Top 10 Things You Didn't Know About It's A Wonderful Life
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Date: 2023-11-20
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Comments and reviews: 30
Julie
We call this and West Side Story as the movies that divided a nation and by nation we mean family because some of our family members love them and others hate them with a passion. I am on the love count. My mom, sister, and I watch it every year. On occasion, I have been known to watch it when it isn't Christmas. My favorite part. Hmm, I think I love the end where the town rallies to help George. You can see what good generous hearts everyone has.
I have often thought about writing a short fanfic that takes place in the later years to see what the Bailey's are up to. I plan for it to take place in the early 1960's as a 21 year old Zuzu Bailey (Now calling herself Susan) is a photojournalist about to join the Freedom Rides. Besides Zuzu become a photojournalist and living her father's dream about seeing the world and is so far unmarried, Tommy becomes an architect (filling George's other dream about building things) and gets engaged to Ana, a girl whose family are Holocaust survivors, Jamie becomes a teacher and stay at home mother and married the Bedford Elementary School principal and has three children, and Pete is the third generation to run the Building and Loan and marries a wealthy woman (perhaps a daughter of Sam Wainwright) and has one child. As for George and Mary, after they paid the $8, 000 they had so much left over that they finally got on their second honeymoon. When they returned, George was more invigorated to help the town (the post War Baby Boom also helped and made the B&L extremely wealthy by the time Pete took it over. George eventually retired but serves in an advisory capacity.
Update: I did. It's on A03 and is under my pen name, Auburn Red and is called Ginger Snaps. It's really short mostly just a where are they now piece as the Bailey family say goodbye to Zuzu at the train station before she goes on the Freedom Rides.
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We call this and West Side Story as the movies that divided a nation and by nation we mean family because some of our family members love them and others hate them with a passion. I am on the love count. My mom, sister, and I watch it every year. On occasion, I have been known to watch it when it isn't Christmas. My favorite part. Hmm, I think I love the end where the town rallies to help George. You can see what good generous hearts everyone has.
I have often thought about writing a short fanfic that takes place in the later years to see what the Bailey's are up to. I plan for it to take place in the early 1960's as a 21 year old Zuzu Bailey (Now calling herself Susan) is a photojournalist about to join the Freedom Rides. Besides Zuzu become a photojournalist and living her father's dream about seeing the world and is so far unmarried, Tommy becomes an architect (filling George's other dream about building things) and gets engaged to Ana, a girl whose family are Holocaust survivors, Jamie becomes a teacher and stay at home mother and married the Bedford Elementary School principal and has three children, and Pete is the third generation to run the Building and Loan and marries a wealthy woman (perhaps a daughter of Sam Wainwright) and has one child. As for George and Mary, after they paid the $8, 000 they had so much left over that they finally got on their second honeymoon. When they returned, George was more invigorated to help the town (the post War Baby Boom also helped and made the B&L extremely wealthy by the time Pete took it over. George eventually retired but serves in an advisory capacity.
Update: I did. It's on A03 and is under my pen name, Auburn Red and is called Ginger Snaps. It's really short mostly just a where are they now piece as the Bailey family say goodbye to Zuzu at the train station before she goes on the Freedom Rides.
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Jerry
Does anyone else notice the similarities between it's a wonderful life & A Christmas Carol? Such as the characters in both films are visited by divine characters on Christmas Eve, The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present & Future for Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol & George Bailey's Guardian Angel in It's A Wonderful Life and that Ebenezer Scrooge is the bad guy at the start of the story who becomes the hero at the end of the story and in It's A Wonderful Life the Bad Guy and the hero are 2 different characters, Mr. Potter is the bad guy & George Bailey is the hero. Also that in both stories the main characters are seeing how bad things are. Such as in A Christmas Carol Ebenezer Scrooge sees how bad things become if he does not change his attitude. And in It's A Wonderful Life George Bailey sees how bad things are in Bedford Falls in a visit to Bedford Falls in a world where he George Bailey was never born. It's A Wonderful Life is based on a story titled The Greatest Gift written by Philip Van Doren Stern in the early 1940s while A Christmas Carol was written by Charles Dickens in the 1840s. So is it possible that Philip Van Doren Stern is guilty of plagiarizing Charles Dickens? I would not be surprised if that's true.
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Does anyone else notice the similarities between it's a wonderful life & A Christmas Carol? Such as the characters in both films are visited by divine characters on Christmas Eve, The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present & Future for Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol & George Bailey's Guardian Angel in It's A Wonderful Life and that Ebenezer Scrooge is the bad guy at the start of the story who becomes the hero at the end of the story and in It's A Wonderful Life the Bad Guy and the hero are 2 different characters, Mr. Potter is the bad guy & George Bailey is the hero. Also that in both stories the main characters are seeing how bad things are. Such as in A Christmas Carol Ebenezer Scrooge sees how bad things become if he does not change his attitude. And in It's A Wonderful Life George Bailey sees how bad things are in Bedford Falls in a visit to Bedford Falls in a world where he George Bailey was never born. It's A Wonderful Life is based on a story titled The Greatest Gift written by Philip Van Doren Stern in the early 1940s while A Christmas Carol was written by Charles Dickens in the 1840s. So is it possible that Philip Van Doren Stern is guilty of plagiarizing Charles Dickens? I would not be surprised if that's true.
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jennifer
It doesnt even need to be Christmas time for me to watch it. I throw it on whenever Im feeling down. The whole time you feel sorry for George because of how much he sacrificed for everyone else, only to find out he was exactly where he needed to be all along.
I always start crying as soon as he comes back home, but I get goosebumps every time Harry says to my brother George, the richest man in town and one of my favorite quotes of all time comes from this movie remember, no man is a failure who has friends
Its hard to imagine this movie flopped when it came out. Everything about it is so beautiful, from the message to the acting.
My dad showed it to me and Ill show it to my kids and hopefully the tradition goes on for generations
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It doesnt even need to be Christmas time for me to watch it. I throw it on whenever Im feeling down. The whole time you feel sorry for George because of how much he sacrificed for everyone else, only to find out he was exactly where he needed to be all along.
I always start crying as soon as he comes back home, but I get goosebumps every time Harry says to my brother George, the richest man in town and one of my favorite quotes of all time comes from this movie remember, no man is a failure who has friends
Its hard to imagine this movie flopped when it came out. Everything about it is so beautiful, from the message to the acting.
My dad showed it to me and Ill show it to my kids and hopefully the tradition goes on for generations
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Melissa
If any of you were wondering about why Mr. Martini was nowhere to be found in the Pottersville universe I found the answer. I found out that there was a deleted scene where George found the grave of his friend Mr. Martini nearby where Harry was buried. Since George wasn't there to build houses where the cemetery is standing Mr. Martini and his family had to stay in the Pottersfield slums. One day a fire broke out killing the entire Martini family. I'm not sure why they omitted that detail from the final film. But I'm glad that I finally found what happened to Mr. Martini. Because I've always wondered why in Pottersville Nick owned the bar and Mr. Martini was nowhere to be found.
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If any of you were wondering about why Mr. Martini was nowhere to be found in the Pottersville universe I found the answer. I found out that there was a deleted scene where George found the grave of his friend Mr. Martini nearby where Harry was buried. Since George wasn't there to build houses where the cemetery is standing Mr. Martini and his family had to stay in the Pottersfield slums. One day a fire broke out killing the entire Martini family. I'm not sure why they omitted that detail from the final film. But I'm glad that I finally found what happened to Mr. Martini. Because I've always wondered why in Pottersville Nick owned the bar and Mr. Martini was nowhere to be found.
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Mykie
This movie is a tradition for me every year, whether Im watching it alone or with my family. Got to go and see it in theaters in 2016 for the 70th anniversary, and though Id seen it many times before then, that was my favorite time hands down. Im a big sucker for the ending, and I tear up every single time. My favorite scene is the pool scene, though. I realized that when I saw it at the theater. Love Carl Switzers cameo, and I love how even after they fall in, George Bailey just keeps on dancing. Kudos to Jimmy Stewart for being able to do that. Im sure one or two viewings of this are in store for me, this holiday. Love it.
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This movie is a tradition for me every year, whether Im watching it alone or with my family. Got to go and see it in theaters in 2016 for the 70th anniversary, and though Id seen it many times before then, that was my favorite time hands down. Im a big sucker for the ending, and I tear up every single time. My favorite scene is the pool scene, though. I realized that when I saw it at the theater. Love Carl Switzers cameo, and I love how even after they fall in, George Bailey just keeps on dancing. Kudos to Jimmy Stewart for being able to do that. Im sure one or two viewings of this are in store for me, this holiday. Love it.
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Rudy
I think the most brilliant scene, if not my most favorite, is when Georges mother (Beulah Bondi) doesnt recognize him in the version of the world without him. She is a completely changed woman - cold, bitter and hardened, without an ounce of compassion. The contrast to the sweet, affectionate wife and mother she was with George as her son is immediate and clear. This is what real acting is. There is nothing like your own mother not recognizing you. Its one of the greatest scenes Ive ever witnessed in a film from any time and really propels the final act of the story.
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I think the most brilliant scene, if not my most favorite, is when Georges mother (Beulah Bondi) doesnt recognize him in the version of the world without him. She is a completely changed woman - cold, bitter and hardened, without an ounce of compassion. The contrast to the sweet, affectionate wife and mother she was with George as her son is immediate and clear. This is what real acting is. There is nothing like your own mother not recognizing you. Its one of the greatest scenes Ive ever witnessed in a film from any time and really propels the final act of the story.
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PatrickRsGhost
When George calls Zuzu his little gingersnap, it was a reference to the Uneeda Biscuit Company's line of gingersnap cookies called Zuzus. Uneeda became National Biscuit Company, known today as Nabisco.
The loud noise when Uncle Billy stumbles off screen was caused by a young crew member accidentally dropping some film cans. The member was afraid he was going to be fired, but the actor that played Uncle Billy, Thomas Mitchell, quickly improvised the I'm alright! I'm all right! line to make the crew member feel better.
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When George calls Zuzu his little gingersnap, it was a reference to the Uneeda Biscuit Company's line of gingersnap cookies called Zuzus. Uneeda became National Biscuit Company, known today as Nabisco.
The loud noise when Uncle Billy stumbles off screen was caused by a young crew member accidentally dropping some film cans. The member was afraid he was going to be fired, but the actor that played Uncle Billy, Thomas Mitchell, quickly improvised the I'm alright! I'm all right! line to make the crew member feel better.
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Christian
Courtesy of Paramount Global's Paramount Pictures through Melange Pictures, LLC.
Note: The only RKO Pictures movie not to be distributed by Warner Bros. nor Turner, this actually distributed by Paramount Pictures under Melange Pictures, LLC (formerly Republic Pictures) since NTA or National Telefilm Associates reissued this movie until the COPYRIGHT expires and later renewed again due to its popularity since 80s and 90s when NBC sold TV rights. Restored recently through the Paramount Pictures Archives.
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Courtesy of Paramount Global's Paramount Pictures through Melange Pictures, LLC.
Note: The only RKO Pictures movie not to be distributed by Warner Bros. nor Turner, this actually distributed by Paramount Pictures under Melange Pictures, LLC (formerly Republic Pictures) since NTA or National Telefilm Associates reissued this movie until the COPYRIGHT expires and later renewed again due to its popularity since 80s and 90s when NBC sold TV rights. Restored recently through the Paramount Pictures Archives.
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purdeyblackcat
Surely this is a black and white classic movie? It looks all wrong in colour. One of the more interesting facts Ive read is that Cary Grant was going to play the lead role but due to delays he ended up doing The Bishops Wife instead and didnt want to do another similar Christmas movie. Also this was James Stewarts first role back after his war service and he was nervous about the telephone love scene as hed not done a love scene in years, yet his nervousness actually enhanced his performance.
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Surely this is a black and white classic movie? It looks all wrong in colour. One of the more interesting facts Ive read is that Cary Grant was going to play the lead role but due to delays he ended up doing The Bishops Wife instead and didnt want to do another similar Christmas movie. Also this was James Stewarts first role back after his war service and he was nervous about the telephone love scene as hed not done a love scene in years, yet his nervousness actually enhanced his performance.
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mlk27743
You forgot 2 important facts - 1. the writers got the dates of Harry's age WRONG. in the scene where George finds Harry's headstone the years are 1911-1919 & Clarence tells George that Harry Bailey died at the age of 9 now the dates don't add up - going by the date on the headstone Harry was only 8yrs old not 9 if he was 9 then the dates should have been 1910 -1919. 2. Potter never got his comeuppance in the movie - he stole the $8000 but was never really punished.
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You forgot 2 important facts - 1. the writers got the dates of Harry's age WRONG. in the scene where George finds Harry's headstone the years are 1911-1919 & Clarence tells George that Harry Bailey died at the age of 9 now the dates don't add up - going by the date on the headstone Harry was only 8yrs old not 9 if he was 9 then the dates should have been 1910 -1919. 2. Potter never got his comeuppance in the movie - he stole the $8000 but was never really punished.
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Andrew
In addition to the charges in the warrant that the the Sheriff had for George you can tack on abandonment of his 4 children upon his return to his home after his return to reality. When he came in the door his wife was not home and he obviously had been out for awhile. So who was watching the kids while he was out and his wife was out drumming up support for him? The Bank Examiner? The Sheriff? The Photographer? Just one of those little things I wondered about.
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In addition to the charges in the warrant that the the Sheriff had for George you can tack on abandonment of his 4 children upon his return to his home after his return to reality. When he came in the door his wife was not home and he obviously had been out for awhile. So who was watching the kids while he was out and his wife was out drumming up support for him? The Bank Examiner? The Sheriff? The Photographer? Just one of those little things I wondered about.
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Karen
I like the scene where he visits Harry's grave and Clarence says that George had such a wonderful life and wouldn't it be a shame to throw it all away? Of course the final scene really gets me when Harry says, To my big brother George, the richest man in town. I say if you can get through that moment without tears, maybe you need your heart examined. This film was also chosen the most inspirational film of all time by the American Film Institute.
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I like the scene where he visits Harry's grave and Clarence says that George had such a wonderful life and wouldn't it be a shame to throw it all away? Of course the final scene really gets me when Harry says, To my big brother George, the richest man in town. I say if you can get through that moment without tears, maybe you need your heart examined. This film was also chosen the most inspirational film of all time by the American Film Institute.
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Coolidge
By the way: In the original story, instead of becoming an old maid, Mary is wed to an abuser. But this was considered too dark (even in a film with suicide) and the producers changed it. So I do hate when people nitpick that part. Mary obviously loved being with George and her kids anyway. And if your lifelong soulmate suddenly didn't recognize you on the street, you would go ballistic just like George did. It is a properly nightmarish scene.
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By the way: In the original story, instead of becoming an old maid, Mary is wed to an abuser. But this was considered too dark (even in a film with suicide) and the producers changed it. So I do hate when people nitpick that part. Mary obviously loved being with George and her kids anyway. And if your lifelong soulmate suddenly didn't recognize you on the street, you would go ballistic just like George did. It is a properly nightmarish scene.
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hungrysoles
I know it would have been out of character if the $8, 000 that was given by Mr. Potter by accident was returned by him. but we are given no indication what happened to it. Was there an indication of what happened in an earlier script? Maybe in the last scene of the movie at the Bailey home, the money could have miraculously reappeared Maybe the question could be answered if there is a sequel made of it.
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I know it would have been out of character if the $8, 000 that was given by Mr. Potter by accident was returned by him. but we are given no indication what happened to it. Was there an indication of what happened in an earlier script? Maybe in the last scene of the movie at the Bailey home, the money could have miraculously reappeared Maybe the question could be answered if there is a sequel made of it.
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Chris
My favorite part is when he finally realizes his worth, leans against the railing on the bridge and says I want to live again. Please God. Let me live again. I just think its so powerful when it finally clicks how valuable a person he is and how much he mattered. As someone who suffers from depression, and has been in George's shoes, it's powerful to hear that we are greater than we could ever know.
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My favorite part is when he finally realizes his worth, leans against the railing on the bridge and says I want to live again. Please God. Let me live again. I just think its so powerful when it finally clicks how valuable a person he is and how much he mattered. As someone who suffers from depression, and has been in George's shoes, it's powerful to hear that we are greater than we could ever know.
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Shawn
i got a good deal on both versions of the movies in a little box set. So I went to Barnes & Noble and got it's wonderful life and only paid $35 for it.
Now one version is in black and white and the other version is in color, which was not a bad deal for both versions. I will say it's weird to see it in color, so use to watching it just in black and white.
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i got a good deal on both versions of the movies in a little box set. So I went to Barnes & Noble and got it's wonderful life and only paid $35 for it.
Now one version is in black and white and the other version is in color, which was not a bad deal for both versions. I will say it's weird to see it in color, so use to watching it just in black and white.
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Mr.
Rebeca your Amazing and thank you for Its a wonderful life: favorite seen is when Jimmy Stewart really learns to appreciate what he has and he wants to get his old life Back. We all can learn from this Movie especially now in the world we live in. The simple things and Family matter more than ever. Thank you Scott From Tennessee
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Rebeca your Amazing and thank you for Its a wonderful life: favorite seen is when Jimmy Stewart really learns to appreciate what he has and he wants to get his old life Back. We all can learn from this Movie especially now in the world we live in. The simple things and Family matter more than ever. Thank you Scott From Tennessee
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Francis
Takes good people to make a good Angelic film. .these holy beings have sanctified themselves from every human limitation, have become endowed with the attributes of the spiritual, and have been adorned with the noble traits of the blessed, they therefore have been designated as angels. Baha'i Faith
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Takes good people to make a good Angelic film. .these holy beings have sanctified themselves from every human limitation, have become endowed with the attributes of the spiritual, and have been adorned with the noble traits of the blessed, they therefore have been designated as angels. Baha'i Faith
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519DJW
This was very interesting--but I don't think Jimmy Stewart would have approved of the colorized portions that you showed, since he was dead-set against the colorization of movies that were originally shot in black-and-white--especially It''s a Wonderful Life!
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This was very interesting--but I don't think Jimmy Stewart would have approved of the colorized portions that you showed, since he was dead-set against the colorization of movies that were originally shot in black-and-white--especially It''s a Wonderful Life!
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Robert
What I love most about the movie, is that nothing in George Bailley's reality actually changes. It's only his attitude about his reality that changes. and it's just so powerful. No movie before or since has pulled this off so well. It's a timeless lesson.
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What I love most about the movie, is that nothing in George Bailley's reality actually changes. It's only his attitude about his reality that changes. and it's just so powerful. No movie before or since has pulled this off so well. It's a timeless lesson.
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Betelgeuse
I guess my favorite scene would have to be when Clarence says, You got your wish. You've never been born. And the door fly's open with a strong gust of wind. Clarence goes to close it and says, You don't have to make all that fuss about it.
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I guess my favorite scene would have to be when Clarence says, You got your wish. You've never been born. And the door fly's open with a strong gust of wind. Clarence goes to close it and says, You don't have to make all that fuss about it.
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Gregory
Two things no one seems to mention. Burt the cop firing his weapon on main st with no regards to people and when George arrives back home the kids are there alone with the bank guy, reporter, and spooky guy with the warrant. smh
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Two things no one seems to mention. Burt the cop firing his weapon on main st with no regards to people and when George arrives back home the kids are there alone with the bank guy, reporter, and spooky guy with the warrant. smh
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Raymond
There is a blooper in the movie, when Clarence tells George that Harry died at the age of 9. The tombstone says 1911-1919, which is only 8 years. George was 12 when he saved Harry, and George was 4 years older than Harry.
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There is a blooper in the movie, when Clarence tells George that Harry died at the age of 9. The tombstone says 1911-1919, which is only 8 years. George was 12 when he saved Harry, and George was 4 years older than Harry.
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Daniel
I observed the film clip is in colour, it was first shown in black and white, also know as the silver screen, so whoever it was who made it in colour, How do you know those were the exact colours when the film was made.
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I observed the film clip is in colour, it was first shown in black and white, also know as the silver screen, so whoever it was who made it in colour, How do you know those were the exact colours when the film was made.
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Caitlin
Why are you only showing the added color Version? B&W is the best!
There was actually three original scripts that Frank used to make what we see today. Not sure if this makes be a old film geek but I knew all 10!
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Why are you only showing the added color Version? B&W is the best!
There was actually three original scripts that Frank used to make what we see today. Not sure if this makes be a old film geek but I knew all 10!
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Hansel
I try to watch this movie every year. My favorite scene is where Donna Reed loses her bathrobe in the bush and Jimmy Stewart says This is an interesting situation. Just imagine how that could have played out.
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I try to watch this movie every year. My favorite scene is where Donna Reed loses her bathrobe in the bush and Jimmy Stewart says This is an interesting situation. Just imagine how that could have played out.
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Allen
We serve hard drinks in here for men who want to get drunk fast. And We dont need any characters around, to give the joint atmosphere, is that clear. Or do I have to slip you my left for a convincer?
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We serve hard drinks in here for men who want to get drunk fast. And We dont need any characters around, to give the joint atmosphere, is that clear. Or do I have to slip you my left for a convincer?
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ScarsWillFade08
Haha! My mouth's bleeding, Burt! My mouth's bleeding! Zuzu's petals. there they are! Burt! Whaddya know 'bout that!
Hey! Merry Christmaaass!
. Uh, well Merry Christmas.
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Haha! My mouth's bleeding, Burt! My mouth's bleeding! Zuzu's petals. there they are! Burt! Whaddya know 'bout that!
Hey! Merry Christmaaass!
. Uh, well Merry Christmas.
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David
After watching this at Christmas for 20 years, I just noticed Young George adds shredded coconut to young Mary's chocolate ice cream, even after she says I don't like coconuts.
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After watching this at Christmas for 20 years, I just noticed Young George adds shredded coconut to young Mary's chocolate ice cream, even after she says I don't like coconuts.
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Captain
It's interesting to note that Peter Bailey had a stroke after his son George told him that he didn't want to take over the Building and Loan. Did George cause the stroke?
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It's interesting to note that Peter Bailey had a stroke after his son George told him that he didn't want to take over the Building and Loan. Did George cause the stroke?
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