"Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings, Love Clarence."
I can remember the mass commercialism of Christmas even when I was little. Shoppers elbowing each other to get through the mad frenzy in the mall. Children thinking they are sitting on Santa’s lap but really sitting on the lap of some loser named Norm who needs the money from the Santa gig to buy more booze. What really saddened me though is the fact that It’s A Wonderful Life would be played more than that annoying “This is a test from the emergency broadcast system.” Yes, you heard me right, I have gotten tired of director Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life. People usually think that the only people who would dislike this movie are Scrooge and the Grinch. Well I have never said “Bah Humbug” and although I have not had my heart checked in awhile I am positive it is not two sizes too small.
But let me tell you no, I do not hate the Holiday season. I love it with all of my heart. But I celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. It is about family, friends, love, forgiveness, and most of all the birth of Christ. It’s A Wonderful Life has a great message. If it had not become part of the thing about Christmas that I hate, commercialism, I would probably give it four or five stars. It has now gotten to the point where at Christmas time I would much rather watch Natalie Wood meet Santa, Sidney Poitier help a group of nuns, Chuck Jones’ Grinch, George C. Scott as Scrooge, or sometimes even Chevy Chase giving the Griswolds their best Christmas ever.
Why did this great film have to be ruined? I want to hide from any mention of it during the Holidays. If we look back to the time that the film was released, on December 20th, 1946 by Liberty Films, it was a total flop. The critical response was not completely warm either. This was really unfair since the film is a great classic. Destiny would make it become the most beloved Christmas movie of all time. Due to a vital error the film’s copyright ran out. When this occurred, in the 1970’s, television realized what a great film they had on their hands and showed it every Christmas. Then other stations got the same idea and the whole thing snowballed into a huge part of commercialism.
We all know the story and it is a powerful one. George Bailey (James Stewart) grows up dreaming of exploring the world but can never seem to get out of the small town of Bedford Falls, (does anyone notice the resemblance here with The Truman Show?). No matter how desperately our hero wants to leave, things keep holding him back, most importantly the evil Mr.Potter (Lionel Barrymore). Potter is constantly trying to destroy the Bailey Building and Loan Association, which was started years earlier by George’s father. George’s mission is to carry his father’s legacy.
Because of the actions of Potter, an $8000 loan is misplaced at Bailey Building and Loan Association on Christmas Eve. This pushes George over the edge. His numerous problems build up and not even his wife Mary (Donna Reed) can help.
In a moment of despair, we see George about to jump off a bridge. He believe suicide is his only option. Angels from heaven are watching him though and know they cannot let dear George Bailey end his life. An angel named Clarence Oddbody (Henry Travers) is sent down to stop him. If Clarence succeeds he will get his wings.
Clarence must convince George that he is needed in the world and that he means so much to many people. How will he do this? He will grant George’s wish that he was never born. George is in for a surprise as he runs through his town, now called Pottersville. No one knows who he is and his wife is now a lonely librarian.
Sounds like a great film right? But is it the ideal Christmas movie? Sure, the final ten minutes get us into the joy and meaning of Christmas but the rest of the film has nothing or little to do with the holiday at all. In fact, if you think about it, many parts of the film are pretty dark. The last time I checked suicide is never a joyful subject, especially around Christmas time. I can think of other films that relay the Christmas spirit more.
Also, when it is shown on television it seems to drag on forever before it gets where it wants to go. The two hour movie is always turned into a three hour event. Every fifteen minutes the film stops and commercials come on saying “KMart wishes you a Merry Christmas and reminds you that our deluxe chainsaws are 25% off from now until Christmas!” The only part of the film that I am not totally tired of is the last 10 minutes, as a joyous George is happy to have his life back and is running through the town wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. I do not watch three hours of something that I’ve seen so many times just to see those great 10 minutes.
It really angers me that the media would ruin a movie like this. It really does have a great story, direction, and performances. The very sad thing is that when the film started to be played more than the song Jingle Bells no royalties were going to Frank Capra. So not only did they ruin his masterpiece by showing it too many times but they were also screwing him over in the process. That is very Mr. Potter like isn’t it?
So I hope you understand why I am giving this film a bad rating. I cannot stand the things that go on during the holiday season anymore. It almost makes me sick. Why can’t we just celebrate this time of year without all of the nonsense and hassle? Why couldn’t It’s A Wonderful Life have been saved from this destruction?
There is that famous scene at the end when a bell rings and Zulu Bailey turns to her happy father George. She yells out, “Daddy, teacher says every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.” Well I wish that whenever this film comes on television my remote gets its wings. Then I would not have to scramble to find it to turn the channel.
Make this uplifting 1946 classic a holiday tradition in your home! Meet down-and-out businessman George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart); his tireless wife, Mar...More at Christianbook.com
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