“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a 1946 classic holiday drama directed by Frank Capra. It stars James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, and Henry Travers. Based on Philip Van Doren Stern’s short story “The Greatest Gift,” the film has become one of the most beloved holiday movies ever.
The story begins On Christmas Eve in the small town of Bedford Falls, George Bailey (James Stewart) is on the verge of suicide. A kind, selfless man who has spent his life helping others, George has fallen into despair after a series of financial troubles threatened to ruin him. As prayers for George’s well-being reach Heaven, two celestial beings discuss his case and assign Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers), a bumbling yet kind-hearted guardian angel, to intervene. Clarence is told that if he succeeds in saving George, he will earn his long-awaited angel wings.
To understand George’s despair, Clarence is shown a series of flashbacks detailing George’s life:
As a young boy, George saves his younger brother Harry (Todd Karns) from drowning in an icy pond, resulting in George losing hearing in one ear. He later prevents a tragedy when he stops his employer, Mr. Gower (H.B. Warner), a grieving pharmacist, from accidentally poisoning a prescription.
Though he dreams of traveling the world and becoming an architect, George repeatedly puts his ambitions aside to support his family and community. George takes over the Bailey Brothers Building and Loan when his father dies, a small institution that helps working-class families afford homes. His dreams of college and adventure are sacrificed to keep the business running and to protect the town from the greedy, heartless banker Mr. Henry F. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), who wants to take control of Bedford Falls.
Despite his frustrations, George falls in love with Mary Hatch (Donna Reed), a kind-hearted and strong-willed woman who has loved him since childhood. They marry and plan to go on a honeymoon, but George uses their honeymoon savings to keep the business afloat when a bank run threatens the Building and Loan. Over the years, George and Mary have built a life together, raising four children and helping the community thrive.
Meanwhile, Potter continues to seek control over the town. When George’s absent-minded Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell) misplaces $8,000—accidentally handing it to Potter—George is held responsible and faces scandal, bankruptcy, and even possible imprisonment. As he desperately searches for the money, Potter cruelly taunts him, making George believe he is worth more dead than alive due to his life insurance policy.
Overcome with hopelessness, George stands on a bridge, preparing to jump into the freezing river. Just then, Clarence appears and cleverly jumps into the water himself, forcing George to save him instead. As they dry off, Clarence reveals he is George’s guardian angel.
When George bitterly wishes he had never been born, Clarence grants his wish and shows him what Bedford Falls would be like without him. We then go through a series of “what ifs”:
Without George, Harry drowns as a child, since no one was there to save him.
Mr. Gower is imprisoned after unintentionally poisoning a child.
The Bailey Building and Loan never exists, leaving the town under Potter’s control, now renamed Pottersville, a dark, vice-ridden place filled with crime, despair, and misery.
Mary never marries and becomes a lonely librarian.
His children were never born.
George realizes just how much his life has impacted others. Terrified and desperate to return, he begs Clarence to let him live again. His wish is granted, and he finds himself back on the bridge, overjoyed to have his life back.
George rushes home to his family, accepting his financial ruin with newfound gratitude. However, in a heartwarming turn of events, Mary and Uncle Billy have spread the word about George’s trouble, and the entire town gathers to donate money to help him. Even those he once helped come forward, showing their deep love and appreciation.
As they celebrate, George finds a note from Clarence that reads:
“Remember, no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings! Love, Clarence.”
The film ends with George surrounded by his family and friends as they sing “Auld Lang Syne.” In a final touching moment, a bell on the Christmas tree rings, and George’s daughter Zuzu excitedly proclaims, “Look, Daddy! The teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!” George smiles, knowing Clarence has finally earned his wings.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a timeless story about self-worth, sacrifice, and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. The film reminds audiences that despite hardships, love, friendship, and kindness are what truly matter. Though it initially struggled at the box office, It’s a Wonderful Life became a beloved Christmas classic, aired annually on television and a staple of holiday cinema.
The Other Cinema 