It’s a Wonderful Life-1946
Director Frank Capra
Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed
Scott’s Review #863
Reviewed February 5, 2019
Grade: A-
A popular holiday tradition in many households eager to cozy up in front of the fire with an enduring and entertaining classic, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) serves an important purpose and is the ultimate annual festivity passed from generation to generation.
While not one of my standards I do recognize the influence and the endearment the film offers and cannot fault its power to bring people together with its humanistic and sweet message.
James Stewart is perfectly cast as the wholesome and likable George Bailey, who strives to help all those needing help in his small community while neglecting himself.
Depressed by the failure of his bank one Christmas Eve in the 1945 snowy locale of Bedford Falls, New York, George is visited by a guardian angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) who teaches him what life will be like if he chooses the dire path of ending his own life.
Along with Stewart, Donna Reed as the wife, Mary Hatch Bailey is cast exceptionally well and is the perfect counterpart to George.
Together the actors immerse themselves in their roles holding their heads high as the leaders of the sleepy little town they reside in and set an example for the other townspeople with their kindness and thoughtfulness.
A sound “king and queen of the prom” the duo radiate and illicit tears from audience members living their lives vicariously through the couple.
A perfect companion piece to A Christmas Carol, perhaps the version from 1951 for similar periods, both spirited and teaching life lessons, is recommended.
Both are thematically similar in the visitation by a heavenly spirit and offering glimpses into the past, present, and future, the comparisons are endless to say nothing of the Christmastime elements both possess.
Arguably, It’s a Wonderful Life is the most uplifting, both good and bad. The lesson constantly voiced is to be good to other people and one will then be rewarded or at least have peace of mind.
This is not a bad lesson, which is the main reason for the film’s lasting appeal. Bad luck and financial hardship will inevitably make their mark on everyone, but kindness is forever enduring.
The timing of the creation and release of It’s a Wonderful Life is also worth mentioning. As the United States, to say nothing of many European nations, struggled to pick up the pieces after the devastation of World War II, what an opportune time for the picture to immerse itself into the lives of many people in need of a strong and uplifting message.
No wonder the film was popular when first released as the feel-good film of 1946.
The black and white cinematography does wonders to portray the film’s magical atmosphere as the cold and snowy bridge scenes are the high point.
Controversial years later was the colorization, and some would say the ruination, a decision that was met with anger by star Stewart who went as far as testifying in court to voice his displeasure.
At the risk of being raked across the coals and deemed a “Scrooge”, portions of It’s a Wonderful Life are saccharin and manufactured in the utmost goodness-sometimes too good.
Admittedly coming across as a bit trite at times, the characters of George, Mary, and their children seem to glimmer and radiate with only benevolent characteristics never having an improper or impure action. In a fantasy film, the overly humanistic approach can sometimes be a tad silly.
The same can be said for the angel, Clarence.
Nonetheless, films such as It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) serve their purpose in the annals of cinema history.
With a powerful and heart-warming message, the positive vibes cannot be denied and the warmth and emotion the film possesses radiate even the coldest hearts and the harshest of critics willing to accept and be enraptured by the film’s staying power.
Oscar Nominations: Best Motion Picture, Best Director-Frank Capra, Best Actor-James Stewart, Best Sound Recording, Best Film Editing