It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
The wonderful (pun intended) thing about this Christmas classic is that you can appreciate and fall in love with it all over again as you age and reach different stages of your life. When you’re a kid, you enjoy the fairy-tale elements of the story, and you laugh at Clarence the Angel’s lines. As a teenager and young adult, you identify with George Bailey’s famous speech: “I know what I’m going to do today, and tomorrow, and the next day after that.” He has so much hope, idealism, and the time to spend on righteousness. But the older and older you get, you see the tragedy in George’s journey. You feel sorry that he never achieves what he wants and that he spends his life taking care of other people and holding down the fort for the reserves that never arrive. That’s why, no matter how old you are, you always cry at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life, and that’s a wonderful thing.
The sentiment of this story is truly timeless. There are no cell phones, people use trains as transportation, and the Great Depression is only mentioned in history books – but every part of it is still incredibly relatable to modern audiences. Youthful crushes, idealism before you gain experience, defending your family without understanding the consequences, and seeing “the bad guy” without any backstory to his life. No matter what generation you belong to, you live through all these phases when you’re young. Bravery, loyalty, regret, frustration, and gratitude don’t expire on a certain year. So even though the movie is in black-and-white, the appeal of wiping the slate clean on your life still hits home.
Sentimentality aside, it’s still a great movie. James Stewart gives the performance of his career as George Bailey. You believe him every single step of the way, and you feel that you’ve actually gotten to know him, rather than the character. When the camera films his vulnerable prayer scene in Martini’s Bar, you’re almost embarrassed to be watching such a private moment. Thomas Mitchell also gives a career-best performance as the stereotypical drunk family uncle. Despite his enormous flaws, he really does mean well. Beulah Bondi, as the long-suffering mother, Henry Travers, as the affable guardian angel, and H.B. Warner, against type as the emotional drug store owner, provide a steady supporting cast to the film. You’ve seen all these actors in dozens of movies before, helping to set the stage of a small town where everyone knows everyone. Ward Bond and Frank Faylen, playing Bert and Ernie, are also familiar faces. Even the smallest impact is still an impact, like the friendly local cop or the one taxi driver in town.
Lionel Barrymore is a hilarious villain, and unrecognizable in his disguise. He rattles off his venomous lines with such wisdom, and even though he’s supposed to be the bad guy, you know that a lot of what he says is true. In a rare occurrence, you’ll be able to hear Gloria Grahame before she stuck the cotton in her mouth. This was only her third movie, and her adorable turn as Violet makes you wish she never got self-conscious about her lips. Finally, there’s Donna Reed, the epitome of the American housewife. If James Stewart is the perfect everyman, Donna Reed is the perfect everywoman. It’s no wonder she became the iconic television mother after being the backbone of the Bailey family in It’s a Wonderful Life. She sacrifices, steps up to the plate, and gives generously, all with a smile on her face. Plus she’s really pretty, and she keeps her figure after four children!
I know you’ve seen this movie before. You’ve probably seen it a dozen times by now. But if you’re thinking of skipping it this year, don’t. Don’t you want to see ZuZu’s petals one more time? Hear, “I wish for a million dollars – hot dog!” Feel the cold, oppressive rain during the run on the bank? Don’t you want to get a new lease on life just as the calendar year comes to a close? Of course you do, and millions of Americans will experience all those wonderful little moments with you this Christmas.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Juhi Thaker" for posting!
More Donna Reed movies here!
More James Stewart movies here!
More Christmas movies here!
The sentiment of this story is truly timeless. There are no cell phones, people use trains as transportation, and the Great Depression is only mentioned in history books – but every part of it is still incredibly relatable to modern audiences. Youthful crushes, idealism before you gain experience, defending your family without understanding the consequences, and seeing “the bad guy” without any backstory to his life. No matter what generation you belong to, you live through all these phases when you’re young. Bravery, loyalty, regret, frustration, and gratitude don’t expire on a certain year. So even though the movie is in black-and-white, the appeal of wiping the slate clean on your life still hits home.
Sentimentality aside, it’s still a great movie. James Stewart gives the performance of his career as George Bailey. You believe him every single step of the way, and you feel that you’ve actually gotten to know him, rather than the character. When the camera films his vulnerable prayer scene in Martini’s Bar, you’re almost embarrassed to be watching such a private moment. Thomas Mitchell also gives a career-best performance as the stereotypical drunk family uncle. Despite his enormous flaws, he really does mean well. Beulah Bondi, as the long-suffering mother, Henry Travers, as the affable guardian angel, and H.B. Warner, against type as the emotional drug store owner, provide a steady supporting cast to the film. You’ve seen all these actors in dozens of movies before, helping to set the stage of a small town where everyone knows everyone. Ward Bond and Frank Faylen, playing Bert and Ernie, are also familiar faces. Even the smallest impact is still an impact, like the friendly local cop or the one taxi driver in town.
Lionel Barrymore is a hilarious villain, and unrecognizable in his disguise. He rattles off his venomous lines with such wisdom, and even though he’s supposed to be the bad guy, you know that a lot of what he says is true. In a rare occurrence, you’ll be able to hear Gloria Grahame before she stuck the cotton in her mouth. This was only her third movie, and her adorable turn as Violet makes you wish she never got self-conscious about her lips. Finally, there’s Donna Reed, the epitome of the American housewife. If James Stewart is the perfect everyman, Donna Reed is the perfect everywoman. It’s no wonder she became the iconic television mother after being the backbone of the Bailey family in It’s a Wonderful Life. She sacrifices, steps up to the plate, and gives generously, all with a smile on her face. Plus she’s really pretty, and she keeps her figure after four children!
I know you’ve seen this movie before. You’ve probably seen it a dozen times by now. But if you’re thinking of skipping it this year, don’t. Don’t you want to see ZuZu’s petals one more time? Hear, “I wish for a million dollars – hot dog!” Feel the cold, oppressive rain during the run on the bank? Don’t you want to get a new lease on life just as the calendar year comes to a close? Of course you do, and millions of Americans will experience all those wonderful little moments with you this Christmas.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Juhi Thaker" for posting!
More Donna Reed movies here!
More James Stewart movies here!
More Christmas movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Awards:
Best Actor of 1946: James Stewart
Best Supporting Actor: Thomas Mitchell
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Supporting Actress: Donna Reed
Best Dramatic Screenplay