FILM STUDENT WATCHES *IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE* FOR THE FIRST TIME! (IMDB TOP 250)

#itsawonderfullife #moviereaction #firsttimewatching
My name is Elie Moses and I am a 23 Year Old law and film student. I decided to watch the classical cult top 20 IMDB film It's A Wonderful Life (1946) for the first time! Here is my movie reaction! This film had me teary eyed and Is one of the greatest films of all time.
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[@eliemoses]

One of the greatest films ever...period. I correct myself from the video. I have actually now seen 4 films of James Stewart because I forgot to mention ROPE! which is on the channel, too. Stewart is now one of if not my favourite actor of all time. The feel good factor of this film is infectious!! Hood Classic 😂 God Bless and I hope you enjoy!

[@danielmccay9150]

Check out Rear Window if you haven’t seen it yet

[@eliemoses]

@@danielmccay9150 on the channel!

[@AdamNisbett]

I grew up watching a ton of Jimmy Stewart movies as he’s my mom’s favorite actor. Didn’t really get into his westerns much, but a lot of favorites among his others: You Can’t Take it With You Mr Smith Goes to Washington The Shop Around the Corner The Glenn Miller Story Shenandoah

[@Jonni1027]

Check out THE PHILADELPHIA STORY with James Stewart and Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. A real Classic film❤

[@Jonni1027]

I forgot to say that James Stewart won the Academy Award as Best Actor for his role in The Philadelphia Story along with the screenwriter winning Best Screenplay…it was nominated for a total of 6 Oscars.

[@laurabrewes1422]

Mary Bailey is a boss. She wanted George Bailey-boom, married him & had his babies. She wanted to live in the old Granville house, & she made that thing a home. I pity anyone who would dare to get in the way of what Mary Bailey wanted.

[@brentwebster6164]

Great job pointing out the fantastic acting between Stewart and Reed in the phone scene. The romantic tension is palpable, and you can see on their faces that they aren't listening to a word that Sam Wainright is saying. Stewart is particularly great as you can see him wrestling with his desire to get out and knowing that getting married will make it harder to do that, but wanting Mary all the same. It's soooo good! I would also point out the scene where Potter offers him the job. Jimmy Stewart's play of emotions as he shakes Potter's hand is tremendous.

[@Zale-vj439]

I first saw this movie when I was about 19 years old, and it's been my all-time favorite movie ever since. It captures so many aspects of the human experience: Greed, despair, sacrifice, setback, love, family, humor, prioritizing the important things in life, seeing that everyone can make a difference for having lived.. so many things it touches on. You can't get a better story about life and being human. All stories should leave you with a positive feeling, or at least give you something positive to learn from it. This film does all of this. The movie was over 40 years old when I first watched it in the late 80s (as a teenager) and now nearly another 40 years on, through most of my lifetime, and it's still so timeless - and always will be - for more generations to come. It's a gem!

[@patticriss2238]

For my whole life, when my Dad didn’t like or trust someone, he would wipe his hand after shaking it to let us know. Or wipe it like it was dirty during a conversation just as George did after shaking Potters hand. It’s funny how movies become a part of our lives in such funny ways. I enjoyed the time spent. Thank you. I had a good time.

[@botz77]

The cop and the taxi driver are named Bert and Ernie. The Sesame Street characters got there names from them.

[@okay5045]

This is a movie about self sacrifice and realization of what is truly important. Not chasing your dreams at any cost.

[@heatherrose5594]

I think you needed to hear the message of this movie. A life where all your dreams don’t come true isn’t an necessarily an unsuccessful life. Sometimes we need to stop keeping count of the things that haven’t worked out, and start counting every little thing we have to be grateful for. It’s a wonderful life!

[@jefferoni1984]

Beautifully put!

[@headrushindi]

Spot on heather...well said !

[@kevinstanton5998]

As a kid, this movie was good. As an adult who has had hard times , this film is great

[@timh8324]

Im there with you.

[@amariebloom]

So true

[@jlerrickson]

I really, really value the message of this film. So many films and shows encourage people to chase their dreams without addressing the reality that those dreams likely won't come true. This film manages to address that pain while also affirming the value of an individual life.

[@insanitypepper1740]

You should watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. It's another Jimmy Steward/Frank Capra masterpiece.

[@mckeldin1961]

This is the American version of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Told from the point of view of Bob Cratchit (George Bailey) instead of Scrooge (Potter). Here there is no need to redeem Scrooge, just a celebration of Cratchit and his community. It isn't better than Dickens' story (frankly, few things could be), but it IS its equal! Also few reactions could be better than yours was for this movie! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@robmccray6360]

For me, the greatest scene in the movie is when George meets his brother Harry at the train station and learns that not only does he have a sister-in-law, but that Harry has been offered a job. The 'silent' scene that focuses on Jimmy Stewart's face as he processes it, guts it out, then realizes he must accept it and even celebrate it is remarkable. Stewart's face acting is tremendous. You can really imagine the emotions his character is going through, dealing internally, with a lot of new information and in public. Hardly seems like acting at all. It just seems real to him.

[@cindyknudson2715]

So true.

[@scottsnyder2726]

I’ve seen a lot of Jimmy Stewart’s films and his ability to communicate humanness with his face may be unparalleled. All the great actors and actresses, to some degree, have that ability, his expressions say so much

[@johnnehrich9601]

Among the many wonderful things about this film, it is a great history lesson on the changes to American life from 1919 to '46, by the people who lived through them. In the beginning, we see Potter in a horse-drawn carriage, as autos for most people were just coming on the scene. The death of Mr. Gover's son from the Spanish flu. The Roaring Twenties, with everyone (and I mean everyone) dancing the Charleston (and a suggestion of bootleg alcohol). The Great Depression with bank runs, which caused continuing collapse of the economy as bank after bank failed, taking each time everyone's savings. The early development of suburbia (Bailey Park). World War II, where everyone got involved.

[@michaelstach5744]

Between this and Forrest Gump you get quite the history survey.

[@thunderstruck5484]

“Please God let me live again” really gets me every time, thanks for sharing your reaction and review

[@CindyNavarro]

I love how his prayer request was granted as soon George said, "Please God" instead of yelling, "Help me, Clarence."

[@meganlutz7150]

Wonderful reaction ! I love it when you watch classics. And you’re absolutely right that modern films don’t know how to do romance

[@NarnianRailway]

The history of the film mirrored George Bailey's life. The cast and crew loved working on the film but due to timing of its release it wasn't a box office success. Nominated for six academy awards, it only won for Technical Achievement with the falling snow. Despite how much the movie was loved and enjoyed it, the film critics were real Mr. Potters. Soon the film was just a fond memory slowly fading away with the passing years. Then somebody misplaced the paperwork or forgot to file the copyright renewal. It's as though an Angel Second Class arrived in 1974 to grant a wish and "It's A Wonderful Life" moved into the public domain. Soon cable television was taking off like Sam Wainwright's plastics industry. The film quickly became a staple of the Christmas holiday season and everybody fell in love again with George and Mary Bailey and all of Bedford Falls. "It's A Wonderful Life" is the richest movie in town. 🔔ding, ding🎶ding, ding🔔

[@cindyknudson2715]

Very true 🔔

[@diogenesagogo]

Bravo!

[@chadbennett7873]

I consider this the greatest film of all time. It was based on a short story called "The Greatest Gift" that Philip Van Doren sent to friends as a Christmas card. It was Jimmy Stewart's first film after returning from World War II, and he had great doubts about his career. Frank Capra is my all-time favorite director, and I have an autograph hanging on my wall as inspiration. There is so much great trivia about this film, but one of my favorites is that Ellen Corby (grandmother on the Waltons) is the lady who asks for $17.50. Capra directed her to ask for that amount and Jimmy Stewart did not know it was coming, so his reaction is ad libbed ... and it's perfect! Stewart and Capra also created "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" and it's another masterpiece. In fact, Capra did not know how to create anything else but masterpieces. It was fun enjoying this film with you.

[@DrVonChilla]

The most life-affirming movie EVER. A true American MASTERPIECE, and arguably the most-beloved film of all-time.

[@libertyresearch-iu4fy]

Another Jimmy Stewart movie you may appreciate is 'Harvey'. It is referenced in a couple of modern 'hit' movies, and it was Stewart's favourite role. Also, I don't think it has ever been reacted to on KZbin.

[@needlefingers58]

Great review. Everyone tears up at the end ( look at other reactions to this film) and I have been watching it for decades. Here in the USA it is shown on Christmas Eve in the original black and white. Stewart is such a great actor. I would suggest "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" and "Shenandoah". Saturday Night Live once did a skit about a lost ending to the film. Check it out.

[@candicelitrenta8890]

Jimmy Stewart was in the war before this came out and he suffered PTS . This was his first film in 5 years and he used his stress from the events of the battle in real life to channel his character, George. Brilliant acting

[@lynnesears6254]

You mentioned numerous times throughout the film that one needs to be selfish sometimes to fulfill ones own dreams. I hope you saw that this is NOT true. Who was the richest man in town? The guy who put others before himself. Good reaction. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@agedp8386]

Yes, it would probably have been easier for the reactor not to keep assuming this was a "fulfill your destiny" film if he was aware how highly the biblical and classical virtues of selflessness were valued by the generations spanning two world wars and a global depression. No studio audience in 1946 would have tolerated a man shirking off his responsibilities to "follow his dreams"--that lower standard only began to be prized a generation or two later.

[@DanYeLL2003]

Exactly ^^^^^

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

Congratulations on being the only reactors to this movie I have seen who noticed the butterfly collection. I think it was George's, which is why it ended up in George and Mary's house. The important thing though is the symbolism of the butterflies. The whole film is about wings. Clarence earns his wings by showing George that he already has them. By saving Harry, George makes it possible for his younger brother to earn his wings as a navy pilot and, through him, to save all those men on the transport. Mary's picture shows that George has already lassoed the moon. George's ambition was to build modern cities and he built Bailey Park. It seems to me that the message of the film is not about settling for less than your dreams but about recognizing your dreams when they come true in a way you do not expect.

[@Dej24601]

I can’t remember it now, but I recall seeing a similar or perhaps the same framed butterfly collection on a wall in another classic film. I had wondered if it was purchased to be a studio prop which represented a common hobby/interest for people at that time, and whatever happened to that item. It somewhat indicates a person who is interested in science as well as the natural world and artistic beauty as well.

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

It would be interesting to know what other films had such a decoration. The important thing is, what it meant in context. To state the obvious: every part of a film is part of the film. In the great films, even the most seemingly minor things are significant.@@Dej24601

[@cindyknudson2715]

So very true.

[@ammaleslie509]

OH MY GOD THAT IS EXCELLENT

[@rpg7287]

Not to mention the “Butterfly Effect.”

[@IsraelShekelberg]

About halfway through I realised how incredibly surprised you were setting yourself up to be at the actual message.

[@mattfinleylive]

It always struck me how notably 'natural' the acting was in this movie for the time, to the point of almost stepping on each other's lines, as we do in real life, remarkably natural. I can't think of a contemporary movie to it that compares.

[@NoLegalPlunder]

Frank Capra was an amazing director. He was always able to get natural acting out of his actors. Leo McCarey is another director from back then who was able to get the same out of his actors. In fact the movie Good Sam, that came out around the same time as this movie, is an excellent example. It's also an excellent Christmas-time movie. One of my favorites in fact.

[@handsomestik]

I don’t understand why they call Capra corny. He was just trying to make humanity and humility in his characters with just a little ham.

[@eliemoses]

was this film called corny?????

[@handsomestik]

@@eliemoses Frank Capra was known for his “corny” films. Mr. Deeds , Wonderful life.

[@jefferoni1984]

@@eliemoses It’s grown in stature over the years but when it was released it didn’t do very well and critics didn’t love it though it was nominated for lots of the top awards. The movie has grown over the years into the iconic story that it is from its popularity during the holidays. For me nothing really captures the spirit of the holiday quite like it. The scene of him running through town yelling Merry Christmas is one of the most iconic scenes in history and has been lampooned and paid tribute in so many things. Jimmy Stewart is one of the all time greats and his performance in this always brings me to tears. And the kid who plays young George was phenomenal. The tears start in that scene with Mr Gower. So well acted.

[@rah2287]

@handsomestik unfortunately but not surprisingly it was and is not unusual for snyone with high morals and good values like Capra or a film with an uplifting message to be panned and mocked by self-indulgent unprincipled people and institutions.

[@mattx449]

I always thought this was pretty dark…

[@BigGator5]

"You see, George, you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?" Merry Christmas! 🎅 🎄 Fun Fact: Ranked as the #1 Most Inspirational Movie of All Time by the American Film Institute in 2006. Capitalist Message Fact: This movie is also a stealth capitalist movie. It rejects the idea of centralized banking and a monopoly. Thumbs up if you agree to a Federal Reserve audit. Home Run Fact: For the scene that required Donna Reed to throw a rock through the window of the Granville house, director Frank Capra hired a marksman to shoot it out on cue. To everyone's amazement, Reed broke the window by herself. She had played baseball in high school and had a strong throwing arm. What Script Fact: As Uncle Billy drunkenly leaves the Bailey home, it sounds as if he stumbles into some trash cans on the sidewalk. In fact, a crew member dropped a large tray of props right after Thomas Mitchell (one of my favorite actors of the era) went off-screen. James Stewart began laughing and Mitchell quickly improvised the "I'm alright! I'm okay!" line. Director Frank Capra decided to use this take and gave the stagehand a $10 bonus. Location Location Fact: The set for Bedford Falls was constructed in two months and was one of the longest sets that had ever been made for an American movie. It covered four acres of RKO's Encino Ranch. It included 75 stores and buildings, a main street, a factory district and a large residential and slum area. Main Street was 300 yards long, three whole city blocks. The gym floor that opens in the middle to reveal the swimming pool underneath was filmed at Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, California, USA was real and is still in regular use. The same gymnasium moving floor was used in a similar school dance scene in Whatever It Takes (2000), fifty-four years later. The young man who opened the floor to the pool was Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer of the Our Gang/Little Rascals franchise in an uncredited cameo role.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Capra was accused of being a “socialist” and the attack on Potter as the ultimate Capitalist hardly makes this a “pro-Capitalist” film. Plus the regular folk all getting together to help George doesn’t speak to the dog eat dog world of unfettered capitalism, either. …but the other fun facts are great!

[@BigGator5]

Current Capitalist ideology rejects centralized banking, monopolies, and embraces home ownership. A Central Planned Economy is a terrible idea. Go with God and Be Safe from Evil. 😎 👍

[@cindyknudson2715]

👍

[@YouWillBeHappyOrElse]

@@johnmavroudis2054 We used to call what you describe "being a friend". I don't believe friendship has ever been a political value, let alone an anti-capitalist one. Or perhaps I'm just a relic of a dying culture, one in which we understand the difference between ordinary people doing good for one another, and faceless government agents deciding who deserves his own property.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

@@YouWillBeHappyOrElse perhaps I can help with your obvious myopia. Look at the original comment. If you do, you’ll notice the following ridiculous comment: “Capitalist Message Fact”… which is complete hogwash. This film is no “stealth capitalist movie”… in fact, it’s anything but… and you’d have to be some dim bulb political hack commentator to make such an absurd statement. So you see, your beef is obviously with THAT person and not me… unless you, too, are a dim bulb political hack. Good day.

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

Congratulations on being the only reactor to this film I have seen who noticed the butterfly collection. However, I do not believe it was his father's but George's, which is why it ended up in George and Mary's house. The important thing, though, is the symbolism of the butterflies. This whole movie is about wings. Clarence earns his wings by showing George that he has always had them. In saving Harry, George made it possible for his little brother to earn his wings as a naval pilot and, through him, to save every man on that transport. According to Mary, George wasn't going to lasso the moon. he already had. George wanted to build modern cities and made a good beginning at it with Bailey Park. The message of the film, in my opinion, is not about giving up on your dreams but about recognising them when they come true in a way you were not expecting.

[@SueProv]

Donna Reed as Mary was excellent and also Thomas Mitchell as Uncle Billy. But the acting thatt stood out beside Jimmy Stewart was Beulah Bondi who played his mother. She was a sweet mother but when she answered the door as the bitter suspicious woman in the life without George she was phenomenal.

[@joeconcepts5552]

As many have said, World War II really feeds a lot of this plot. You can imagine how some soldiers would come back from war and learn to appreciate the simple family/home life that they’ve been missing.

[@cherylhurst7093]

This is a timeless classic. I love the theme. Our dreams may not be realized, but the real dream is having people you care about and who care about you. The other big message is suicide is not the answer. Things can always turn around. God bless!

[@johnmavroudis2054]

When you think about how dark this film can be with crushed dreams, depression, desperation, and thoughts of suicide, it's a testament to the writers, director, and actors that it radiates goodness, empathy, courage, joy, and appreciation for what we have in this life. ALL of the performances are brilliant... but what a performance from Jimmy Stewart. I've seen this film dozens of times, and I've never been able to get through it without shedding a tear, and breaking out in a grin. A couple things to add: 1. The director of this film, Frank Capra is fantastic. Check out another film he made with Jimmy Stewart, "MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON." It's a fantastic film that they still show to politicians in Washington DC every year as sort of a teaching tool for ethics. GREAT performances, again. Another great film that Capra made was "IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT"... starring Clark Gable, and Claudette Colbert. 2. Another great Christmas film Jimmy Stewart starred in before this one, was "THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER." Again... a BRILLIANT film that has been remade a few times (including a Tom Hanks film called "You've Got Mail")... but the original starring Stewart is the BEST!! It's a hilarious, romantic masterpiece up there with "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE." You'll love it. Cheers!

[@candicelitrenta8890]

Of all of the Christmas movies out there, this one is my favorite because of its true heart and message that is displayed.

[@joeconcepts5552]

I think my favorite bit of acting here is one of the most subtle ones. After George hears about Harry being offered a job, you can see George change his serious expression and silently decide to stay home, and then push all that aside and put on a happy face. There are some movies even now that would feel the need to spell out everything George is thinking, instead of letting us observe it.

[@cindyknudson2715]

Very true

[@YouWillBeHappyOrElse]

Well, it does help that James Stewart was the sort of person who understood those feelings and choices. Many modern actors have only ever given up things they don't value. Those who cannot show, must tell.

[@venetianlucifer]

Bert the Cop "I gotta go home, see what the wife's doing." Finally, somebody got it. Nice reaction.

[@johnnehrich9601]

Everyone who is a fan of this movie knows it got little attention when first released, and somehow they neglected to renew the copyright. Later on, tv stations played this again and again, as it was in the public domain. (I think they got the rights back by copyrighting the music.)

[@themoviedealers]

It was also based on a previous short story that continued to be under copyright.

[@libertyresearch-iu4fy]

I think the main reason it did poorly at the box office is because it was too soon after WWII.

[@johnnehrich9601]

@@libertyresearch-iu4fy Maybe. But I vaguely remember it being on local tv stations in the NYC area at odd times. I must have seen it several times during the course of several years before it started to click and register with me as a great movie. And it wasn't like a sudden epiphany either but a gradual increase in appreciation. Obviously I'm not everyone but again, nobody was gushing over it when it first started appearing on late-night tv.

[@DR-mq1vn]

No matter how many times I watch this movie (and I've watched it over 100 times), I still cry!

[@eliemoses]

Its unbelievable

[@walterrutherford8321]

I even get choked up at these reaction videos of other people watching it for the first time.

[@Frances86.]

I was going to suggest this to u for a Christmas film!!!!!!! In my top 3 favourite films of all time - utterly perfect, amazing film. SO pleased u didn’t watch it in colour. Psychiatrists apparently use this film to help depressed/suicidal people x

[@jenparsons0129]

You didn't include it but when uncle billy goes off screen drunk and crashes into trashcans, that was actually a mistake. A stage hand dropped a box of props and made the noise and the actor improvised to cover it. The director liked it and kept the take. That is why Jimmy Stewart looks so surprised when the crashing sound happens. 😊

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

This was Frank Capra's first movie after World War II. It was his tribute to all the people who set their plans aside for the collective good during the war. Not just soldiers, but many people on the home front postponed their marriages, families, educations, and careers for the war effort. I'm not usually a fan of sentimental movies, but I make an exception for It's a Wonderful Life. Maybe it's because the story makes you really care about George by showing his whole life, and all the sacrifices he made. Lionel Barrymore, who played Mr. Potter, was Drew Barrymore's great uncle. There are many great actors in that family, going back to the days before film. The scene where they fell into the swimming pool was filmed at Beverly Hills High School. There really is a swimming pool under the gymnasium floor there. It's still in use today. In the scene where they threw rocks at the old house, Frank Capra offered to have someone throw a rock for Donna Reed (who played Mary). There was no need. She had played baseball in high school, and she had a good arm. She hit one of the windows with her first throw. It wasn't in the script for Jimmy Stewart to kiss the woman who asked for $17.50. He ad-libbed it on the spot. She wasn't expecting it, so her reaction was genuine. One interesting thing about this movie is that the audience is expected to know how a bank or savings and loan business works. They didn't have to explain what a bank run was, or what Potter was doing to try to destroy the Building and Loan by offering 50 cents on the dollar. The audience in 1946 had lived through the Great Depression, so they understood these things through experience.

[@zooks527]

Stewart's reaction to the request for $17.50 was genuine, as it wasn't in the script. Capra told Ellen Corby to only ask for $17.50 in an aside to see what Stewart would do, and he liked the kiss so much that he left it in.

[@zooks527]

This was Stewart's first film after returning from flying multiple bomber missions over Europe in the war. The scene in Martini's bar where he starts to break down was filmed on the first take, when Stewart was overcome by some of the memories of his experience. It was shot at a longer distance. Capra zoomed the shot in post-production to get the close-up, which is why it is grainier than the rest of the shot. Bailey Park was a graveyard before George started building houses there, as noted by Potter's rent collector pointing to Bailey Park and commenting it was where the old cemetery was located. "Every man on that transport died. Harry wasn't there to save them because YOU weren't there to save Harry!" is such a great line, encapsulating the theme of the movie into one exchange.

[@PrinceofArfon]

Few films are as uplifting in such a genuine way. It addresses the hard things in life head-on. Lots of films give wish-fulfillment, but not many deal with the reality that life rarely turns out just way you wanted. At some point we all have to face the passage of time, and things we hoped would happen haven’t happened, and might not ever. This feeling only increases as you get older. But this film not only acknowledges it, but shows that it’s okay, life can still be wonderful even when it wasn’t your dream. It makes you reconsider your priorities. George gave selflessly to others out of love, and that meant he didn’t get a lot of his dreams of education and travel and career. But he wasn’t as poor as he thought he was. And when you feel you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling with depression and whatever else attacks you with it, there is still hope. Especially for one who has so generously sacrificed for others. I watch this movie every year and always get teary-eyed!

[@danzthename]

I never jumped to watch a reaction so fast in my life. (also...Merry...Christmas?) 😉

[@eliemoses]

merry christmas ya filthy animal.....

[@danzthename]

well done@@eliemoses

[@johnnehrich9601]

Ditto.

[@johnfraley8544]

Being one of my favorite films, I have watched so many reactions to it, but yours was one of the best. You really got it even though you knew nothing about it. Great job and thank you so much!

[@eliemoses]

🫡🫡🫡

[@diogenesagogo]

To quote The Rolling Stones: You can't always get what you want You can't always get what you want You can't always get what you want But if you try sometimes, well, you might find You get what you need

[@davidschecter5247]

Easily one of the greatest films of all-time. And every time you watch it again, it gets better and you will cry longer. Perfection.

[@jerryhayes9497]

You deserve more subscribers 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@michaelt6218]

As a good friend of mine once said, "Life is what happens to while you're busy making other plans." Thank you, Elie -- it's a wonderful reaction!

[@DavidB-2268]

You were friends with John Lennon? That was a lyric he wrote in his song Beautiful Boy.

[@sassymessmess9110]

You knew John Lennon??

[@ammaleslie509]

@@DavidB-2268 although John Lennon has become associated with it, that expression existed decades before John put it in his song. I remember it from the early 60s.

[@rah2287]

Two things 1.) The crow shown in the Building and Loans Office was actually a Raven, a trained bird that appeared in almost every Director Frank Capra film and it is also the same "crow" that landed on the Scarecrow's shoulder in the Wizard of Oz. 2.) James Stewart (George Bailey) was a real war hero as he piloted B-24 Bombers over Germany and commanded entire bomber squadrons. He remained in the Air Force Reserves after the war attaining the rank of General. You can look it up.

[@zhubajie6940]

Lionel Barrymore, as Mr. Potter, of the great acting family including his grandniece Drew, was such a versatile actor and director despite his ever more crippling arthritis. Love him in Key Largo and Captains Courageous.

[@Steve-gx9ot]

❤😮 HEY. ELIE, who do you think has more sex spread = Clarence or Potter??❤😂😮

[@Steve-gx9ot]

That was sex appeal

[@CindyNavarro]

I have read (so I might be wrong 🙃) that Lionel Barrymore is the person who convinced Jimmy Stewart to do this movie.

[@judywelch1044]

I feel you are wrong about the message at the beginning. It's not about fulfilling you own dreams, its about appreciating what you have. I guess this is the difference between tnen and now and how we think.

[@vly9257]

I think he figured it out toward the end 😊

[@TheWendybird123]

Wow, young people need history lessons - the run on the bank was the crash of 1929, the start of the Great Depression. Maybe more apparent in 1946 when this movie came out. Elie, it was fun watching your ideas of where this film was going evolve. At about 47 minutes in on this reaction video, you realized it's about gratitude and recognizing to appreciate what you have. Being selfless vs. selfish has its ultimate rewards, maybe more than chasing dreams and making one's first million by age 30. We touch so many other lives - even the most insignificant act can have huge ripples. Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite actors, what a performance! A classic! I have seen this film dozens of times, and I laugh and cry happy tears by the end, every time! And love your infectious laugh, it's fun to watch along with you.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks, Elie! 🔔 This is a great and timeless tail. It always heartens me to see young reacters appreciating it. Frank Capra really knows how to direct.

[@ChicagoDB]

Henry Travers who played “Clarence” the Angel, also co-starred in the classic “The Bells of St. Mary’s”, one of the movies shown on the movie theater marquise as George is running home. 😀

[@user-dh5yi9hz7p]

I always tear up when I watch this film (which is every year) -- particularly when Harry toasts his brother "the richest man in town" because it underlines the thread throughout the film, that money isn't the most important thing in life

[@martiwalsh2069]

It was the beginning of the Great Depression, it started with a run on the banks in 1929. People lost their entire savings overnight.

[@lawrencespinnenweber177]

This is one of my favorite movies, and I enjoyed watching your reaction to it. You commented about tearing up at the end? Heck, I've seen this film so many times and I still not only tear up, but sometimes cry. (I show this movie to my theatre students, and I am often glad that the classroom lights are off because if not, the students would see tears running down my face. Would you mind some trivia? * Mr. Potter's throne-like wheelchair is a great addition to his character, but it was also practical. Actor Lionel Barrymore had terrible arthritis in his legs. (In Frank Capra's 1938 "You Can't Take It With You," Barrymore played Grandpa on crutches (and received shots of morphine every hour or so) to help with the pain. By 1946, a wheelchair was needed. * At this time, snow was often created using cornflakes painted white. However, cornflakes made noise when they fell and when they were stepped on, which required dialogue and sound effects to be redubbed. For this movie, instead of cornflakes, they forced fire extinguisher foam through fans. The fan blades cut up the foam into "flakes," and blew those flakes onto the set. It gave a very realistic depiction of a wet snow. * When George is on the bridge, he looks somewhat sweaty, which fits well with his mental stress. California was hit with a heat wave during the filming of these scenes. It was 96 degrees Fahrenheit, and James Stewart was sweating for real. *James Stewart appeared in some of my other favorite films, if you would like to react to them -- "You Can't Take It With You," (1938); "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington," (1939); & "Destry Rides Again," (1939). * The city of Seneca Falls, New York, is said to be the inspiration for Bedford Falls, New York, in the movie. Director Frank Capra visited Seneca Falls before filming began. Seneca Falls even has a canal bridge that looks very much like the bridge in IAWL. Every December, Seneca Falls holds an It's A Wonderful LIfe Weekend. I hope to attend one day. * If you like James Stewart as an actor, check out "You Can't Take It With You," (1938); "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," (1939); and "Destry Rides Again," ( 1939). I'm sorry to have bored you with all of this. I like your reaction videos. Keep it up. ~ Spin

[@wallyboy6666]

@lawrencespinnerwebber There is a Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, Pennsylvania. I've lived in Pennsylvania all of my life & have never been to it. So many times I've planned on going, but life happens. :) Jimmy Stewart's Dad owned a hardware store. When Jimmy earned his Acadamy Award, his Dad put that statue in his store window. I think that's such a sweet story. :) Loved your comment! Merry Christmas! :)

[@lynnecurrie7561]

To my big brother George, the richest man in town......gets me every time! if you don't get a little teary, you need to check your pulse! Great reaction!

[@eliemoses]

Much love thank you God Bless ❤️❤️

[@meggo329]

Im so happy your watching this movie. When your down know people are praying for you.

[@rayvanhorn1534]

Ran across your channel due to this magnificent film. Really enjoyed your commentary & insight from your perspective. The scene where George is in the bar in such desperation. The sincerity of his heart-wrenching prayer is one of the finest pieces of acting captured to film.

[@eliemoses]

💜💜💜

[@placebo5466]

This movie gets me through the holidays every year.

[@galandirofrivendell4740]

There are two movies that epitomize Christmas: A Christmas Carol (pick a version -- my favorite is the one starring Alastair Sim) and It's a Wonderful Life. Somehow, it just isn't Christmas without these two superlative movies. Merry Christmas to you, sir.

[@curtismartin2866]

The Muppet Christmas Carol actually contains the most Dickens of any "A Christmas Carol". It's also wonderful.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

George C Scott is my favorite Christmas Carol. And yes. Always this and always Christmas Carol.

[@curtismartin2866]

@@benjaminroe311ify I'm sticking with Michael Caine.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

My favorite is the Leslie Bricusse musical version of *Scrooge* (1970), starring Albert Finney.

[@galandirofrivendell4740]

@@oliverbrownlow5615 I'd have to say that's my second favorite version of the Dickens tale. Great songs and a wonderful performance by Albert Finney.

[@patprescott1818]

It not Christmas without it. Traditional to watch every Christmas ❤ when it came out it was panned as a "failure ". Boy were they wrong !!!! Enjoyed it very much !!!! Merry Christmas 💚❤💚❤

[@eliemoses]

Love that! Merry Christmas to you in advanced. God Bless.

[@johnmaynardable]

Frank Capra has directed a number of great films like It Happened One Night, Meet John Doe, Mr. Deeds Goes To Town, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington and You Can't Take It With You. Notice that the policeman is named Bert and the cab driver is named Ernie. That's where the Muppets got the names for Ernie and Bert.

[@johnmaynardable]

If you don't get a little emotional watching this movie then there is something wrong with you. I have watched it a hundred times and I still get teary-eyed. James Stewart is a great actor. his films with Hitchcock and Capra (This isn't his only Capra film.) and so many more. Anatomy of a Murder, Winchester 73, Bend of the River, The Naked Spur, The Philadelphia Story, Harvey just to name a few.

[@marcuspi999]

The moment Mary held up the $2K and said, "How much do you need?" was a huge moment. She was proclaiming I'm on board with your philosophy of helping others to the occasional detriment of ourselves.

[@YouWillBeHappyOrElse]

Why, it's almost like she chose him primarily BECAUSE he was a good man. Handsome, sure, but any man can be handsome, and handsome eventually goes away; good is a whole other thing, and far more important. I suspect a lot of heartbreak wouldn't happen, if people were as level-headed as she.

[@marciahuehn2365]

I loved the transformation of your viewpoint to go for your dreams change to appreciate what you do have in the present. That shows the power of the film😊❤.

[@waygonedaddy]

Loved hearing your observations on this classic film. Just one observation: At 40:39 you completely talked over what is possibly the best acting in the film when James Stewart is praying at the bar. Give that scene another look, I think you’ll appreciate it. Thanks again for the great reaction video.

[@eliemoses]

🫡💚💚

[@laurab68707]

A true classic. Funny, sad, feel good movie. I love it!

[@reichensperger1847]

Superlative commentary -- subtle, sensitive, well-spoken. What a pleasure to hear the thoughtful commentary. Bravo.

[@eliemoses]

THANK YOUU ❤️❤️

[@reichensperger1847]

@@eliemoses Nice to have this come in while I'm enjoying your commentary on "The Enemy Within" (a very different kind of show!)

[@eliemoses]

@@reichensperger1847 glad you enjoyed 🙂🙂🙂

[@Wizardjudge]

Selfless v Selfish

[@HenryCabotHenhouse3]

Since you like James Stewart, you might want to watch Harvey. Or for a film with one of the funniest closing lines, try Some Like it Hot (Jack Lemon, Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe).

[@zatornagirroc7175]

The amazing thing about this film was that, according to stories I have heard, it did not do very well at all on release in 1946. According to Wikipedia, it was a bit of a blight on Frank Capra's career. In 1974, though, the copyright lapsed, and it fell into the public domain, so TV stations during the Christmas season could air it without licensing or royalty fees, and that is how it got so popular. Really, I think it was ahead of it's time, and people couldn't get with the alternate reality, the treatment of religion, or maybe a host of other things back in '46.

[@katwithattitude5062]

That little tune wasn't only Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, but it's also Baa Baa Black Sheep and The Alphabet Song.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

Easier said than done sometimes leaving the work stuff at work... especially in a situation like George was facing that night.

[@ammaleslie509]

Fantastic reaction. Very detailed and sophisticated. You even pointed out some things i never noticed before and i have seen this movie dozens of times. Unfortunately you left out the best line in the movie: "To my big brother George: the richest man in town.". That's unforgivable.

[@StoptheInsanityofRegressivism]

All it's going to take is a brave film maker to shove off the vulgar, the crass, the pedantic, the base and the shallow, and to restore to films beautiful romance, morality, decency, goodness, all while keeping mystery and thrills. It's not necessary to show everything, to explain everything, and to stoop down to the gutter with explicit content. Beauty and art are missing in Hollywood. All it takes is someone to pioneer a restoration of elevated themes and restore art to filmmaking.

[@wpl8275]

It's easy to see the parallel of this story to A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is gifted with 3 ghosts. Past, present and future is shown to him to see the error of his ways and what will happen to him if he doesn't change. George is gifted by a guardian angel to see how things would be if he never existed. Scrooge wakes up on Christmas morning and becomes a new man. George realizes how much his life effected others and how much he would miss in his life. That allows him to change as well. Both men change with the help of otherworldly spirits. And the change occurs right at Christmas. A time when the world is at its darkest point right before the daylight begins to lengthen. They both learn something that effects how they behave and see the world.

[@wendyhowe2178]

This is my most favorite Christmas movie. I watch it every year on Christmas Eve. My family loves that we keep that tradition.

[@sallyatticum]

Lovely reaction. It is one of those timeless movies that resonates no matter what is going on in the world.

[@deetroitdario]

You should really check out "The Philadelphia Story" for another terrific (and comedic) performance from Jimmy Stewart. Awesome cast, and some great dialogue

[@Junejane4]

I've never seen this movie. I am not from America. I know that it's famous there. Hollywood classic.

[@margarethofstetter7137]

Are you sure you understood what this movie was all about?? Old- fashioned selflessness and service to others might be too far above the heads of young "chase your dreams no matter what" viewers.

[@Onotosho]

What i love most about this movie is that in george's darkest hour. The community without question came to help.

[@marcuspi999]

"Do you think Violet would have done all this?" Great quote by you! 🤘

[@LukeLovesRose]

Its A Wonderful Life is not only the greatest Christmas movie ever made, its the greatest Christian movie this side of The Passion. This movie shows us how wonderful a true Christian society can be. And then Its A Wonderful Life shows you the flipside, which we live in Pottersville.

[@skipjack23]

Don't want to sound patronizing but good for you for checking out these older films. They are classics for a reason right? Really, really enjoyed your reaction to this. Was going to recommend Vertigo but I see that one was covered and I will check out your reaction to it next. I hope you work your way through all Jimmy Stewarts performances, so many classics. To change tone slightly, I see that you are enjoying Attack on Titan as well as these classics. If you want my pick for one of the best if not THE best movie scripts of all time, with twists worthy of Isayama and others, I highly recommend Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. It'll probably send you on a noir binge and that's quite alright.

[@garyi.1360]

Have you seen Flight of the Phoenix? I think it's top 5 of Jimmy's best performances. It's a rescue story but the best kind where people have to save themselves.

[@looneygardener]

The lighting in this film is amazing. In my top 5.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Its the Greatest Movie of All Time.

[@jeffborowiak9398]

Without George, Mary would be an independent woman with a job.

[@joeconcepts5552]

That “old maid” bit is maybe the only dated, cringeworthy aspect of this movie.

[@vly9257]

Remember, being an independent woman with a job was a lot different in the early 20th century. Mary couldn't buy property, get credit, there weren't many educational opportunities open to her, and being old without a family to take care of you was not an easy life... Personally, I probably still would have chosen the single life, but it wasn't like it is today 🙂

[@gentlebenwest1704]

I read somewhere where Frank Capra said that was the only thing he wished he'd done differently. He realized that it didn't really fit her character, but no way to change it now. Doesn't really hurt the movie overall.

[@YouWillBeHappyOrElse]

Without George, Mary would have chosen a path that she didn't want, one that didn't make her happy. But of course, women are required to sacrifice our wishes and happiness so you "allies" can feel virtuous for "supporting" us in a path you've decided is best for us. I swear, there is no end to the emotional servicing and praise you men demand from women.

[@mcbeezee2120]

Thanks for kicking off the holidays, and you couldn't have started out with anything better than this beautiful classic.

[@MrKawika64]

Donna Reed was one of the most beautiful actresses. You need to watch "From Here to Eternity" next

[@Dej24601]

The crisis on their wedding day is most likely to refer to the Stock Market Crash in late October 1929, which started the Great Depression.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

Nope. A banner at Harry's graduation dance clearly states that it is 1928. Harry goes to school for four years (as does Mary), and it is only after he returns (in 1932) that George and Mary become engaged to be married. Therefore, what's probably being depicted on their wedding day is the Banking Crisis of March, 1933, which resulted in the formation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corperation (FDIC).

[@Dej24601]

@@oliverbrownlow5615 excellent info! Yes, I can see that now. And when Sam, Mary & George are on the phone, he mentions how most people in the town were out of work when the business went under. So, people were already suffering and knew the signs - as when the taxi driver said it looks like a run on the bank, so they had already experienced that. Great detective work! Thanks.

[@wallyboy6666]

​@@oliverbrownlow5615 Oh, wow! Thank you for that information. I guess I never made the connection with the year being 1928. Merry Christmas! :)

[@bethd2439]

Very good reaction but so many people (young people particularly) misunderstand and misinterpret so many things in this movie, not realizing that they are applying 21st century perspective, thinking and experiences to a movie made in the 1940’s and mostly set in the late 20’s and 30’s, nearly 100 years ago. For example so many people react to the Mary saying “mmm hmmm” to the question whether it is a boy or girl often by thinking she must mean twins. Most young people can’t conceive of a time when there was no ability to know the gender. Ultrasound was not used clinically until the 1950’s. So no one at the time of this film would have conceived of knowing the answer to that question. Rather she coyly plays on his words meaning that yes it is either a boy or girl. The second major skewed perception that influences slightly unrealistic reactions is rooted in it realizing the present day value of the amounts of money they are taking about in this movie and the impact of what has happened in the context of the business he is in and the situation related to the loss of the money. George Bailey didn’t just lose some of his family’s money thereby making his life a little harder, which understandably leads some to think he is overreacting to the loss of the $8000 and that it wasn’t that bad. This was not a minor frustration that he brought home from work. To the contrary, this would have been enormously devastating. At present day value, $8000 would be closer to the equivalent of nearly $150,000. Additionally, he didn’t just lose some of his personal money or savings. Rather that was a very large sum of money belonging to community members held in a highly regulated financial institution. To make it worse, the federal bank examiner (the government oversight program/position that grew significantly as part of the Federal Reserve system instituted after the Great Depression to prevent the failure of banks and financial institutions) was actually already on site to evaluate the books and financial soundness of the Building and Loan. George’s words to Uncle Billy about the likelihood of bankruptcy and prison were not idle, the sky is falling, irrational fears. Rather, the inability to account for that much money would have had catastrophic consequences. He wasn’t just a little stressed about maybe losing his own house. He was worried about scandal and going to prison and ruining, literally ruining his family. You add the layer of his concern for the other people in his community, you realize that the failure of the Building and Loan would likely lead to the failure of all the customers who lost their money in the B&L. His reaction and behavior when he comes home is the result of pure fear and desperation. His reaction would have also been colored by the fact that this came about fairly close on the heels of the Great Depression, which these characters would have just lived through, and which would have influenced his desperate reaction. While not in this reaction, I have also seen many people reacting to Mary being called an Old Maid and being single in the alternate reality of what it would have been if George had never been born with confusion, as if that wasn’t a bad thing. In those days and culture it absolutely would have been seen as significantly undesirable and a stigma socially. Additionally, one would have been considered an old maid and unlikely to have the prospect of marrying by their 30s and 40s. It wasn’t the end of the world but for these characters in this time and culture it was not a minor setback for the vision and expectation of life for a young pretty woman. I’m grateful that times have changed but you do have to view this movie in light of the culture and mindset of the day. Most reactions, including this reaction still get the essence of the lessons and beauty in this movie even with these slightly skewed perceptions and understanding, which speaks to the strength and universalness of the story generally. But the story can be made richer the more you understand of the details. I see more details every time I watch the movie, including this year realizing that Mary saw the interaction between Mr Gower and George when he hit George. So her understanding of him was deeper than it even appears at first. Also, I saw someone else point out the comment that Uncle Billy makes about having searched even in rooms that had been locked since his wife died, which reveals so much about his character and his interactions and reactions to things. There is just so much in this movie and plenty of layers to uncover as you watch it over again. I hope you enjoy the movie even more the next time you watch it and that some of these historical perspectives help to deepen the appreciation for the story.

[@YouWillBeHappyOrElse]

Regarding Mary, I think there is something inadequately understood: Sam Wainwright was cheating on her. No woman of Mary's integrity and moral fiber would have turned a blind eye to it; and to be alone would have been a far better fate than to be a household ornament for a man who ignores her needs. It's a choice some of us have had to make, even today. I'm fortunate to have a George Bailey in my life, but I know I was prepared to go it alone as I met Sam Wainwright after Sam Wainwright.

[@cjpreach]

My fave movie of all time.

[@MicahMann]

My favorite Christmas movie. Glad you enjoyed it so much.

[@eliemoses]

Loved it!!!!

[@cricketwireless91]

Sometimes you have to put yourself 1st because the takers will continue to take and leave you sitting without

[@YouWillBeHappyOrElse]

And sometimes, the takers will convince you to put yourself first because they would totally leave you sitting without and can't imagine why others wouldn't.

[@calvinsweet3400]

This is my favorite movie of all time. It still evokes so much emotion from me.

[@suesaul4727]

Sometimes, you have to adjust your dreams and appreciate where you are in life.

[@eliemoses]

Cook!!!!