do this film!) Reed was on the rise from starlet to star (she’d eventually win a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for FROM HERE TO ETERNITY) and the first thing they shot was the famous telephone scene - Stewart was hesitant and didn’t want to but he asked her if they s/rehearse and she said let’s just wing it (!). They shot it in one take (and due to the censors had several frames snipped as it was deemed too hot !!) When Capra called cut the script girl flustered to him that they had missed pages of dialogue and he said, “No, we got it…” :D. Reed said that Barrymore couldn’t believe a lovely young woman could have been raised on a farm (she was in Iowa) and bet her she couldn’t milk a cow. A propmaster rustled one to the set and she promptly milked it with precision winning the bet (she said it was the easiest money she ever made - LOL). Yes the strings on Uncle Billy’s fingers were reminders for him as he was very forgetful. The set of Bedford Falls was completely constructed practically (!) and was acres wide/long with blocks and blocks of homes, establishments, livestock added and of course extras. The snow they created was a brand new kind (non-asbestos to begin w/) and won some sort of technical Oscar for its invention proving to be so realistic onscreen (!) The famed scened of George crying in the bar was very real (Stewart’s PTSD was incredibly weighing him down) and at one point the camera went blurry - Capra fixed in in post by blowing up frames to capture his performance (frankly so s/gotten at the very least an Oscar nod!) Again this is my fave film of all-time. Period. On a personal note my parents’ names are George & Mary :D Merry Christmas Jenn :D xoxo
James Stewart movies people should watch as well as 'It's A Wonderful Life': The Philadelphia Story Vertigo Rear Window Mr Smith Goes to Washington Harvey
Hey, Jen. Lionel Barrymore, who plays Mr. Potter of the bank in this movie is Drew Barrymore's great uncle. The Barrymore family has a great tradition in acting. They are held in high esteem as one of the great families in early Hollywood. People often notice th3 cost of many items when looking at movies from the past. They notice the slower pace of life and how relationships were handled. These things seem old-fashioned by today's standards, and they are, but look at the world today, and look at what we have lost. It really is a shame. Your reaction was heartfelt and sympathetic. Which is exactly what you would expect at this time of the year. This movie was originally considered a glop at the time of its original release. It would take a few years to strike as a classic. Merry Christmas, Jen. Keep going and enjoy the movies.
George was grumpy with Mary because he was torn between his dreams and his love for her. He could only have one or the other, and this was his last impassioned, if ultimately only token, resistance to his love. This was not an easy thing for George to do, like everything he had to give up, but as always he was compelled to sacrifice for the sake of others. He wanted Mary, too, but perhaps even more importantly, she wanted him and she wanted to stay in Bedford Falls (that was her wish).
It is so enjoyable watching you enjoy a movie. Some notes & other points of interest: -The lighter that George always lights hoping to win a million dollars was a complmentary cigar lighter. They also had a way to cut the end off the cigar."Hotdog!" -Uncle Billy, being a forgetful type, tied string to his fingers to help remember. They're called 'Forget-Me-Knots", but they didn't seem to help him much. -Mr. Potter was played by Lionel Barrymore, Drew Barrymore's great-uncle. -My personal favourite moment was the dinner scene. It seemed so real and heartfelt . It includes a moment that many overlook. George tells his Dad that he's a great guy. lt would be the LAST thing he would say to his father since he died that night of a stroke. -Not only did George save Mr. Gower the misery of 20 years in prison, but he also saved the life of a sick child. -Another example of George's meaning to Bedford Falls is how, when talking to Sam Wainwright, made an off the cuff remark that Sam could set up his factory there in Bedford Falls, buying the mill that closed down cheap, and get lots of labour due to it's closing. All little things we do add up to be important ones.
I suggest all of Frank Capra’s movies, even the silent ones. He’s easily on the the greatest movie makers of all-time. The ones to definitely see are: It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Lost Horizon, You Can’t Take it With You, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Meet John Doe, Arsenic and Old Lace, Pocketful of Miracles. My favorite of his aren’t actually in this list, but these are ones to not miss.
Just wanted to spread a little Christmas cheer for you Jen. My thoughts are with you and your family 🙏💜 and I hope you have a Merry Christmas with your family as well 🎄
Jen, I love this film and I loved your reaction to it. It's a wonderful film with a timeless and important message. I hope that your Grandmother is doing better? You're in my thoughts, take care and much love.
19:15----The actor playing Mr Potter, Jen, is Lionel Barrymore. His brother, John, was also an actor. John Barrymore is the grandfather of Drew Barrymore.
I was happy to see you understood that George was struggling between is desire to leave Bedford Falls and his feelings for Mary when they are talking ro Sam on rhe phone. It is my favorite scene. BTW if you want to see Mr. Potter to get what he deserves look up SNL It's a Wonderful Life skit. You will love it!
My eight grade English teacher back in the 80s made us watch this movie and then right an essay about it. I still have the essay (I’m now 50), this movie is still my favorite Christmas movie, and it still makes me cry when George realizes how truly rich his life has been.
I always have a very good time watching your reactions, Jen (Just in case you are wondering. ;-) )! This movie is always broadcast on German TV at Christmas and I watch it everytime. It warms my heart as well! It is sad and joyful at the same time! All the best to you and yours!
Was this a childhood fav of yours?
Christmas Reactions Playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLQHhQlj8i5dr_-y1rBcRf8JdB98JlfbdR.html
I discovered this movie 50 years ago before it was on TV EVERY YEAR. We had Xmas movie watching parties. None of our friends had ever seen it.
Yes, it was, I love this film, it has an important timeless message, Jen.
Yes, a favorite.
Oh yes, watch it every year. I also watch The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young
My Mom watches this every year. My favorite movie set during the holidays is The Apartment. Takes place throughout Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve.
“To my big brother George, the richest man in town.” That line always makes me cry.
Hell I start crying when the uncle comes in and dumps all that money out of the basket on to the table.
100% SAME!
The ENTIRE scene of the town coming together to help George, makes me tear up. But that LAST line from his brother has me blubbering like a baby!
Every. Single. Time. (it's practically Pavlovian now,)
Some things are SO uplifting & inspiringly beautiful, you just can't help it.
That's the scene that always gets me crying.
I start tearing up long before that and I've been watching this at least once a year for about 50 years.
A few things:
- Mr Gower's son, Robert, died on May 3, 1919 of influenza. That was during the Spanish Flu epidemic.
- The pool under the floor really exists and is still in use at Beverly Hills High School.
- The movie was filmed at the RKO Ranch in what is now Encino, CA., during a heatwave.
- The writer of the short story on which it is based, Phillip Van Doren Stern, couldn't find a publisher for his short story, so had it printed as a Christmas card style gift. He sent out 200 copies to friends and family in 1943. The story was titled "The Greatest Gift".
- Sam didn't only give George the money because they are friends. He also gave George the money as a thank you. Remember the night of the call when George and Mary were on the phone with Sam together? George gave Sam the idea of using the Tool and Machine Works in town, which he could get cheap and all the labor he needed. He also gave Sam the idea of making plastic from soy beans. So, a lot of Sam's wealth is directly because Sam followed George's advice.
Thank you so much for the info.
It's not really thought of nowadays but Italian discrimination was very high at this time which is why Potter mentions "garlic eaters." The scene of George helping Martini get a home and eventually a bar was somewhat radical for the time and shows how good a man he is.
Yeah. My mother had to change her (very Italian) name to help her get a job.
All the xenophobic tropes we see in today's politics were in play back then. Italian immigrants were labeled "mafia" and considered "dark" and "swarthy." Traditional Italian cuisine exotic. The reason we have Columbus Day is because the Italian community needed a way to show they were part of the American story.
Nothing good happened after we let Italians in.
@@SwordsmanRyanPizza. Without us and pizza, no Ninja Turtles.
@@thomaspappalardo7589 fair enough. I’m descended from Polacks so we brought pierogies and kielbasa, and few are excited about those.
What many people don't realize is that Jimmy Stewart (George Bailey) was a real hero of WW II. He was B-24 Bomber pilot who flew 29 combat mission over Germany. Stewart became Wing Commander of an entire squadron of bombers and was awarded the 2nd highest medal Distinguished Flying Cross (2nd only to the Congressional Medal of Honor).
This was Stewart's first film since returning from the war. He eventually attained the rank of Brigadier General of the Air Force Reserve.
Jimmy Stewart was the real McCoy.
@ absolutely.
Jimmy was a bad ass in WWII.
@ the biography of Stewart's war exploits -
MISSION: Jimmy Stewart and the fight for Europe is a great read.
Stewart was drafted, flunked the physical for being underweight, then pulled some strings to get another chance, which he passed "with some help from some friends". The only other time he pulled any strings was when he realized the Army was keeping him from going overseas to serve in combat.
Tying a string around your finger was the old-time way of prompting yourself about something you needed to remember. You'd look down at your hands and see the string, and were supposed to think, "Oh yeah, I got that thing I gotta remember." Sort of like today if you had set a reminder alert to go off, but one which didn't have a description -- the alert itself was enough. Uncle Billy having several strings was meant to show that he was very absent-minded.
George's black arm band (which represents that a person is in mourning) says that yes, sadly, his father had died.
11:44 When Uncle Billy goes off screen, and there is a loud crash; it was not planned. A stage hand had dropped a tray of props, so the actor just went with it. The movie was nominated for a sound Oscar, and the stage hand was given a $10 bonus for "enhancing the sound".
That $10.00 bonus in 1946 is worth about $162.00 today.
The guy with the freckles was Alfalfa from the little rascals
Yes thought that was him. Good thing he didn't sing 😂
@@thomastimlin1724
🎵”iM IN Tha mooD fer luv…”🎶
@@gawainethefirst "simply because you're near me" lmao
After leaving The Little Rascals he ended up owning a bar while also breeding hunting dogs. One of the people ended up losing his hunting dog but refused to reimburse him for the loss. They ended up getting into an argument and Switzer was shot buy the other man.
It is also his photo which is used as the Haines Sisters' brother Benny in White Christmas.
My mom loved this movie. She cried Everytime she watched it. Mom was battling Multiple Myeloma. She lost her battle in 2011. On the day of the funeral I heard the Church Bells ring. Mom got her wings.
My condolences on your loss my friend i 've lost both my parents already and it gets hard to be reminded of that this time of year .
My mum instilled a love of the movies in me and i'm grateful to be here enjoying this classic with JEN , yourself and everyone who's here to enjoy this as well
Blessings Have a happy Christmas season !! 🎄 🙏
Every Mum loved this movie imo .
I love this movie also as brings back memories ,sentimental, corny....but lovely memories.
🥲🥲🥲
i still cry every time i watch it
@@joeeyaura if you don't cry at this movie then I'd think there's something wrong with you .
Ps Merry Christmas ,happy holidays .
When I was 11, I asked my Uncle (Mom's Brother) what his favorite movie was. He told me that it was It's A Wonderful Life. I hadn't heard of it, and that Christmas (not Dec. 25th, but at our family Christmas party), he brought his DVD over.
After the dinner and gifts, we sat around and watched the colorized version- I had seen black and white movies, but for some reason I wanted to see it in color.
I thought it was pretty good. A few months later, my Aunt (Mom and Uncle's sister) took me to a Salvation Army, and they just so happened to have IAWL on VHS, so I bought that along with a few others. (There was a black and white copy and a color copy, I bought the black and white copy.) I watched it that afternoon and enjoyed it. I watched that tape a few more times too.
I saw the movie in 2009. In 2011, my Mom remarried an abusive guy, and in 2013 I went to live with my Grandma (Dad's Mom). A babysitter that I had gave me a bunch of VHS tapes to go through, and one was It's A Wonderful Life, so I watched it once with Grandma and once with a cousin.
I later got rid of that tape, but when I was 17 I think I watched it on TV, and I told my Grandma that It's A Wonderful Life is officially my favorite Christmas movie. (9 years later, and it still is.)
I've seen this movie about 10 times and I still get moved by it. I remember last year at work (McDonald's), my co-workers were naming their favorite Christmas movies, and I walked in, and one of them said: "Hey Zach, what's your favorite Christmas movie?" I immediately replied: "It's A Wonderful Life." They were like: "What's that?"
Setting aside how sad it was that these high schoolers had never heard of it, I replied: "It's a very uplifting movie about a man who wants to kill himself on Christmas Eve." Everyone was like "WOAH", but I mean...tell me I'm wrong?
Whenever someone says that Elf or The Polar Express or A Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation is their favorite Christmas movie, I admittedly silently judge them. Those are all good movies, don't get me wrong, but It's A Wonderful Life can't be topped. It's uplifting, with a message of everyone having worth.
If all Christmas movies had to vanish, and I had the power to pick one to save, I would pick It's A Wonderful Life without thinking twice. It's A Wonderful Life is a wonderful movie- not just the best Christmas movie ever made, but one of the best movies of all time.
PS: I think subconsciously, this movie is a very mild reason why I got through my abuse.
Thanks for that Fantastic comment. I can tell you put a lot of thought and heart into it. I happen to agree with everything you said.
@@paultoensing3126 Thanks. :)
I would agree with you on that. It's a wonderful life lifts you up, you realise that whatever is happening in your life, its still a wonderful life and would be a tragedy to throw it all away.
“Every man on those transports died. Harry wasn’t there to save them because you weren’t there to save Harry.” Most chilling and profound line in movie history.
I’m so glad you watched this and appreciated it. And frankly, we need more George Baileys now in a world of Potters. It’s not easy, it hurts but simply doing the right thing matters.
Powerful moment. While I am sure many today would say, "Well Duh!" with all the time travel stories out there, the delivery while at brother's childhood gravestone, makes it MUCH more impactful! (Like you can't help but think about all those additional gravestones that are now out there.)
35:26 About the one thing that's bothering you, If it's any consolation, Saturday Night Live did a skit of the "lost ending" of "It's a Wonderful Life" which had all the happy people at the end turning into an angry mob, going after Potter, and exacting violent vengeance upon him.
My ending is close. Potter gets word of what the town did for George, has a massive stroke & dies on Christmas Day. When he gets to the Pearly Gates, everybody laughs hysterically at him, flips him the bird, and points DOWN.
Yes, I was about to write the same comment when I saw you had posted this. Jen, The skit is available on SNL’s TH-cam channel. Just search for “Its a wonderful life lost ending”. It’s introduced by Bill Shatner, too!
That ending is one of the best SNL skits.
YES! Dana Carvey played George Bailey, Jon Lovitz was Old Man Potter and Phil Hartman (R.I.P.) played Uncle Billy.
@@toob1979 and the late Jan Hooks played Mary! R.I.P.
I just realized that the empathy in the face of distressed anger fueled by grief that George shows to Mr Gower is the same empathy that the whole town and his own family shows to him when he’s at his lowest and acting out. They understand that him acting like an asshole in those moments are clearly because he’s going through something and not who he really is so they don’t ostracize him. Instead they pray for him and, as soon as they hear from Mary how they can help, they immediately do. May we all be so kind to people that when we’re at our lowest, they realize that we need help even when we can’t admit it to ourselves.
14:01 Jimmy was actually working through some PTSD trauma from his service in Word War II. During this take (the first one, by the way) George had a longer speech, but the emotion was so real and raw that Capra shouted, "Cut! Print!". It was also the first time Jimmy did a screen kiss since before he left for the war.
"What else has Frank Capra done, that I should watch?" oh boy :) looking forward to those :)
If you want to see Mr. Potter get his comeuppance, watch the SNL sketch "Lost Ending" of It's a Wonderful Life. Shatner introduces it!
Not talked about enough skit!
Yeah, it’s hilarious 😊
Many millionaires who cheated others to get ahead, sh*tting their pants watching that. Thought the George Bailey happy ending spared them kharma.
You don't have to see Mr Potter get his comeuppance to know that he got it... In his own way.
It's totally worth watching.
OMG, Jen is so tough! We almost got a tear out of her, though. Merry Christmas everyone!
Yes, I was waiting for her to tear up, and she finally did.
Many of us go through life feeling like an abject failure at one point or another, it can lead to a wish to end it all. Like we have let everybody we love down. And you dare not tell anyone how you are feeling or why. It's an encredibly important message. Each of us go through life never realizing who we have touched or what good we have done. Mostly we just see our failures.
And other bastrrds just love to point out your failures to cover up their own.
You are so right, but additionally I feel many Americans can't see or don't even know who they really are. They live their lives constantly comparing themselves to others - yet those "other" people are often thinking the same thing.
There was a bike shop in our town called Zuzus Pedals. I guess there's a song by that name
Also heard of a florist with it.
“It Happened One Night”; “You Can’t Take it With You”; “Mr Smith Goes to Washington”; “Arsenic and Old Lace”, etc.
And my favorite: Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
Meet John Doe!
Another favorite Frank Capra/James Stewart film..."Mr Smith Goes to Washington".
Congrats Jen on 90k followers! On your way to 100k! You definitely deserve it, I always look forward to seeing your videos. Your sincerity and humor always shine through and we can tell You're having just a good a time putting putting out these videos as we love watching them. You're one of the few reactors that we can tell are truly invested in what you're watching not just giving lame shallow on the spot reactions. You really know the history especially when it comes to Star Trek of what your reviewing. Keep the great work please! I predict even bigger and better things for your channel's future. Congratulations again!
Miracle on 34th Street. The black and white version., please.
I seem to remember, Donna Reed threw that stone and broke the window on her own. The director thought they would have to use film trickery to film it. He didn’t know she played baseball in school :-)
Yes, it's George who is deaf in one ear, which was why he didn't hear Young Mary tell him that she'd love him until the day she died. She knew that he couldn't hear her--it was only for herself and the audience to hear.
6:13 The Hollywood tradition of 30-year-olds playing teenagers lives on!
Jimmy Stewart age 37
Donna Reed age 26
At the time of filming 'It's a Wonderful Life.'
At least the kid Mary is chatting with at the dance is 19. That actual teenager is Carl Dean Switzer, best known for his time as Alfalfa in 'Our Gang in 1935.
(21:32) Jimmy himself couldn't go to war because of his weight. That didn't stop him. He fattened himself up to guarantee his acceptance and then went on to a career in the service that surpassed Harry Bailey, ending his career as a Brigadier General. All of this while being one of the greatest actors of his age. :)
Just to understand, when Potter offers George the $20,000 a year job, that's about 8.5x his current salary of $2,340. Three years may not sound like too long, but that's 25 years of his current salary. That's life changing money. George really shows his principles in that scene.
$8,000 in 1946 would be worth about $130,000 today.
$20,000 in 1946 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $323,582.56 today
Potter wasn't serious about that offer. He just wanted to get George so he could take over the B&L and shut it down. He would have found a reason to fire George soon after.
we going to totally gloss over the little insider trading he resisted at the beginning of the movie?
the film was released in 1946, but the story takes place over decades. George doesn't get married after WWII, he gets married in the early 1930's. Potter offers him 8.5 times his salary long before 1946. in fact, George goes home after sitting in Potter's ridiculously low chair and finds out his wife is pregnant for the first time. in 1946 he has a whole houseful of children, and even ZuZu is in kindergarten. if you adjust $20k from the correct year in the timeline for inflation, George turned down over $465,000 annually, and the three years would have ended in the mid 30's.
@@johnberg9497 sure, but the job offer probably occurred in 1932 or 1933, not the 40's.
I still remember an old SNL sketch where they recreate the ending except Uncle Billy remembers that Potter must have the money and it turns into a reverge actiion flick :) "You made one mistake Potter, you crossed me and left me alive!" LOL
I watch this every xmas and "The richest man in town" makes me cry every time
The lost ending introduced by Captain Kirk himself: th-cam.com/video/vw89o0afb2A/w-d-xo.htmlsi=FTlGASnFyZFmFZRL
Jen needs to watch this.
Also, Jen has gone a bit too far with the short intros.
@@bryanclark3151 I love that lost ending, and yes, Jen needs to watch it :)
I was going to comment that! A great SNL skit.
An all time great from my favorite cast.
Now that was real funny😅 it has me in tears🤣 I have never seen that before. Jen will be real happy that Potter finally got what was coming to him, a can of whoop #%&.
The guy who played Uncle Billy also played Scarlett O’Haras father in Gone With The Wind.
Extraordinarily gifted actor Thomas Mitchell. The first actor to win both an Oscar, a Tony, and an Emmy. The crash at 11:47 was an off-screen accident, but Mitchell saved the take by improvising the “I’m all right! I’m all right!” That smile you see isn’t George smiling at his drunk Uncle Billy, that’s James Stewart smiling at the genius of Thomas Mitchell.
Thomas Mitchell , great character actor, was also in Capra ‘s Lost Horizon, You Can’t Take It With You, Mr Smith Goes To Washington, and his last film Pocketful Of Miracles
Thomas Mitchell also played Jean Arthur's journalist friend in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. He was a wonderfully talented and versatile actor.
Some historical events in the movie that give context:
Druggist's son dies of the flu: Spanish Flu worldwide pandemic of 1918 (made covid look like the sniffles)
Run on the bank: Beginning of the Great Depression
George's brother, war hero: WW2
Aside: James Stewart (George Bailey) was not only a great actor but was a bomber pilot in WW2 in Europe who led bombing raids over Germany. His final rank was Brigadier General (in Air Force Reserve).
The run on the bank is not the beginning of the depression. It's 1932 or 33, the worst part of the depression.
He was born in 1907 and was 22 when his dad dies, 1929. Then Harry attends college, another 4 years. So at least 1933.
My Dad was in the same Bomb Group, the 445th based at Tibbenham, England. They flew Missions in B-24's over the Third Reich!
@@FloridaMugwump Actually, Harry was in the Class of 1928, as seen on the sign at the dance, so that’s when their dad died.
50 million people died during that Spanish flu world wide what a horrible time in history.
Between this film and Forrest Gump you can cover many of the important events of the 20th century
yes, people used to say that you sho8uld tie a string around your finger to remember to do something
I was in NJROTC back in high school. It’s kinda like a military academy but it’s just for that one class rather than the entire school being military-esque. They teach you a little bit about military but mostly about patriotism, citizenship, character development, and fostering leadership skills. There’s a JROTC program for each branch of military army, navy, air force, marines. Ours was a navy unit.
It’s a wonderful life came on tv as it does every year, and I watched it as usual. When it was over my parents came in and told me our JROTC instructor Master Chief Gilland had passed away. He meant the world to us cadets, he was one of the greatest teachers I ever knew. He was a father figure to a lot of us kids, he taught us not just about the curriculum or the program but even stuff about life lessons. It was devastating when he passed.
I had just finished watching It’s a Wonderful Life and then my parents delivered the saddest news and so now I always remember this movie with a bittersweet moment.
Master Chief had spent his last days visiting with his family and playing with the grandkids. Lived a full and good life, navy veteran for 20+ years as a machinists mate. He lived a bit longer than most guys who worked in the engine rooms and he had a full and good life. He taught all of us so much and he is missed, but he had a good life and was a great man.
Thank you for listening 🙏
I’m sorry to hear he passed but Im glad he meant so much to all of you I took army JROTC and our main teacher was really great too I shit you not his full title was Lieutenant Colonel Robert Sanders (so yes he went by Colonel Sanders 😂) tough but fair
@@joshuagoforth1658 Josh, I loved how you squeezed in that military jargon 'I SHIT you not'! LOL instead of I'm not kidding! Did you serve? Peace out people...
Uncle Billy's crow (raven) was named "Jimmy". He was actually a well trained and experienced performer. Aside from dozens of appearances in Hollywood films, including the Wizard of Oz. In that Jimmy was the crow who settled on the Scarecrow's shoulder. {by the way: You're not the only one who feels like crying watching this---that's really normal}
Who would have thought that sweet little Jen would be the only reactor who didn't cry watching this. Heck even I do
Haha - J from EOM Reacts was BALLING! (Love his reactions).
She does wipe her eyes a little at the end.
She'll cry the next time, when the camera is off.
Jen cried and cried when she watched the first ten minutes or so of UP. She was so emotional. Me too.
I think the most devastating thing that could happen if I was never born is that two amazing human beings wouldn’t have been born. My children have become two wonderful people and I couldn’t imagine the world without them.
Same!
People used to tie a string on a finger to remind themselves to do something important that day. Uncle Billy's memory is so bad, however, that even multiple strings didn't do the trick. 😄
The second string helps in case you forget what the first string was for.
Two Capra movies that are my favorites are "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "Mr. Smith goes to Washington". He made a lot of movies beginning in the 20s. Two that are Christmas flicks although not Capra films are "The Bishop's wife" and "Serendipity" and a Jimmy Stewart film that Is a personal favorite is "Harvey". Glad you like this one. Have a Merry Christmas.
This is one awesome movie. My family and I watch this multiple times every year. I love the lesson of how a person can make a huge impact without it looking like one, for example what George was dreaming about, futuristic cities and such.
There is a Jimmy Stewart museum in his hometown of Indiana, PA. It's a 90 minute drive from home and I have to get there.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, $8000 in 1946 is now $138,678.24.
Frank Kapra III was a second assistant director on Christmas Vacation, which paid homage to this movie with a loose top of a newel post, and Russ watching the movie just before the grandparents show up.
Hello Jen, Yes string tied on finger was to remember, one sees etc the string and they recall why they tied on finger etc for reminding themself of ....
26:55 The long zoom that Capra did here was not intentional. Jimmy did such an amazing first take but could not recreate the emotional hit on successive takes. So they had to use the first one and copy and enlarge manually frame by frame to fake a 'zoom' to get that tight shot when George pleads to God.
9:58 I love how when he says "anyway, my father didn't think so" and he pulls his shoulder back and it reveals the portrait of his father in the background. Nice touch by Frank Capra.
Fun Fact, The sound of garbage cans being knocked over @11:45 was actually a stagehand off camera that dropped some props. Totally an accident, Jimmy Stewarts laugh was genuine and the actor playing Uncle Billy improvised the line "I'm all right, I'm OK", Frank Capra apparently loved it and it made the final cut.
And he gave that stage hand a $10 bonus for "improving the sound"
First-time viewer of your channel.
You come off as real and kind.
The background of your RVC studio has a warm and peaceful look.
Nicely done.
New subscriber. Merry Christmas
Welcome to the community Jen has such a warm , beautiful, kind heart she's wonderful and has a ton of awesome content for you to check out 👍.
I just want to say I appreciate you doing reactions to brighten up my day. Happy holidays and have a happy new year!
2:35---At one time, Jen, people used to tie a piece of string around a finger as a reminder of something they needed to do. Uncle Billy always forgot the strings were there.
I’m a 45 year old man, and I cannot begin to guess how many times I have seen this movie, my favorite movie. From the line “God, let me live again” to the credit roll, I cry unashamedly like a little kid.
That whole last bit where Mary comes back and all the town shows up to help him in his hour of need. I cry every time.
Donna Reed had her own sitcom in the 60s, The Donna Reed Show. Also Potter is played by Lionel Barrymore, Drew Barrymore's great uncle.
Not everyone gets to live their dream, but speaking as an engineer myself, it would be really tough for someone in science or technology not to get to work in their chosen field, especially if they know they have the talent for it, as George does. He wants to be a civil engineer who works on big projects like bridges and skyscrapers, and it was really a huge, painful blow for him not to have been able to go to school and then get to work on all of that. Not having been able to see the world was only part of the sacrifice he was always making for the sake of others. I always wince when I see him kick his bridge model over. He still hadn't given up on that dream, or at least felt compelled to work on and build something. In his mind, his talents were going to waste. 😟
Arsenic and Old Lace is a dark comedy with Cary Grant is a Capra film that I'd recommend.
"CHAAAAARGE!!!!"
"Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops!" I love Arsenic and Old Lce!
@OldRod99 "...and Happydale's full of staircases.😳"
“Now Alice don’t be a tomboy”
Next Halloween, please!
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington is another Capra classic, also starring Jimmy Stewart. Some of the other actors from this film are in it, like Mr. Gower's actor.
I was in crappy mood until I noticed you were reacting to my favourite movie of all-time. Thanks Jen! By the way, the crash that happened in the scene where you mentioned that George should walk Uncle Billy home, was an actual stagehand dropping props off screen and the actor Thomas Mitchell improvising his line, "I'm alright, I'm alright".
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Jen!
Had dinner with Jimmy Stewart once. WONDERFUL man!😊
You've had some interesting experiences in your life, Eric!
wow that would be cool!
@@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis. OK, Adam, thanks for the info.
Great reaction Jen. It's a Wonderful Life is one of the most classic Christmas movies of a time and is of my favorite movies of all time. I watch it every year during Christmas.
Another Christmas classic you should see is White Christmas from 1954. I watch it every Christmas eve.
I knew someone who was almost never born. He had to go back in time and fix his meddling. His name was Marty something.
Hope you and the fam have a comforting Christmas, Jen
little shop around the corner , I can watch this movie a 1000 time , I would always cry at the end , you do not need millions at the bank to be rich and good , just be human and kind to others , merry x-mas Jen from bottom my heart
There was an old "Saturday Night Live" sketch that was a follow up to this where Uncle Billy remembers that he left the money in the newspaper and that Potter must have taken it. The whole town pays Potter a visit and shenanigans ensue. Of course the whole point of the movie is while Potter might be rich, he's miserable and alone, whereas George Bailey is the wealthy one because everyone cares about him and he has a loving family.
14:20 It could very well be what she was married in. It's the 1940s, some folks wore elaborate wedding dressed, but many people just wore their nicest "church clothes". The conventional white wedding dress became more popular among the middle class during the social prosperity that followed World War II.
I watched the full-length version with you and wanted to see it again. Just think of all the people you've touched with your reactions,
the laughter, joy, tears, and happiness you've touched with your kindness an delicate heart. Merry Christmas, Bright Angel. Thank you
for the light you bring into this sometimes dark world.
Trivia: The swimming pool hidden by the gym floor is at the Beverly Hills High School -- and it's still there, and still used today.
"I like freckles" - that is Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer from the Our Gang / Little Rascals series
Very tragic life story there. I feel sorry for him.
Who's your favorite little rascal? Alfalfa? Or is it Spanky? Sinner.
@@adambailey2523 I always liked Stymie the most. Love those shows.
Some of Frank Capra’s best. (The starred ones are my favorites)
*It Happened One Night
Mr Deeds Goes to Town
*Lost Horizon
You Can’t Take It With You
*Mr Smith Goes to Washington
Meet John Doe
*Arsenic and Old Lace
Such an awesome movie. I love the little part where Burt says his brother Harry flew through a snowstorm just to be able to help George. George meant so much to everyone.
It's a Wonderful Life when there's a Jen Murray upload. Merry Christmas Jen, partner and fur babies x
The bartender in Matinia is played by Sheldon Leonard who later became of the greatest TV produvers doing shows for Danny Thomas, Dick Van Yke and Andy Griffith, among others. As an actor he often played gangsters.
The two lead guy characters on The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon and Leonard, were named for him.
During the run on the bank (15:22), did you notice the portrait of Herbert Hoover on the wall? He took most of the blame for the Great Depression. I'm sure that portrait in the shot was no coincidence.
I watch this movie literally every Christmas Eve. It's been a tradition for our family for the past 20+ years, and since I am a softie who loves Christmas, I bawl my eyes out every single time I watch it. I am beyond excited to watch this reaction video. Thank you, Jen. Merry Christmas!
You should look up the SNL skit where they present the "alternate ending" of It's A Wonderful Life where Uncle Billy remembers what happened with the money and then the whole town runs over to kick his butt. Lol.
Such a great reaction to one of the best movies, not just Christmas movies, of all time in my mind. Even as a bitter and heartless old man (or so I hear) I tear up every time I watch this movie.
And for someone who has struggled so much with depression and self-destructive thoughts throughout my life, the lesson of this movie has always been one of the reasons I've never given in to those urges.
And, yes, the old standard was to tie a string around your finger to help you remember what you needed to do.
Jimmy Stewart was pretty much fresh out of serving as the pilot of a B-24 bomber in WWII when this movie started production. After flying so many bombing missions over Germany in the course of his service and seeing all the death and destruction of a world war, he was suffering from what we'd now call PTSD. Lionel Barrymore (the hated Mr. Potter) was the main one who got Jimmy Stewart to take this role when he really didn't want to, and the end result was playing the character that he called his favorite of the ones he played. The movie was therapeutic for him as well. Stewart said that acting out the scenes where George was enraged was cathartic for him. While filming the scene in which George prays in the bar James Stewart was so overcome because of how low he felt in his own life that he began to sob. Frank Capra later re-framed and blew up the shot because he wanted to catch that expression on Stewart's face. It really hammers home the feeling of Stewart BEING George Bailey. James Stewart was such a brilliant actor anyway, but this role might have been great therapy for him as well as a perfect role for him to play.
I imagine Potter's punishment was the endless frustration that, no matter what he did, George Bailey would always win out. And if nothing else we can be thankful to the awful Mr. Potter for getting Jimmy Stewart to do this movie.
Jen, Frank Capra directed a long list of amazing films, including Pocketful of Miracles, A Hole in the Head, It Happened One Night and tons more. Great job on the reaction. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a very Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Stay safe and well.
Always like watching people discover this. People always assume as it’s so old they won’t get it
James Stewart was one of the greatest actors of his generation, comedies, dramas, tragedies, westerns - a great body of work - you might enjoy - Philadelphia Story, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Rear Window - so many greats
Frank Capra directed a number of movies that are considered classics: _Arsenic and Old Lace_ , _Meet John Doe_ , _You Can’t Take It With You_ , _Mr. Smith Goes to Washington_ , _Mr. Deeds Goes to Town_ , and _It Happened One Night_ .
This is another one of those movies that it’s hard for someone my age to imagine someone not having seen it. For much of my childhood, it would be shown on TV on multiple stations, multiple times, during the holiday season; it was as impossible to escape then as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You” is now.
1:35 Mr. Gower was played by H. B. Warner (no relation to the Warner Brothers) whose career went all the way back to the silent era, through five Frank Capra movies, and his last credited role was in the Biblical epic _The Ten Commandments_ .
5:44 I have to compare what happens to George with my own experience. My own dad told all four of his kids (including me) to get out of the little town we grew up in (which happened to be Elmira, NY, where the bank examiner towards the end of the movie was from) and that he’d rather burn his business down than have any of his kids have to run it; he’d inherited it from his own father and he hated it.
6:17 Well, that’s because many of them were nearly 40 years old. James Stewart is supposed to be 22 in this scene and he’s 38. By the end of the movie George is supposed to be about 40. In contrast, Donna Reed was just 25.
11:33 You cut out one of the best bits of acting in this movie: the bit where the camera just circles around James Stewart, and he shows without saying a word how George realizes the trap that he’s put himself in, and his determination that he’s going to stay in it, rather than let his brother take his place.
I cannot believe that there is anyone on this planet that hasn't seen this movie. It's an absolute classic, a time capsule from a beautiful past.
18:29 The man talking to Potter about Bailey Park is Charles Lane. He became the oldest member if the actor's union SAG/AFTRA at age 100. He died in 2007 at age 102.
Uncle Billy losing $8,000 at that time would be equivalent to almost $139,000 today. George Bailey making $45 per week was about $780 in 2024 dollars, while the offer of $20,000 per year from Potter was the same as George turning down an annual salary of $346,695. Meanwhile, the lady who asked for $17.50 was the same as asking today for $303.
Which means that Sam was authorizing $434,000 as a no-questions-asked loan to his old pal.
Thanks for doing all the math
Sentimental hogwash!
Sorry I missed your premiere of this Jen - my fave film of all-time (so glad you FINALLY got to this!) -
I was literally @ NYC seeing this @ IFC with special guest Mary Owen, Donna Reed’s daughter, who has appeared for about 15 yrs now annually for this event every Christmas (I’ve met her and befriended her & gift her a Christmas card every year).
This is my fave film of all-time. Incredible cast, impeccable direction, timeless screenplay and a powerful message - everyone matters and the love you give always gives back tenfold.
James Stewart's George Bailey as he runs into an ECU registering fear, terror, horror, surprise & finally a sense of unerring understanding of what is actually happening after his wish of 'never being born' 2 his Guardian Angel,Clarence in . Literally 3 secs.
Some trivia - Frank Capra wanted Cary Grant originally but Grant was booked solid as well as Jean Arthur (who worked with him & Stewart on 2 previous films YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU & MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON - both you so need to see) but she too was already hired for works. Stewart had just served as an officer in the Air Force during WWII and this was his (& Capra’s - who shot war documentaries) return to Hollywood & his career. He was uncertain of his future as an actor and if he still had the drive to be one after witnessing the horrors of war (he saw many of his friends killed in front of him) but Capra had faith & foresight to persuade him (as well as Lionel Barrymore - who in real life was a complete 360 from his villainous Potter - who told Stewart he had to do this film!) Reed was on the rise from starlet to star (she’d eventually win a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for FROM HERE TO ETERNITY) and the first thing they shot was the famous telephone scene - Stewart was hesitant and didn’t want to but he asked her if they s/rehearse and she said let’s just wing it (!). They shot it in one take (and due to the censors had several frames snipped as it was deemed too hot !!) When Capra called cut the script girl flustered to him that they had missed pages of dialogue and he said, “No, we got it…” :D. Reed said that Barrymore couldn’t believe a lovely young woman could have been raised on a farm (she was in Iowa) and bet her she couldn’t milk a cow. A propmaster rustled one to the set and she promptly milked it with precision winning the bet (she said it was the easiest money she ever made - LOL). Yes the strings on Uncle Billy’s fingers were reminders for him as he was very forgetful. The set of Bedford Falls was completely constructed practically (!) and was acres wide/long with blocks and blocks of homes, establishments, livestock added and of course extras. The snow they created was a brand new kind (non-asbestos to begin w/) and won some sort of technical Oscar for its invention proving to be so realistic onscreen (!) The famed scened of George crying in the bar was very real (Stewart’s PTSD was incredibly weighing him down) and at one point the camera went blurry - Capra fixed in in post by blowing up frames to capture his performance (frankly so s/gotten at the very least an Oscar nod!)
Again this is my fave film of all-time. Period.
On a personal note my parents’ names are George & Mary :D
Merry Christmas Jenn :D xoxo
The only thing you left out of remarkable things about this film is that it was a box office flop!
James Stewart movies people should watch as well as 'It's A Wonderful Life':
The Philadelphia Story
Vertigo
Rear Window
Mr Smith Goes to Washington
Harvey
All so good! Rear Window is one of my all-time favorite movies!
Hey, Jen.
Lionel Barrymore, who plays Mr. Potter of the bank in this movie is Drew Barrymore's great uncle. The Barrymore family has a great tradition in acting. They are held in high esteem as one of the great families in early Hollywood.
People often notice th3 cost of many items when looking at movies from the past. They notice the slower pace of life and how relationships were handled. These things seem old-fashioned by today's standards, and they are, but look at the world today, and look at what we have lost. It really is a shame.
Your reaction was heartfelt and sympathetic. Which is exactly what you would expect at this time of the year. This movie was originally considered a glop at the time of its original release. It would take a few years to strike as a classic.
Merry Christmas, Jen.
Keep going and enjoy the movies.
George was grumpy with Mary because he was torn between his dreams and his love for her. He could only have one or the other, and this was his last impassioned, if ultimately only token, resistance to his love. This was not an easy thing for George to do, like everything he had to give up, but as always he was compelled to sacrifice for the sake of others. He wanted Mary, too, but perhaps even more importantly, she wanted him and she wanted to stay in Bedford Falls (that was her wish).
It is so enjoyable watching you enjoy a movie.
Some notes & other points of interest:
-The lighter that George always lights hoping to win a million dollars was a complmentary cigar lighter. They also had a way to cut the end off the cigar."Hotdog!"
-Uncle Billy, being a forgetful type, tied string to his fingers to help remember.
They're called 'Forget-Me-Knots", but they didn't seem to help him much.
-Mr. Potter was played by Lionel Barrymore, Drew Barrymore's great-uncle.
-My personal favourite moment was the dinner scene. It seemed so real and heartfelt . It includes a moment that many overlook. George tells his Dad that he's a great guy. lt would be the LAST thing he would say to his father since he died that night of a stroke.
-Not only did George save Mr. Gower the misery of 20 years in prison, but he also saved the life of a sick child.
-Another example of George's meaning to Bedford Falls is how, when talking to Sam Wainwright, made an off the cuff remark that Sam could set up his factory there in Bedford Falls, buying the mill that closed down cheap, and get lots of labour due to it's closing.
All little things we do add up to be important ones.
I suggest all of Frank Capra’s movies, even the silent ones. He’s easily on the the greatest movie makers of all-time. The ones to definitely see are: It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Lost Horizon, You Can’t Take it With You, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Meet John Doe, Arsenic and Old Lace, Pocketful of Miracles. My favorite of his aren’t actually in this list, but these are ones to not miss.
Arsenic and Old Lace is a great one. Cary Grant is hilarious in it. Save it for next Halloween.
@@LordNelsonkmabsolutely! 😂
Pocketful of Miracles is actually Capra's own remake of his earlier film 'Lady For A Day'. I prefer the original myself.
Just wanted to spread a little Christmas cheer for you Jen. My thoughts are with you and your family 🙏💜 and I hope you have a Merry Christmas with your family as well 🎄
Thanks D! Hope you are having happy holidays 🎄
That final scene will break the hardest of people. It's also a testament to George's character that he didn't deck Uncle Billy in the final scene lol.
"Elf" (2003) A MUST SEE funny uplifting movie that will leave you with a heartful of joy & a smile..Starring Will Ferrell. 🎅
SNL has the lost alternative ending where Uncle Billy remembers what happened to the money. It's here on you tube.
BLAST I cry every time.... Merry Christmas Jen and a FANTABULOUS NEW YEAR
Jen, I love this film and I loved your reaction to it. It's a wonderful film with a timeless and important message.
I hope that your Grandmother is doing better? You're in my thoughts, take care and much love.
Thanks!
Thank you! 🎄
Legit one of the greatest movies ever made.
19:15----The actor playing Mr Potter, Jen, is Lionel Barrymore. His brother, John, was also an actor. John Barrymore is the grandfather of Drew Barrymore.
I was happy to see you understood that George was struggling between is desire to leave Bedford Falls and his feelings for Mary when they are talking ro Sam on rhe phone. It is my favorite scene. BTW if you want to see Mr. Potter to get what he deserves look up SNL It's a Wonderful Life skit. You will love it!
My eight grade English teacher back in the 80s made us watch this movie and then right an essay about it. I still have the essay (I’m now 50), this movie is still my favorite Christmas movie, and it still makes me cry when George realizes how truly rich his life has been.
Donna Reed was the pride of Dennison Iowa and won the best supporting actress for From Here to Eternity.
Plus _'The Donna Reed Show'._
This is the one film we watch every Christmas without fail - my wife and I wrap the kids' presents with this on.
What a great Jen Movie! All us Jen fans know you enjoyed this one!
I always have a very good time watching your reactions, Jen (Just in case you are wondering. ;-) )! This movie is always broadcast on German TV at Christmas and I watch it everytime. It warms my heart as well! It is sad and joyful at the same time! All the best to you and yours!