12/22/14 O&A Hollywood Monday: It’s A Wonderful Life

Hollywood Mondays

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It’s a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra. The movie is based on the short story The Greatest Gift, which Philip Van Doren Stern wrote in 1939 and published privately in 1945. It’s a Wonderful Life is now considered one of the most popular films in American cinema. The numerous television showings in the 1980s helped the film become traditional viewing during the Christmas season.

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In Bedford Falls, New York, on Christmas Eve, George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) is deeply troubled and suicidal. Prayers for his well-being from friends and family reach Heaven. Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers), Angel 2nd Class, is assigned to save George.

Clarence Angel Second Class

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On George brother Harry’s graduation night in 1928, George, now 21 and preparing to travel before attending college, a friend Marty Hatch asks George to dance with his sister Mary.

High School Dance Scene: George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) and Mary Hatch (Donna Reed) meet each other for the first time since childhood.

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On Harry’s graduation night in 1928, George, now 21 and preparing to travel before attending college. George’s Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell) tells George that his father has had a fatal stroke. George gives up his summer travel plans to stay in Bedford Falls and sort out the firm’s affairs, and a few months later, Mr. Henry F. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), a rapacious slumlord and a member of the Building and Loan Association board, tries to persuade the board of directors to dissolve the Building and Loan. George talks them into rejecting Potter’s proposal, but they agree on condition that George run the Building and Loan.

The famous speech from George Bailey  to Henry F. Potter and the loan board.

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George calls on Mary, who has recently returned home from college. After several arguments, they reveal their love for each other, and marry.

George Visits Mary

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George runs back to the bridge and begs to be allowed to live again. His prayer is answered, and he runs home joyously, but the authorities are there to arrest him. Mary, Uncle Billy, and a flood of townspeople arrive with more than enough donations to save George and the Building and Loan. Harry arrives to support his brother, and toasts George as “the richest man in town“.

Final Scene

 

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