It's A Wonderful Life
The legendary James Stewart (HARVEY, VERTIGO) stars as George Bailey. George is a noble man who has spent much of his life on a crusade to stop shady local businessman Henry Potter (Lionel Barrymore - TREASURE ISLAND, DUEL IN THE SUN) from taking over the picturesque town of Bedford Falls. However, on a typically snow-covered Christmas Eve, George plays right into Potter's hands when his uncle manages to lose a considerable amount of their family business' money on the way to the bank. Ironically, Potter discovers the missing money and hides it, knowing that its disappearance will tarnish the Baileys' white-than-white reputation. Taking responsibility for the shortage and realising that he faces prison, George attempts to kill himself but in a bizarre twist of fate is visited by a guardian angel. In true Dickensian style, George's newfound friend gives him the opportunity to glimpse a world without him in it and the repercussions his absence has on his nearest and dearest.
Nominated for numerous Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director) and ranking at number 11 on the American Film Institute's list of 100 greatest movies, Director Frank Capra (MR. DEED'S GOES TO TOWN, LOST HORIZON) managed to create a poignant and feel-good film that has stood the test of time and is rightly considered to be the quintessential Christmas classic.
It's A Wonderful Life
(1946)
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Critic's review of It's A Wonderful Life
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'This story is the lousiest cheese...' Capra admitted to his star after making a rotten pitch. Stewart stuck by his...
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43219
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- Time Out
- 04 Nov 2008 at 00:13
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Most helpful member's review of It's A Wonderful Life
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I generally don't like old films. I've got nothing particularly against them, I just don't find them very interesting. I was vaugely disappointed, ...
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[Highly rated reviewer]
- Phil
- Midlands
- 07 Nov 2003 at 13:37
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Most recent members' reviews of It's A Wonderful Life
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I've seen GONE WITH THE WIND, WIZARD OF OZ and CASABLANCA on Blu-Ray (aswell as many times on DVD) - all of which I didn't think looked that great, or ...
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887615
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- a customer
- NE, England
- 29 Apr 2010 at 09:48
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Just one of the greatest films ever made. It is uplifting, superbly filmed and leaves you with a warm feeling
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885309
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- Vdubbman
- 60 reviews
- Andover, Hampshire uk
- 21 Apr 2010 at 13:04
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Had to turn film off after 45 minutes as couldn't get into it at all. Second attempt I fell asleep. Third and final attempt myself and partner fell asleep...
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