Its a Wonderful Life Full Movie | Best Christmas…: youtu.be/cYyx8NW7es4 The Five Things I Learned from George Bailey “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” Those are the words of an Angel-Second Class named Clarence as he tries to distill for George Bailey one of life’s essential truths. Few movies resonate so powerfully after more than 60 years. But It’s a Wonderful Life is timeless, in large part due to its simplicity, and its universal gems of wisdom. For me, the essence of this story is conveyed early in George’s dark night of the soul, at the bedside of tiny daughter Zuzu Bailey, who is sick with a fever. She shows her father the flower she won at school. So treasured is this delicate specimen that Zuzu walks home that December day with her coat open to protect her flower from the wind. A few petals fall away. She asks her father to make the flower whole, which he cannot. He places the loose petals in his pocket. Later, when the angel Clarence gives George a glimpse of what might have been, the petals, and so much more than can be humanly reckoned, are gone. The story that follows is a parable about what matters and what doesn’t. Along the way, there are many lessons to be learned. And for that, George Bailey, we thank you. “Ask Dad, He Knows” There’s a strong theme of fatherhood throughout It’s a Wonderful Life that jumps into frame the first ten minutes of the film. Working his after-school job at Gower’s Pharmacy, young George is handed a rush delivery of diphtheria medicine. George discovers the grief-stricken and drunken Mr. Gower has mistakenly filled the capsules with poison. Distraught and confused, he sees an advertisement on the wall with the slogan “Ask Dad, He Knows.” In a sense, George spends his whole life chasing after the ghost of his father, at first struggling against following the same path, but later trying to divine what the elder Bailey would do in his shoes. Often, years and maturity are required to truly appreciate the wisdom of our fathers. My own dad, much like Peter Bailey, has never been one to push advice. But when asked, I have always found his words to be sound. As George confides to his father in what becomes their final conversation, “Pop, do you want a shock? I think you’re a great guy.” Sometimes Something Special is Right Under Your Nose Countless movies show us that point at which two people come to the realization that they care for one another. If there is one as genuine and sweet as the moment George Bailey and Mary Hatch come to such an understanding, I have not seen it. “Now you listen to me,” George insists as he fights the long-buried feelings that well up and overwhelm him. “I don’t want any ground floors. And I don’t want to get married ever to anyone! You understand that? I want to do what I want to do!” And they collapse into each other arms. Mary knows they belong together. Ever since that day in Gower’s Pharmacy when she whispers, in the bad ear of the 12-year-old George, her undying love. Maybe George knows as well, but that knowledge would be among the things he has suppressed, for good or ill, for dreams of a life less ordinary. Of course, seeing things hidden in plain sight is easier said than done. George is fortunate to have had Mary, the constant and bright moral center of the story, and maybe, the true hero of It’s a Wonderful Life. How to Give the Perfect Housewarming Toast There’s a lovely little scene that is rarely mentioned, but it touches me each time I see it. George and Mary help the Martinis move into their new home (including shuttling much of the Martini brood and the family goat in their car). Afterward, The Baileys offer three small gifts and and this simple toast: “Bread, that this house may never know hunger. Salt, that life may always have flavor. And wine, that joy and prosperity may reign forever.” It reflects a sentiment woven throughout the story, that things of true worth are not measured in dollars, but in the currency of friendship and family, and the good karma one puts out into the world. Maybe best expressed by the motto in Peter Bailey’s office: “All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.” The Calmest, Clearest Voice in the Room Usually Speaks the Truth The corollary is The Loudest, Most Urgent Voice in the Room is Often Wrong. During a panic-fueled run on the banks, George is confronted by a frightened and angry mob demanding all of their holdings in cash. The money’s not here, George tells the madding crowd. “Your money’s in Joe’s house…and in the Kennedy house, and Mrs. Macklin’s house, and a hundred others…We’ve got to stick together. We’ve got to have faith in each other.” It is also a crucial lesson about the corrosiveness of panic and those times when the smartest course is to do nothing. When I was teenager, I saved my paper route earnings to take flying lessons at the sod-covered, country airstrip near home. My instructor was a cantankerous and tantrum-prone retired Air Force major named Pete. He, like George, professed the first and most important thing to do when you’re lost: Stop. Think. No drastic moves. You’ll become more lost, maybe forever lost. Just as the Building and Loan shareholders surely would have been. I’ve found this bit of wisdom truly life-saving more than once, because sometimes the calm voice you need to hear is your own. Thanks, George (you, too, Major Pete). I Really Do Have a Wonderful Life (And So Do You) I know. That’s the whole point of the movie. But books and plays and films have been trying to tell us this for centuries. There’s a haunting moment in Thornton Wilder’s Our Town – the protagonist Emily Webb passes away in childbirth and joins spirits looking down on their loved ones going about the business of everyday life. Emily asks her mother, “Do any human beings realize life while they live it—every, every minute?” “No,” answers Mother. “The saints and poets, maybe they do, some.” It’s a Wonderful Life deserves credit for not solving every problem with the tinkling of a bell. When George emerges from the nightmare of Pottersville, there’s still a Mr. Potter, no doubt with further designs on the Building and Loan. George will continue to struggle on $45 a week, the old Granville house remains in disrepair, and The Baileys may never venture beyond Bedford Falls. But it is George that is different, as he becomes the change he wishes for the world. He does this by rediscovering the seemingly simple, commonplace things that are anything but. Like embracing an old friend, realizing that people do care. Or reaching into your pocket to find the petals of a rose a little girl tried to shelter from the cold. For that, George, we can never thank you enough. Share this PostTwitter Facebook Pinterest Email This Posted by Mark Spearman in Movies 249 comments Other Posts You Might Enjoy NEWER POST OLDER POST 249 Comments and 17 Replies 1 Chrystal On Tuesday, November 29 at 7:58 am Ok – now you’ve made me cry! I love this movie and weep every time I watch it. If we all stop and think about how many lives we’ve touched along the way, we would realize that we really would leave an “awful hole” if we weren’t around. 2 lauren in arkansas On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:06 am I watch this movie every so often to give myself a wake up call. It truly IS a wonderful life. 3 Cecilie On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:07 am This is one of the “richest” movies ever made–so many life-truths contained in it. Thanks for your post–it helped remind me why this is one of my all-time favorites. 4 Lucky W On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:07 am My absolute favorite Christmas movie! I watch it every year on Christmas eve. It’s also one of my top movies of any genre. Thank you for sharing. Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings. Ring Ring Ring. lisa@cluttercafe On Tuesday, November 29 at 2:48 pm Agreed. It makes me cry every year. It is a very special movie. It doesn’t get any better than a bowl of popcorn, snuggled up with my family on a cold December night. You can’t buy that at a store. Happy Holidays! 5 Wendy2 in WA On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:08 am One of my favorites Thank you! 6 Dawn B On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:08 am Wow, Mark! What a fantastic article – thanks so much for posting it. It’s a Wonderful Life has been my favorite movie from the first moments I saw it. Viewing this movie should be a requirement!! 7 Shelly On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:22 am Thank you for this beautifully written piece on one of my all-time favorite movies. I always knew I loved it and you’ve put into words exactly why. 8 Broken Barn Industries On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:31 am Every year I gotta be the voice crying in the wilderness when it comes to this movie. You know what’s sad about it? UNUSED BRAND NEW LUGGAGE. Run, George, run! MT On Wednesday, November 30 at 11:37 am Some years I love this film for all those reasons you articulated so beautifully, and some years it just makes me sad and angry at all those selfish people screwing up George’s life. Yeah, it all works out well. I GUESS. But geez. 9 Tara On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:39 am Great post. Great movie. It made me all weepy! 10 FarmGirlJo On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:41 am Yes. Exactly. Why we love George so. 11 Shawna On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:42 am What a great post!! I love that movie so much and my husband has never sat down and watched the whole thing…this year I’m going to make him do it! You just reminded me of all the reasons why I love it so much! 12 Melissa L On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:47 am Beautifully said! Love the message in this AMAZING movie!! Melissa L On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:48 am Sorry should have said messages ^^ 13 Pamela On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:48 am Oh, thank you for this wonderful post! I absolutely love this movie, and often find myself thinking about it or referring to it during the “off season”, because of the wisdom and grace of George and Mary. It never fails to restore my faith in humanity. 14 Michelle W. On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:51 am I have always HATED this movie, but you may have just made it stomach-able to me. lol It’s not the sentiment, I love that, its just something about Jimmy Stewart in this movie I guess, not exactly sure why…. I am more a Miracle on 34th St. girl. lol But thank you for the wonderful review & letting me see it thru your eyes!! angryparsnip On Wednesday, November 30 at 8:34 pm Gosh Michelle…. I feel the same way. I thought I was the only person in the world who doesn’t like this movie and never watch it. Like politics I have learned never say anything against this movie. It is Jimmy Stewart acting in this movie, it drives me up the wall because the story is indeed wonderful. I too liked your review and agree with your 5 things. cheers, parsnip Pamela On Thursday, December 1 at 8:02 pm I love this movie! I look past the Jimmy Stewartishness because I am married to his embodiment. 15 alicia On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:04 am and thank you for zuzu’s petals for bringing him back down to earth. best christmas film of all time. 16 Amanda D. On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:10 am Beautiful! 17 Louise E. On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:22 am This is one of my favourite movies. I watch it every year and it always lifts my spirit. 18 Malinda C On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:32 am THE best movie ever. I know it is more popular around Christmas but it’s messages are for every day of the year. Especially with today’s economy and lack of employment. I actually sat down and watched this movie a few years ago when I lost my job after 27 years. Thank you so much for this article. I need to get my copy out and watch it tonight. 19 Mary Kay On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:36 am Beautifully said! One of the best movies EVER. 20 Stephanie On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:38 am I will sadly admit that in my 37 years on this earth I have never sat down and watched this movie. I’ve seen clips here and there when it’s on TV at Christmastime or when film shows are talking about holiday movies, or just great movies, but Iv’e never taken the time to sit down and watch the whole thing. But, after reading your post, Ree, I’m going to make it a point to borrow my dad’s copy this weekend and sit down to watch. Thanks! 21 Amy A. On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:39 am This movie is my #1 fave movie of all time. I identify so much with George Bailey. And kudos to you for mentioning the Housewarming scene. It warms my heart too! 22 Ellen Hindle On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:39 am MY ALL TIME EVER FAVORITE MOVIE!!! When my husband doesn’t remind me of Massachusett’s version of Marlboro Man, he is George Bailey! My oldest daughter was coming home from college a year or so ago and when she walked into our house she said, “Well it’s good to be back at the old building and loan.” Love, Love, Love this movie! Jane On Tuesday, November 29 at 3:27 pm Ahhhhh, that made me tear up – how sweet! Mary On Friday, December 2 at 10:10 am That line just cracked me up! 23 Stephanie On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:40 am Sorry, Mark, I mistakenly typed Ree in my comment. I meant after your post. Fingers too fast this morning. 24 Robin in CO On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:43 am You beautifully caught the essence of this movie – this movie that makes me weep like no other, perhaps because it is filled with truth. When George is tearfully muttering a prayer at the bar…gah, can’t go on. 25 Christie McGetrick On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:46 am Thanks so much for this article – I love It’s a Wonderful Life and I use quotes all the time. For instance – when I have been short of money – I take out two dollars and say – here is momma dollar and poppa dollar… I just realized I have not watched the movie yet this year – so I better get busy. 26 Laura On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:47 am One of the best movies ever! I think I need to get it out and watch it again. It grounds me. 27 colleen from nc On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:51 am AHHH that was great. This is my all time favorite movie. Second only to The Wizard of Oz. My teenage girls watch this every Christmas with me and we just cry all the way through. love it. 28 Berit On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:53 am My very favorite movie! I give this movie out to friends at Christmas. Tell Ree this is one movie I could win a movie trivia quiz! 29 Lauralee On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:56 am I just love your depth of writing, no matter what the subject. Thanks again! 30 Donna On Tuesday, November 29 at 9:59 am My favorite movie ever, ever made! Truly the best! I have a sign that hangs over my living room windows that says “Bailey Brothers Building and Loan”! Thank you for this wonderful commentary! 31 Kristi On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:04 am Amen! Great takeaways from the GREATEST MOVIE every made! 32 Shirley On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:07 am I agree with Lauralee. You really know your stuff and your writing makes me want to sit down with you to talk about movies. George and Mary Baily have been my heroes since I was a young(er) woman. BEST MOVIE EVER MADE…PERIOD. 33 Mary Connealy On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:08 am I love this movie. Have you ever read The Five People You Meet in Heaven? It seemed like a lame effort to re-do It’s a Wonderful Life. I’ve always thought it should’ve been called “It’s a Mediocre Life” I never quite got it. But many, many others definitely did. 34 Patty Paulsen On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:09 am Wow, you have again touched my heart and made me teary-eyed. Thank you for a wonderful post. Now to find my copy of “It’s a Wonderful Life”. 35 Rachel C. On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:16 am What a great post! It made me tear up. I am forwarding it to my dad. It’s his all-time favorite movie and one of mine as well. Thanks for the reminder of the lessons learned from this film. 36 Natalie On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:20 am Mark, this post was so moving and inspirational. You have true talent. Thank you. What a great mindset to have going into the holiday season. 37 Diana in VA On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:20 am Best movie ever! I have always loved it and will always love it. 38 Karina Ray On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:20 am I absolutely ADORE “It’s a Wonderful Live”. I have watched it countless times and I will never get tired of it. Thank you for putting so eloquently why this movie is one of the greatest ever made. 39 Cindy On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:36 am This is my favorite movie at Christmas, but I have watched it at other times during the year as well. I simply adore everything about this movie and it brings me to tears every time. Your overview is the best I’ve ever read. You really hit on the main points that make it so moving. Just lovely, and such a gift. Thank you, Ree. *tear* 40 Penny On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:39 am it really is a wonderful life! 41 58Teresa On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:41 am Hear hear! – After coming thru Tropical storms Irene & Lee, these are some of the most important things aren’t they. 42 kendi On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:45 am Love everything about this post. 43 Christy On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:46 am My favorite holiday movie and you summed it up perfectly! Thank you so much. Merry Christmas!!! 44 Julie On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:49 am I just watched this yesterday while decorating my home for Christmas. I was teary through so many moments – the housewarming scene being one of them. Thank you for your depth of writing – the themes in this movie are timeless – one of those movies that was inspired and has made many a life better. Another scene that touches me every time is when young George goes back to the pharmacy and faces Mr. Gower. His maturity in that moment is so moving – to raise such boys is my goal in motherhood. 45 Katrina On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:50 am Yes. Exactly. To everything. 46 Bridget Erin On Tuesday, November 29 at 10:53 am It’s A Wonderful Life is a wonderful movie, not just a movie to watch at Christmas, but a movie about life. Everyone should definitely see this movie during their lives. It’s on this Sat. night on NBC! There are so many wonderful lessons to learn from this movie, and so many wonderful lines. “To my big brother George, the richest man in town.”
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 03:36:19 +0000
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