It’s a Wonderful Life - The timeless holiday tradition
It’s a Wonderful Life is quite possibly one of the most beloved films of all time. This Christmas staple is usually shown on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This film was always part of my life growing up as it is one of my dad’s favorite movies. If it is on television, you can be sure he’s watching it. He owns the DVD now, so he can watch It’s a Wonderful Life whenever he wants.
It’s a Wonderful Life was released in 1946 and was directed by Frank Capra. It actually flopped at the box-office at the time of its release, and only became popular when it was shown repeatedly on television in the 1970s. Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, savings and loan manager, struggles against the greedy banker and his own doubtful nature. It’s a Wonderful Life takes place in the small town of Bedford Falls. George Bailey endures many hardships, including possible financial ruin, and finally thinks that suicide is the best answer to all his and his family’s problems. Just as he is about to throw himself off the bridge into icy water, his guardian angel Clarence appears as in the water crying for help to be saved. They are both pulled out of the water by the tollhouse keeper.
It’s a Wonderful Life continues as George soon finds out that the man in the water, Clarence, is actually his guardian angel. Clarence reminds George of how much he has accomplished in life, but George doesn’t want to hear it. George claims that it would have been better if he’d never been born at all. Clarence grants his wish, and then proceeds to show him what it would be like if he never was born. Things would have been bleak and much different for those he loves, things are different in his town, in fact the town now has a different name. George finally realizes that it’s a wonderful life that he has and wants to return to his family, home and friends. He begs Clarence to help him return and asks God to let him live. In an instant everything is back the way it was before he saw Clarence in the water.
One of the most memorable parts of It’s a Wonderful Life is George running through streets of Bedford Falls on Christmas Eve, yelling “Merry Christmas” and exuberantly greeting everyone that he sees. The last scene of It’s a Wonderful Life is heartwarming and memorable. When George returns home he finds everyone that he knows there offering money to save his business. A tiny bell on the Christmas tree starts to ring and, George’s daughter ZuZu says the movie’s most famous line “Look Daddy. Teacher says, every time the bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” George realizes the significance of the bell ringing and congratulates Clarence on getting his wings. It’s a Wonderful Life ends with everyone singing Auld Lang Syne.
It’s a Wonderful Life is the ultimate holiday movie because it teaches us to have hope and to always look to and ultimately depend on God to help us in our darkest times. It’s a Wonderful Life teaches that we should be thankful for what we have and to not get wrapped up in all problems and frustrations we go through. Enjoy this film at Christmas or anytime during the year, and it is sure to uplift you.