It's A Wonderful Life (1946) *First Time Watching Reaction!! | Tears and Cheers |

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Share your thoughts, subscribe and give the video a 👍🏻💚 Merry Christmas!! God bless!!

[@shawnpatrick1877]

Merry Christmas and God Bless to you two as well!

[@christophercombs3501]

A little trivia, the Sesame Street Muppets Bert & Ernie were named after the Policeman (Bert) and the Cab Driver (Ernie) from this movie.

[@mikesilva3868]

​@@shawnpatrick1877agreed donna reed from the Donna reed show is in this movie Donna reed show was a 50s siticom 😊

[@mikesilva3868]

Huge Donna reed show fan donna Reed show was a 50s sitcom donna reed starred in it❤

[@richardwhite3041]

Merry Christmas ladies!! 🎅 🎄

[@victorsixtythree]

An entire town of people joyfully and happily lining up to donate money to someone who has always been there for all of them - what could be more beautiful than that? I love this movie...

[@CYB3R2K]

And unfortunately it's a fantasy.

[@malkamusik]

Thanks Mr Potter. ​@@CYB3R2K

[@kroanosm617]

It always gets me when he says "They didn't even ask any questions, just George in trouble..."

[@jbfrompnw9685]

​@CYB3R2K not necessarily. The fact that people love this movie so much shows that humans have the capacity for that kind of generosity. Even nowadays.

[@derektramp3773]

​@@CYB3R2K spoken like a "warped frustrated old man"

[@charlier711]

"To my big brother George. The richest man in town." Gets me every time. RIP Mr. Stewart. In life you were George Baily.

[@Hiraghm]

Literal truth.

[@frankrossi6972]

As an Italian, it's not Christmastime until I hear Potter snarl about the "garlic-eaters."

[@coolaunt516]

Every reaction video I've watched has people crying at the end. No exception.

[@RebeccaODonnell-1941]

This movie came out in 1946. World War ll ended in the Fall of 1945 and so many people were shattered and hopeless still. Frank Capra, the director, grew up a street kid and it shows in all his films. Jimmy Stewart, who played George, had ptsd from being a veteran himself, and he drew on that to play George, especially in the scene where he hugs his little son and in the bar. For the rest of his life, veterans came up to Stewart and thanked him for this movie.

[@lsbill27]

George wasn't 'smooth' with Mary at her home because, to that point it, was the worst day of his life. He was traumatized to find out his dreams and plans had been dashed by Harry's marriage and job.

[@saratemp790]

It was also a statement on how we all have big dreams when we are young, but sometimes we sacrifice them for others.

[@gloriastone3211]

Such a beautiful movie! One of my absolute favourites. Surprisingly it wasn't a huge success when it came out in 1946 but today it is a true classic!

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Agreed!

[@GreenMile2Stepper]

Dont Worry Sis, after 40 years i always tear up at the same moment... him smiling at his bloody mouth gets me everytime 😢✌🏿🙏🏾

[@zenarcher9633]

It's often overlooked, but George had two angels in his life - Clarence & Mary. Don't forget it was Mary who offered to use their Honeymoon money to save the Building & Loan, and she was the one who went around town gathering help and money to save George at the end. And all the prayers heard at the start of the movie, that got Heaven's attention and Clarence sent down to help George, they were from all the people in the Town that Mary had been around to, telling them that George needed help. Add in her fixing up their home, looking after their children and her work during the War, and she was quite the woman. Also, I don't think her name being "Mary" was any coincidence.

[@td811]

Well, she was the one who made a wish to be with George and broke the window. Immediately after his dad is dead and from then on he is trapped indefinitely in Bedford Falls So …. It works out for him and many other. But still. That said I absolutely love this movie and watch it every year and have for a long time.

[@TheBTG88]

Mary was positively influenced by George as well. She urged him not to stop when the bank run happened. After she witnessed his impassioned speech in the Building and Loan office, she knows that using the honeymoon money is the right thing to do.

[@magnushelin007]

Very insightful, thank!

[@fabiencoze9829]

And she came back to Bedford Falls because she's got home sick ..... Of him .

[@HuntingViolets]

@@td811 I wrote a blog post about that once.

[@randyhein7324]

Always makes me cry too. It has for over 30 years. Loved your comments!

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

☺️💚

[@michaelbrennick]

There was a Bank Panic during Depression years 1930 to 1933. The "run" on the Building and Loan takes place probably in 1932, since Harry has graduated from college, after his high school graduation in 1928. Potter saved his bank from failure by calling in all his loans, causing the run on the B&L. Potter was able to secure his position enough so he was able to offer to buy outstanding shares of the B&L at half price, which would have put the B&L under his control. Mary's quick thinking to use their honeymoon money saved the B&L from Potter.

[@coolaunt516]

My mom explained to me that bank runs is why the government passed FDIC.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

@@coolaunt516 Thank you again Mr. Roosevelt.

[@tommyriam8320]

Human-beings' susceptibility to irrational behavior due the ofttimes emotion based nature of their decision-making _'is why the government passed FDIC'_ @@coolaunt516

[@dcasasola]

I watch this movie every year and it never fails to make me cry. George is so selfless throughout his life, He always puts others before him. Seeing how an entire town rallied to help him out when he didn't think he could count on anyone is so touching.

[@peterlenihan1613]

In case no one mentioned it, $20,000 in 1929 would be worth more than $347,000 in today's economy.

[@SueProv]

It wasn't 1929. It was probably 1934 or 5.

[@peterlenihan1613]

@SueProv I wasn't sure of the however, it was early in the depression. I used the following info: Bank runs on banks began immediately after the 1929 stock market crash. In 1930, a wave of bank failures in November marked the beginning of the Great Depression era's first banking crisis. ". However, your guess is as good as mine.

[@peterlenihan1613]

@SueProv in 1934 $20,000 would be worth $449,600+ and in 1935 it would be worth $442,900+ in today's money. There was deflation during the crash, which actually made money earned during the depression more valuable today.

[@spyswatter]

Also consider that he was only making about $45 per week (gross), which would have been about $2,340 per year. So, a $20,000 salary would’ve been almost 9 times his income at the Building & Loan

[@peterlenihan1613]

@@spyswatter he would have been in the top 5% in the economy in terms of salary.

[@AlbertusMagnus_44]

Don’t feel embarrassed at crying at this movie. I’m 67 and a guy and have seen a lot and it still makes me cry. This is what Hollywood used to make. This isn’t just a Christmas classic, it’s an all time classic. The layers of this movie are many and they run deep. This is Americana. This is who Americans are or at least can be. I’m glad you both enjoyed this so much! Merry Christmas!

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Merry Christmas!!

[@1Vmiboy]

“That actor….”?!?! lol Only one of the greatest Hollywood legends of all time, Jimmy Stewart 😉

[@jayharvey7043]

The guy talking to Mary at the dance, whom George interrupted, was Alfalfa from Our Gang.

[@coldflamebluedragon196]

Knowing that Jimmy Stewart was a WW2 Vet and this role helped him cope with his PTSD makes this film all the more special

[@LukeLovesRose]

Sad but Jimmy never had to go over there.

[@donparnell309]

@@LukeLovesRose Jimmy flew 20 combat missions in B-24s based in the UK.

[@abileneferguson]

Your ignorance is absolutely embarrassing. Jimmy Stuart did, indeed, fly numerous bomber missions - check out the fatality rate of the Eighth Air Force (Army Air Corps) during WWII - it was devastating. He later became a Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force (the successor to the Army Air Corps). You silly "arm chair soldiers" who know nothing of sacrifice of our veterans, hiding behind a keyboard, acting as if you have a clue.... Enough already!

[@abileneferguson]

@LukeLovesRose: Your ignorance is absolutely embarrassing. Jimmy Stuart did, indeed, fly numerous bomber missions - check out the fatality rate of the Eighth Air Force (Army Air Corps) during WWII - it was devastating. He later became a Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force (the successor to the Army Air Corps). You silly "arm chair soldiers" who know nothing of sacrifice of our veterans, hiding behind a keyboard, acting as if you have a clue.... Enough already

[@LukeLovesRose]

@@abileneferguson LMAO. Watch Europa: The Last Battle. We had no reason to be in that war

[@Kakki82]

That was so sweet, ladies. As a man , I also teared up the 1st time I saw the movie 10 years ago and I was a raging drunkie. Really helped me appreciate life more and cherish.

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thanks for sharing!! 💚

[@holyterror]

This is my ALL TIME favorite movie and has been so for 35+ years. Very special sharing it with you 2 lovely first time viewers. Precious

[@timroebuck3458]

No shame in crying. It shows you have a good heart and that's a beautiful thing.

[@TomCat777]

Jimmy Stewart was a bomber pilot during WWII and flew 24 missions. This was the first movie he did after the war and in the scene with him breaking down, he was really like that due to PTSD. He was in the reserves till 1968 when he retired from the Air Force reserves at a Brigadier General. He flew one last mission over Vietnam.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

If you watch closely, you'll notice that Stewart's closeups appear grainier than the rest of the scene. That's because they weren't originally shot as closeups. Capra was so impressed with Stewart's portrayal that he had those frames of the film "blown up" to focus on his face.

[@shygirl5280]

Thanks for the info on the closeups. I always wondered why in his closeups, Jimmy Stewart looked like Humphrey Bogart to me. I suppose Frank Capra blew it up so much it slightly distorted his face & made him resemble Bogie. 🤷‍♀️ This was a good reaction vid. I subscribed & urge everyone viewing to do the same. Merry Christmas Everyone!! Or Happy Holidays to those of you celebrating something other than Christmas

[@LukeLovesRose]

Even though America had no business in that war. We had no reason to fight Germany.

[@jackray333]

If you are talking about Vietnam. I agree. But we definitely need to fight Germany in ww2.

[@cboscari]

You mean despite the genocide? We didn't realize the extent, but we knew it was going on. WWII is probably the only time we used our military for a clearly good cause in the 20th century.

[@MsCatmando]

I grew up watching this movie every Christmas and I still continue to watch it every year

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Great movie!

[@SeanCosgrove1]

"To my big brother George. The richest man in town." That line gets me every time.

[@RenfrewPrume]

It’s always great to see people experience this classic movie for the first time. Yes, I rewatch it every year and usually tear up. I voted in the first American Film Institute poll of the greatest American movies (back in the late 70s IIRC), and I picked this as #2, after “The Best Years of Our Lives.” I still stand by those judgments. This film was "rediscovered” in the 1970s. It had been out of circulation for more than 20 years due to a copyright dispute. Director Frank Capra started his career as a gag writer for Hal Roach, which is why his movies often feature a unique blend of comedy and drama. Capra and Jimmy Stewart (George) both regarded this as their best movie, and both talked about it in appearances on the Johnny Carson Show. Stewart was a decorated war hero who had led a squadron in bombing runs over Germany. He was reluctant to do this film because he was suffering from PTSD and thought he could never act again. But his friend, Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter), encouraged him to do it, and he was captivated by the story. Barrymore, BTW, was the great uncle of Drew Barrymore.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Over these many years,, This movie has been credited to have actually saved several lives.

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

I’m sure! And if not that make people reflect on what really matters in life and how all our lives have meaning. 🙏🏻

[@happymethehappyone8300]

@ForceOfLightEntertainment Very true,, Fortunately,, Raising myself since I was 9 years old,, I learned those very important lessons very early in life,, As well as many,, many others.

[@Galahad-hk4bb]

I’m sure much more than several 😊

[@user-lj9pb9io8n]

Beautiful Reaction Thank You for Sharing it was wonderful 💖GOD Bless you all my Sisters & Brothers from other Mother's i ❤Love you all in 💖JESUS name i pray 🙏Amen. 😗💋😘💖😍😊🇺🇸🙏😇👍

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thank you!! God bless!

[@keithmartin4670]

Jimmy the raven played the crow in the Wizard of Oz and was featured in all the Capra films of this period. He could type, open letters and ride a motorcycle (in his size). Stewart called him “the smartest actor on set”. Consequently, Capra’s films have more pet crows and ravens in them that you usually see in real life.

[@russellfarina9099]

Great job ladies! You are the best!❤

[@philisett1888]

"We need more stories like that." Amen! What a wonderful reaction, and thank you both for your vulnerability. (The tears flow for me every time I watch.)

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thanks for watching!!

[@da90sReAlvloc]

​@@ForceOfLightEntertainment you ladies should react to British film the krays (1990) it's a true story

[@shawnpatrick1877]

4:51 I don't know if you all missed it, but Mr. Gower just got notice that his son died. That's why he was so drunk and mean. George knew it and was unusually understanding of Mr. Gower's abusive behavior in the moment.

[@johnnehrich9601]

Yes, in the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which actually hit young healthy people more than the usual victims. And people could get it and within hours in some cases, drop dead. This was during the first world war. While it ravaged all countries, all the enemy combatants hushed the effects within their own borders to keep up moral. Spain at the time was neutral and so the uncensored news from there made it look like it was affecting Spain disproportionally - it wasn't - so hence the label.

[@leogothisoscar271]

The kid playing young George KILLED it in that scene

[@johncurtis7186]

@@leogothisoscar271: Was hit so hard by the actor playing Gower, I read recently, that his ear bled for real.

[@jethro1963]

@@leogothisoscar271 He killed it in every scene

[@kellytrimble7019]

I’ve watched this movie almost every Christmas for around 30 years & it makes me cry every time! Happy tears of love 💕 you never know the difference you might have made to someone, we all matter.

[@hobbievk5119]

Another great message from this film is to not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. People will often surprise you when given a chance to be kind. Happy holidays!

[@gggkoking8843]

One of the two guys that were being pains at the dance by opening the floor so that George & Mary would fall in the swimming pool, was Carl " Alfalfa' Switzer. He played Alfalfa' in The Little Rascals.

[@CJ87317]

Not just the best Christmas movie, one of my all time favorites period. I've probably watched it more than any other film ever -- it used to come on round the clock on TV when I was a kid. I always enjoyed it, and it was a favorite to watch with my family, but once I became an adult it really hit in different way. Just a magical movie. I cry every time. Nobody did it better than Frank Capra.

[@RabbiSteve]

I second all those emotions.

[@GreenMile2Stepper]

Absolutely Greatest Movie 🎬 I know I'm over 100 times watching 🧙🏿‍♂️

[@BrutallyGoofyBuddha420]

Exactly 💯! Watching it as a child is enjoyable, especially with family or friends. Watching it as an adult the emotional impact of George realizing how much he had to be thankful for, even in the most trying of times, and how much his life meant to others, hits you like a hammer...😊

[@ThomasGlynnJr]

Have watched this annually for decades - and cry every single time! I raised my young daughters on this and White Christmas - we'd all watch both as we decorated the tree. They are grown & on their own now and watch this every Christmas day! 😊

[@clurkroberts2650]

This is not a typical Christmas Hallmark movie. It’s a complex story, with amazing actors and wonderful direction. It’s a movie that effects you so deeply. The ending is perfect.

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Totally agree!

[@solarfed1]

It’s a strange coincidence, but every time I watch this movie something seems to get in my eyes toward the end.

[@thunderstruck5484]

“Please God let me live again” always gets me even watching your wonderful reaction, thanks again

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thanks for watching!

[@GreenMile2Stepper]

My All-Time Favorite Movie 🏆

[@IdealUser]

It's one of the very few movies that makes me cry every single time. I may be far from the wealthiest person I know but sure feel like I'm the richest person in town.

[@natalieRGrace]

❤❤❤

[@mav2knight]

This is without a doubt the best Xmas movie made. I know generations younger than mine may disagree but the story is timeless. I'm 66 years old and have seem this every year without fail. First with my mom and dad and later with my children. To this day, I still cry at the end because after all, "George Bailey is and always has been the richest man in town".. in so many ways..

[@Cadinho93]

"No man or woman is a failure who has friends." It's a Wonderful Life is my all time favorite Christmas film. It's the best feel-good movie that everyone needs to watch because it shows how everyone is important. No one is bigger than anyone else. We all matter because we as individuals can make a difference, no matter the situation that comes towards us. Also, Fun Fact: James Stewart was nervous about the phone kiss scene because it was his first onscreen kiss since his return to Hollywood after the war. Under director Frank Capra's watchful eye, James Stewart filmed the scene in only one unrehearsed take and it worked so well that part of the embrace was cut because it was too passionate to pass the censors.

[@zedwpd]

man as in mankind not gender. 2023 eyes fail again. Just watched a Willy Wonka reaction who thought the candyman was grooming children because he gave them a free sweet.

[@jakerazmataz852]

Just like Neil Armstrong said. Man, is short for "mankind". Which unlike BLM, includes everyone, men and women.

[@tommyriam8320]

take it easy with DEI/ "woke" madness ..we all get it

[@machineoutlivestheman1192]

I’ve always said I don’t want to be friends with anyone who doesn’t cry at least a little bit at the end of this movie.

[@mcbeezee2120]

💯

[@closertotheheart]

I avoided this movie until I was 19 for whatever reason but when I finally got around to it, I was blown away by the really heavy scenes. I wasn't expecting that from a Christmas classic. Cried three times watching it including the end when they turned into tears of joy. Now not only has it become maybe my favorite movie, but it still makes me cry every time and in fact, the themes of sacrificing your dreams and feeling like you've gone nowhere in life (not to mention the socioeconomic stuff) just resonates more with every passing year. The only movie I'd say has had a direct impact on my outlook and one I think everyone should watch.

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Agreed! We need more of this in todays culture!

[@nealrepetti2396]

This movie started out as a very short story in a x mas card. Then they mad the movie on a shoe string buget . They released it and it didn't do very well. So , they shelved it . Then , in the 70s they needed a movie to fill in empty space for T. V. and that's when it became a classic.!

[@justinhowell8873]

I’m a nearly 50 year old man and this film still makes me cry!

[@geoffmower8729]

I love how the director used the snow to indicate when he no longer existed by stopping the snow and at the end when he prays to come back the snow starts again.

[@fabiencoze9829]

George always wanted to do something big and important ... And he surely did .

[@williamcochrane6255]

I am 74 and first saw this movie in my early teens and I watch it every year since. Liked your reaction

[@Audra1964]

I’ve seen it at least 40 times (I’m old) and it still makes me cry. It is a needed reminder. To see George go from being ambitious and adventurous when he was young to getting bogged down and discouraged and burnt out and feeling hopeless is so relatable to so many. And then something happens to change your perspective and open your eyes to the beauty of friends and family who love and appreciate you. That’s where the happy tears come from!

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Amen!

[@therealstephentv]

I love that y'all loved this movie. I watch this movie every Thanksgiving. It was always a tradition grewing to introduce the Christmas session. Which Christmas is my most favorite time of the year. Besides all the gift giving, music, decorations, and just general merriment. Celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God bless you ladies. And five hoots to you two.🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Amen!

[@p.mc.4449]

This is what I love most about older movies. No cell phones or internet, then. Different way to view the world.

[@lobo667-z1e]

Holy tear jerker. Classic message really touches your heart ❤

[@RichardM1366]

This was my mother's favorite movie. She would cry when the bell would ring. She passed away in 2011. I watch the movie and it gets me every time as well.

[@frankp9324]

This was one of the funniest reactions I’ve ever seen. Watching you two trying to summarize the movie while crying. Welcome to the crying club

[@markc.7984]

As a lifelong film guy, this movie is my favorite film of all time. 80 years later and it's still touching hearts. I love seeing people watch it for the first time - nowadays people might say it seems corny or cheesy with the angel and all that - and I just think all right, let's wait and see how you do by the end. ;) If you guys didn't cry I'd be very surprised, so I'm glad to see it got you too. There are many details too to pick up on with subsequent re-watches, it is something I watch every year at this time. Thanks for choosing to watch it and share that with us.

[@johnchrysostomon6284]

I have tremendous respect for Jimmy Stewart. He was a big star before WWII but still joined up to fight in combat, becoming a bomber pilot. There is of course a great many stars who fought in WWII but they became famous AFTER the war. He could have just gone around on fund-raising programs or made training films like Ronald Regan, or stayed out of the service completely like John Wayne did. He is a truly brave American. Another star who joined up in active service was Henry Fonda.

[@williamsprong8947]

Merry Christmas ladies. I’m very happy that you discovered this movie. I first saw it as a young teen and instantly fell in love with it. It’s so powerful and captivating with a great message.

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Merry Christmas!!

[@doberski6855]

"That was a great movie!", while Michelle and Natalie are crying. 😭 Okay best react I have seen from you two period. Love this film and as you said, a great movie, well written and with brilliant performances which is why it stands the test of time as a Christmas classic. Nice that you joined the It's a Wonderful Life and be crying by the end of it fan club. Always happy to welcome new members! I always manage to make time to watch it in the countdown to Christmas. Along with whatever versions of A Christmas Carol I can find.

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thank you!! Agreed!

[@garytom1935]

Awesome show, we watched it during Christmas every year cool 🎥🎭🎞️

[@rickpat-x9u]

I HAVE NEVER cried while watching this movie...... *WATCHING YOU GIRLS CRY MADE ME START TEARING UP!!!!*

[@gsaugust]

Yep, a great movie thank you two!

[@marcuspi999]

The $20,000 offer was made in 1934, the year after they were married and five years after Harry and Mary returned from college, but on the same day Mary announced she was pregnant for the first time. $20K in 1934 is equal to $458,285 in 2023.

[@randall-king]

You ladies have beautiful souls. May the Lord bless you always!

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thank you so much! You too!

[@NarnianRailway]

Every Christmas season we're reminded, "It's A Wonderful Life," the richest movie in town. The film's history parallel's George Bailey's life. When produced in 1946, the cast and crew enjoyed and spoke highly of the film and story. Unfortunately, it missed out on most awards nor a box office success. Over the years, many stars enjoyed continued successes while the movie became a distant memory. As cable television became common and popular in the 70s, the film's copyright was allowed to lapse placing it in the public domain. Like an angel second class came down to reveal what Christmas season would be like without this film. The film would play continually on the fledgling cable networks each Christmas season. Soon people would gather together and make "It's A Wonderful Life" a staple of the Christmas season. As the years passed, more and more people fell in love with the film. 🔔🔔As we celebrate watching the film each Christmas we can say, "It's A Wonderful Life," the richest movie in town.🔔🔔 Potter's salary offer of $20,000 in the mid 30s would be about $450,000 today.

[@mstock1279]

Timeless Christmas movie! We need more films with a positive message like this. Glad you all enjoyed it!

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thank you!!

[@billolsen4360]

All the child actors in this do a real delightful job. 7:40 That basketball court/hideaway swimming pool is still there! 13:16 Crows are smart and like humans, so they can make great pets and ducks too. 🦆 16:11 You can't make those delicious Italian cheeses like Romano and Parmesan without goat milk. 26:48 Angels can't drink on the job?

[@stargazer1682]

4:41 so many reactors have that response, which is a little disappointing. I feel like it used to be more common knowledge that it's possible for someone like Mr. Gower to test a substance like that and be able to identify what it was, or wasn't, based on a small taste. We're not talking about him downing a spoonful of rat poison, probably just a couple of grains from the capsule touching the tip of his tongue; which is enough to register certain qualities of a substance,while that the minute amount is _typically_ not enough to actually harm them - *_but_* it would still be best for that to only be done by someone who knew what they were doing, how much was too much and how to interpret what they were tasting correctly. However, this was not an uncommon practice, and I wouldn't be surprised if there's still a fair amount of people in the world who still do that or could. _I_ wouldn't be able to do it, but someone in Mr. Gower's field, at that time at least, absolutely would.

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Not sure why it’s disappointing when 2 people don’t know about poison. Merry Christmas!

[@stargazer1682]

@@ForceOfLightEntertainment it's not just two people, it's been a fairly common response to that scene for most reactors.

[@randybass8842]

My go-to Christmas movie every year. I've even watched it in the summer when I needed that lift. After watching it over 40 times, I still tear up every time. Another good movie by the same director/producer, Frank Capra, and also starring James Stewart and Lionel Barrymore, is "You Can't Take it With You."

[@MustardSeedish]

It's a tradition in our home to have appetizers and watch this film on Christmas Eve. One of my favorite movies of all time.

[@chadbennett7873]

My favorite movie of all time! The influenza at the beginning represented the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919. The run on the bank was exactly what you said, Black Friday Wall Street crash, so you can figure the timeline of the story. World War II was around the time when George met with Potter, so $25,000 a year translates to about $478,000 today, so Potter would make him a rich man, but would kill the Building and Loan and take over the entire town. Jimmy Stewart had returned from the war, where as others have told you, he flew as a pilot. He had great trepidation about acting again, his confidence in turmoil. and Frank Capra selected him, as they had worked together before and had a wonderful relationship. Nobody else could have come close to being George Bailey. There has been only one remake of this film, a television movie with a gender swap ... Marlo Thomas as Mary Bailey. "It Happened One Christmas" It's worth a watch, but lacks the energy and joy of this film. Wisely, nobody else has tried, because this is just perfection. Frank Capra made several other films that are brilliant, but because they're all so filled with positive energy, they nick-named them "Capra-corn." You might consider reacting to them: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (Jimmy Stewart); It Happened Oe Night (Clark Gabel & Claudette Colbert); Mr. Deeds Goes To Town (Gary Cooper) remade by Adam Sandler as Mr. Deeds. There's "Arsenic & Old Lace" with Cary Grant and "Meet John Doe" (Gary Cooper) as well as "You Can't Take It With You" Jimmy Stewart with Lionel Barrymore - Mr. Potter. By the way, Lionel is Drew Barrymore's great uncle, brother to her paternal Grandfather, John Barrymore, who along with their sister Ethyl were the elite royalty of Hollywood. I enjoy watching with you ... and shared a tear or two. I've seen it probably a couple hundred times and still cry.

[@chadbennett7873]

@@Dave-hb7lx It was partially a result of the Spanish Flu pandemic, very much like inflation currently following the Covid pandemic. The lockdown reduced spending, especially in hospitality, and upon return to normal, there was a certain "expression" of freedom, therefore money was spent like drunken sailors. This caused the inflation. History repeats itself, but the public is too stupid to see it.

[@Yaktahbay]

Not Black Friday. This would have taken place in 1931 or 1932 since Harry and Mary had just finished four years of college.

[@SinSationNation]

It’s A Wonderful Life is a time classic that can’t be beat. It’s the perfect movie for Christmas 🎄 every year 😊

[@Ceractucus]

Soon as I saw you two ladies were reacting to this, I figured you’d both cry at the end. I am a 53 year old guy and I have watched this at least 30 times and cry at the end every time. Great choice ladies! I hope everyone gives you a sub and a thumbs up for this wonderful movie.

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thank you!!

[@CoastalNomad]

Great Reaction..... This is a Christmas Staple (Must Watch)...... This was the First Movie Jommy Stewart did after serving in WW2, Acting in this Movie helped Jimmy Combat his PTSD from the War.... Great Movie that shows the "Butterfly Effect" of how the smallest things can have ripple effects that have large effects....

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thank you!!

[@johndavis7094]

The ultimate tear jerk movie of all time! We can't return to the past...but brothers and sisters I sure wish we could!

[@shawnpatrick1877]

While I enjoy Christmas comedies and modern movies, this is hands-down the best Christmas movie overall. Just an amazing classic.

[@JMA335077]

Both of you are particularly endearing when you cry.

[@philipharvey6720]

A great reaction ladies! Its a stone cold classic this film and your emotion shows how even after all these years the film still has great power. Keep up the good work, all the best for 2024!

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thank you!!

[@md9680]

Did anyone take note of Harry's mention of there being a full moon the night of his graduation from HS? That later ties into George's offer to lasso the moon for Mary and the full moon she depicted in her drawing of "George lassos the moon"?

[@7bestthings]

Thank you for your reaction, a truly great movie with a positive and uplifting message. Merry Christmas!

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Merry Christmas!!

[@screenwritingprofessor7346]

I just cried with both of you watching that. Love this movie. Merry Christmas, ladies!

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Merry Christmas!!

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Henry Travers (Clarence The Guardian Angel) Also starred in this MUST SEE Classic, "The Bells Of St. Mary's" (1945)

[@Jimi-ld2vw]

Arguably the best movie of the 20th century. I'm surpised you've gone this long without having seen it, although, now that I think of it, I was probably in my late twenties too before I saw it. Definitely makes me tear up, even when I know what's coming. Has some heart-warmingly funny parts too. : ) I enjoyed watching it with you.

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Good! Thanks!

[@Hayseo]

Have you ever heard the old saying, “I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me”? Now you understand that emotion.

[@scottjones758]

Jimmy Stewart just back from the war when he did this film. Real life bomber pilot!

[@omgbygollywow]

Best Christmas movie of all time.

[@rllangevin3841]

I would argue best movie of all time. 😊

[@mumblinmae1140]

You guys are adorable! LOL! This has always been one of my favourites each year to watch. Have a blessed Christmas 🎄

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thank you! You too!

[@anthony0358]

I never saw this movie until I was an adult. I loved it . I love your first time watch reaction too. I cry as soon as George’s wife comes home during the final act . I l normally only cry at sports movies

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thank you! It’s a joyful tear jerker!

[@FanZceneVids]

Great movie and always brings happy tears. It truly is a wonderful life.

[@leif712009]

I’ve seen that movie many times and I still get emotional at the end ❤

[@verribarry]

The crow appears in the movie during George Bailey's darkest moments, such as when he contemplates suicide. The crow represents the challenges and hardships that George is facing, and serves as a visual representation of the difficulties he must overcome.

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Muah! Muah! Kisses and hugs for both of you! Merry Christmas, ladies! Great movie, right? I will never get tired of that film. It's taken up permanent residence in my heart, for a good 30 years +, by now! I'm so glad you were touched by it.

[@marconeves1979]

Every Christmas I watch this film, and Every. Single. Time = Waterworks. It's an incredibly well crafted film in all departments.

[@frankg811]

I seen this movie SEVERAL times, it never gets old and yes I also love the message

[@bfdidc6604]

This film gets me every time. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Merry Christmas!!

[@irishinnj72]

Bert the Cop and Ernie the cab driver were the inspiration for Bert and Ernie on Sesame Street. True Story.

[@jlittleboy]

Great job ladies! I watch this every year. A tradition. ❤

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Thank you!!

[@Dej24601]

The fun part of rewatching this is noticing tiny details which build character, build relationships, establish the lifestyle of people from the time period before WW2. In the Bailey household, there is a framed piece on the wall of a group of butterflies and later in George’s house, we see it again. So either it was a hobby of George’s father, or George himself and shows an interest in science, the natural world and art. When Mr. Gower’s son died, it was from the Spanish Flu pandemic after WW1, which caused more deaths than the war itself. The swimming pool underneath the gym floor was a new, state-of-the-art design tried out in high schools being built during in the building boom of the 1920’s before the Crash and Great Depression. The intense scene between Mary and George on the telephone shows the inner conflict of George who wanted to travel, have adventures and accomplish great successes but was torn between his personal desires and his dedication towards family, friends, his hometown, duty, and making a moral choice. It was a similar inner conflict to what so many people had when WW2 broke out and they enlisted but still knew there was a big chance they would die, be captured or become wounded.

[@stevemiller6923]

Love this movie and your reactions. Having broken the black and white barrier, you might want to watch Casablanca, another well written film from the 40s (which shows up at the top of many best movies lists)

[@ForceOfLightEntertainment]

Yes! Thank you!