If you’ve watched American movies or sitcoms, chances are you would have come across the mention of the film “It’s a Wonderful Life”, especially in Christmas-related scenes. Well, if you’ve always been curious about what this movie is all about, here’s some good news – it’s now available on Netflix.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” starts off on a rather morbid-sounding note: family man George Bailey (James Stewart) contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve after discovering US$8,000 has gone missing from the accounts of his family business.
You see, his Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell) inadvertently passed the money to the wealthy but unkind Mr Potter (Lionel Barrymore) who, for years, has been trying to close down the business for his own selfish reasons.
With the money unaccounted for, George faces bankruptcy or imprisonment – a prospect that comes after a lifetime of seeming disappointments despite his always having tried to do the right thing.
For instance, when he was 12, he saved his younger brother from drowning, only to end up deaf in one ear. He also yearned to leave his hometown of Bedford Falls to see the world but, to ensure his family business could run smoothly, gave up on a trip to Europe after his father died of a stroke.
After a drunken stupor, George decides to jump off the bridge and end his life – only to be saved by a certain Clarence Oddbody (Henry Travers), who, as it turns out, is an angel!
Upon discovering Clarence’s identity, George tells him he wishes he’d never been born. Clarence then decides to show him a world where he never existed… and it’s not as wonderful as George imagined it to be.
‘Something more cheerful’
“It’s a Wonderful Life” was adapted from a short story titled “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, an American writer and editor.
Produced and directed by Frank Capra, the film was released in 1946. Despite five Academy Award nominations, it did not do well at the box office because, according to some sources, people were in the mood for something more cheerful after World War II. Apparently, a story about a suicidal person didn’t quite fit the bill.
It was only in the 1970s that it became hugely popular, purportedly owing to a clerical error that led to a temporary lapse in its copyright. This allowed the film to be broadcasted in the public domain and, as television stations repeatedly aired it during the Christmas season, it grew to become a crowd favourite.
Indeed, popular festive-themed movies such as “Home Alone” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” have depicted characters watching “It’s a Wonderful Life”!
Why should you watch?
Although the movie is in black and white, the actors bring it to life. Stewart, in particular, shines in his role as the solid and dependable George, and he makes it easy for audiences to empathise with his character.
Other cast members such as “Oddbody” Travers, Mitchell, Barrymore, and Donna Reed as Mary Hatch, George’s wife, also deliver memorable performances that make this film a delight.
It is also interesting to get a glimpse into yesteryear. As the film covers George’s life from age 12, viewers are taken from the start of the 20th century all the way to the 1940s.
In addition to the charming outfits worn back then, one highlight is the scene where George and Mary perform an energetic Charleston, the dance craze that was popular during the roaring ’20s.
Overall, this is a simple story of an ordinary man with very relatable struggles – namely, should you give up your dreams for the sake of doing the right and responsible thing?
Make no mistake, though: simplicity is what makes “It’s a Wonderful Life” impactful, because it can resonate with many. Its heartwarming messages continue to stand the test of time, spanning across generations and borders:
• Not every closed door is a lost opportunity
George eventually learns that although his dreams of world travel never materialised, he has helped many people in his community by remaining at home.
• Look at the bigger picture
He subsequently realises he is lucky to be surrounded by family and friends who love him, which is something one cannot put a price tag on.
• There is always hope
For Malaysians who have been through another eventful and challenging year, this film is a timely reminder that small wonders in life still exist and, sometimes, one just needs to look a little closer.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is streaming on Netflix.