Directed by Frank Capra
130 minutes
Floor 3 Pink Zone 791.4372 ITS
On polls of the best Christmas films of all time It’s a Wonderful Life always ranks towards the top, usually as number one. It may surprise you to then learn that the film has deep themes of depression and even suicide. I would question its ‘U’ rating because of the slightly darker themes, but it remains generally family-friendly and a beautifully powerful film that emphasises the difference one person can make to the world.
The narrative follows the life of George Bailey for (Bobby Anderson – young; James Stewart – Adult) in the sleepy town of Bedford Falls. The story has the unusual framing in that it is being shown to George’s guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), represented in heaven as stars. They watch as George grows and plans to travel the world, only to reluctantly stay in Bedford Falls to run his father’s business, a building and loan company that are so generous they struggle finically to remain open and to resist the monopoly of competitor Henry F. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). Here we see the goodness of George, putting everyone before himself, even abandoning his honeymoon and personal money to keep the company afloat to protecting the investments of the townspeople.
Although the film has is dark moments with George’s struggles, there is enough comedy to keep the film entertaining for all. Several childish moments cause me to laugh heartily, particularly a chaotic school-dance scene. The Bailey’s maid, Annie (Lillian Randolph), may veer uncomfortably close to the ‘Mammy’ stereotype at times but has some hilariously cheeky one-liners. Other moments in the film pull on the heart-strings, particularly Mary Hatch Bailey’s (Donna Reed) beautifully arranged substitute honeymoon. This balance of love, comedy, and hardship complement each other well to keep you engrossed in the narrative. Capra’s work is not just a good Christmas film, but a good narrative overall. In fact Christmas is a minor theme, though it is significant towards the films end.
There are moments in the film that show its age, such as some harsh cuts in the film and moments of strobing from the DVD. The presence of a raven in the office is never explained and is rather strange; supposedly it was the pet of Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell). But these are minor complaints, and It’s a Wonderful Life is a very unique Christmas film, presenting a rich narrative which is, as a whole, uplifting and heart-warming (have some tissues to hand). And have a very, merry Christmas!
Why It’s Significant?
It has been a staple of Christmas viewing for generations; a film you must watch at least once. Considered by Frank Capra to be his personal favourite work, from one of Hollywood’s most prestigious directors this is saying something.
If You Like This, You May Also Like From The Library:
Mr Smith goes to Washington, dir. by Frank Capra (Columbia Pictures, 1939) – Another work by Capra with James Stewart, a political comedy-drama that was nominated for eleven Academy Awards. (791.4372 MR)
The Muppet Christmas Carol, dir. by Brian Henson (Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, 1992) – A Twist on the classic narrative, sometimes a good Christmas film just needs to be a bit of fun. (Floor 1, Yellow Zone, R3 DIC)
Written by Phil Wintle
