It’s A Wonderful Life (1947) - 🤯📼First Time Film Club📼🤯 - First Time Watching/Movie Reaction/Review

[@doug3318]

The end always gets me not because how everyone shows up to help George but because of how happy and excited they are to do it - George spent his whole life helping others without asking anything in return and when he really needs the help back, the whole town is excited to get to return the favor. It’s not just kind, it’s love, and it’s Christmas, and I’m def not crying! 😭♥️

[@bfdidc6604]

I’m not crying! You’re crying!

[@msdarby515]

And it's love the movie allows us to take with us. People just bask in the happiness of this film for a good while after watching it. ❤️

[@williamlee6444]

Best line in the whole movie: "Good idea Ernie, a toast - to my big brother George - the richest man in town!." and not financially!

[@otisroseboro5613]

Best Ending Ever,love it classic

[@blondbear2]

Miss. Davis 13:47 "Could I have $17.50?", Ellen Corby. She would go on to play Esther "Grandma" Walton on the tv show the Waltons 1972-1980.

[@ccefc_families297]

Wow! That is her!

[@mxplixic]

I like how they have 2 dollars left at the end of the day because of her. 😗

[@jameshose5043]

she also runs the mckittrick hotel in VERTIGO also starring James Stewart - another film on the list of greatest films of all time

[@lannaewell6274]

The crow is Frank Capa’s crow and he like having it in his movies.

[@jethro1963]

Jimmy the Raven

[@HuntingViolets]

Capra.

[@mjkjelland13]

In 1982, I was on the verge of doing something very stupid. Before I had the chance though, this movie came on the TV. It was the first time I had seen it and it changed my life. This movie is the main reason I am here today to even write this. I watch it ever year and cry and thank God that he placed this movie before me to show me how wrong I was. I hope you get as much from this movie as I did and do each and every time I watch it. I am going to grab some Kleenex now and watch your reaction.

[@deeanna8448]

I have been in that dark place too, and am much better now. I'm glad you're still here!

[@philphilips1020]

I am currently in that dark place that y'all are speaking about, and I really miss those feelings of hope that y'all portray. That being said, all I can really think about is how this movie is only just a work of fiction and that people like the townsfolk of Bedford Falls don't really exist, especially in today's modern age. It's unfortunate, but real.

[@mjkjelland13]

@@philphilips1020 I am truly sorry to hear you in that low place, and although things may seem as low as it can get, please remember there are people out there that care. I will be adding you to my prayers, please stay strong, you are worth it.

[@philphilips1020]

@@mjkjelland13 Thanks, friend.

[@louiseparker7712]

I have been watching reacts because I don't feel mentally well atm. This film stops me doing stupid stuff

[@greattheillusion]

This is an important film to my Aunt. My Aunt was in a bad place in her life and was preparing to take her own life when she saw this movie on TV. She changed her mind. Thankfully she got the help she needed and is still around and my favorite Aunt. Thank you Frank Capra and others for making this movie.

[@maryk446]

That's wonderful! I have heard similar comments from people who said that this movie made them appreciate their lives more because they realized how many people they'd helped. I'm certain that more than a few people have been deterred from suicide because of this film. Amazing for a movie that was something of a failure when it was released - it only became a "classic" in the 1970's when it started to be shown on TV regularly.

[@WarewolfThereWolf]

Glad you are still here. Seasons greetings to you!

[@Editguy68]

Don't forget, the actor who played Mr. Potter is Lionel Barrymore, great-uncle of Drew Barrymore. Huge, deep roots to that acting family.

[@kona883]

@@voodoochile333 wow Merry Christmas to you for bringing up a entirely useless and unnecessary fact I suppose you know no one that that a problem with drugs and straighten out their life!

[@iDontShareMyData]

You mentioned the bar scene where Jimmy Stewart actually broke down and cried. Jimmy Stewart was one of the first actors to sign up for WW2, and struggled to get an actual combat position instead of just filming war films and doing USO stuff. He was already a pilot, and ended up flying a B-24 Liberator over Germany. He flew 20 missions, received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Air Medals, a Presidential Unit Citation and the French Croix de Guerre, lost quite a few of his men, and suffered PTSD as a result. He didn't even want to go back to making movies afterwards, but Capra convinced him to. So the trauma, grief and anger you see in the movie was all real.

[@jhornacek]

The anecdote you described about the filmhand dropping some equipment offscreen - you're correct about that being an accident, but you left out a key part. After the crash Capra (the director) was about to yell "Cut!" but the actor playing Uncle Billy ad libbed the "I'm all right, I'm all right." line, Stewart smiled and stayed in character, and they kept the scene going.

[@toukie]

This movie was my dad's favorite. I watched it with him every single Christmas since I was a baby in 1976. When he passed in Feb 2003, I swore I would never watch it again. Then Christmas time came around. And my 9 year old stepson, who'd known my dad all his life, came to the computer room one day and he said to come into the living room right now. When I got there, he looked at me and he said "come on, it's about to start". On the table there was a bowl of chips, a bowl of pop corn, Coca-Cola with ice, some gummy bears etc... Like there had been every year my entire life. That's when I heard the music. My heart broke and I opened my mouth to thank this boy for his nice gesture but I wasn't going to be able to watch it this year. Before I could say anything he sat on the couch and said "I think it's time I watched it, even though it looks boring. Don't make me watch it alone." And the first time he heard a bell ring after he saw that movie, he smiled the biggest smile and told me "grandpa got his wings". This boy is 28 years old now. And every year he comes over with chips, pop corn, gummy bears and cokes. And we watch it together.

[@magdalenem4949]

Jimmy Stewart's first film after serving in ww2. He enlisted and wasn't drafted because he wanted to serve and when they wanted him to entertain the troops he knew men were dying so he wanted to serve. He flew bombers and saw a lot of death and had PTSD (they called it shell shock back then) and this was his first film after the war. The emotion you see from him in this movie is real and raw, he was working through his pain of what he experienced in the war and you see it play out in this film. As an American, this film is a treasure and a reminder as to why they call them "The Greatest Generation". I am grateful to have known them as my grandparents generation and walked the earth with them at the same time even if it was short. This is perhaps one of the greatest films ever made.

[@kokemon84]

The greatest generation gave birth to the worst😂😂😂

[@LukeLovesRose]

What's sad is that none of our boys here in the West needed to go to war. What happened between Poland and Germany was a private affair and shouldve remained as such

[@DaleKingProfile]

My favorite scene is at the train station when George learns of Harry's job. A mediocre director or writer would add dialog to the scene to convey the emotions that George is feeling, but I love how we just see it in his eyes and brilliant acting with no words

[@flpndrox]

I've seen this movie a couple hundred times and never noticed Donna Reed touching her stomach there. This movie is genius and y'all are, too noticing that.

[@markpekrul4393]

This film is a treasure - not very well received upon release, it took time for people to realize how meaningful it truly was - even more meaningful than its creators knew. It's cliche, but it is truly timeless.

[@RReneeS]

I heard that it did fall into the public domain for awhile, and that's when it started being shown on TV endlessly. People saw it and started getting into it. Maybe one of the earliest "sleeper" type movies :)

[@DavidB-2268]

@@RReneeS 1974-1993 was when it was in the public domain, due to a clerical error. The rights were reestablished after an unrelated Supreme Court decision.

[@adrianmcgrath1984]

Part of the reason it didn’t take off immediately is that it was accused of being 'communist' - Baileys customers were regarded a a socialist fable, where their investment in other peoples homes raised them up, rather than continuing to pay rent to a nasty capitalist landlord

[@pete_lind]

@@RReneeS It was a box office flop when it came out , just as Citizen Kane ... same issue that movies with a message have today , those flop at box office .

[@msdarby515]

The scene where George kicks over his architecture corner is what gets me first. The stunned look of shock, fear, and, worry and concern on the faces of his wife and kids... his shame and embarrassment and desire to take it back, just tears me up.

[@jeremyszczepanski216]

This is one of the few old-time films that makes me cry every time I watch it. Such a timeless classic.

[@saturninojosesuarezquintan7476]

Every time, indeed.

[@aestheticalrose4553]

A couple people at my job hate this movie. As the person in my family who has battled depression and actually watched my best friend lose his battle to it and who also gives their all without expecting reward… this movie is really special to me. I don’t understand how anyone could hate it. Almost makes me feel bad for them. They must be more like Mr. Potter than like George Bailey.

[@dabe1971]

For me, this is not only a Christmas movie, it's the absolute best Christmas film ever. Hands down. I've watched it countless times, the final message gets me through each year. Did you notice it NEVER snows in Pottersville ? Yes you can see it on the ground but look when George is begging to Clarence that he wants to live again - the moment it starts to snow is when you know he's back in good old Bedford Falls. As for the "crow", it's actually a Raven. As Matthew said, he starred in 1000+ films and was quite the star, insured for the equivalent of thousands of dollars today. Capra found a part for him in every film he made after 1938. Oh and the squirrels name was Snoopy ! Speaking of Uncle Billy, in the scene where he leaves the frame and there's a crash, some say 'Uncle Billy' improvised the cry that he was alright "live", others say it was dubbed on in post. But the crash is indeed genuine and unscripted. The footage of WW2 is genuine. It's taken from a Navy film about the USS Yorktown called 'The Fighting Lady'. After the war she was used as one of the recovery ships for the Apollo Space programme and has a replica capsule on her lower deck in Charlestown NC where she is a museum ship. Matthew mentioned the kiss from Jimmy Stewart to Ms Davis but did you notice who played her ? It's an uncredited young Ellen Corby who went on to play Grandma Walton in her latter years. So glad new generations are still enjoying this classic - and in black and white as it should be !

[@lancemac71]

“This is not what I thought this was going to be!” Emily then turns this off and changes to everyone’s favourite Christmas classic, Die Hard.

[@ccefc_families297]

I just realized that George needs to go apologize to Zuzu's teacher for screaming at her over the phone and making her cry at Christmas. I hope he has a very nice Christmas present to give her and her husband.

[@andreaspooky6183]

"Every man on that transport died. Harry wasn't there to save them, because you didn't save him." That part always gets me: it makes you really feel the weight of your being in relation to the other life you touch, for good and for bad.

[@ny8956]

That isn't the quote.

[@jb888888888]

Yeah screw dem Jap pilots! Let 'em rot in the ocean. /s Apparently the only people who are important to survive are people from Bedford Falls.

[@williamquinlan6153]

@@ny8956 is your name Potter?

[@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.

[@unknownsword9042]

Man use to be short form for HuMAN.

[@johnjr757]

He also wasn't supposed to cry while he was praying in the bar, but due to PTSD having recently returned from WW2 he became overwhelmed during the scene.

[@insanitypepper1740]

Frank Capra + Jimmy Stewart = magic. Check out "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" too

[@g.b569]

Hands down my favourite Christmas movie. The ending always has me crying in happiness. The love, care and help you give to others is returned when needed

[@byroniasmaximus924]

I lost my job a month before Christmas and then I found out who my real friends are. Some people no longer associate with me, even telling me to not talk to them anymore. So now i focus on what matters and this film always is a reminder of that. Classic.

[@susanb4213]

wow, that's crazy! Those people never were friends.

[@seaneendelong8065]

I hope now, nearly a year later, you have found that job loss was a blessing on disguise and true friends have helped your path forwards. Sometimes it takes a bit to realize it, but some of our hardest years and worst life events can be the catalysts to auch happier fuller future. Bright Blessings this 2023 holiday season. S

[@bobogus7559]

11:02 The moment where Uncle Billy stumbles into trash cans offscreen was entirely unscripted. During that take, one of the crew accidentally dropped a box of props, and the actor playing Uncle Billy immediately improvised the "I'm all right, I'm all right." Jimmy Stewart's look of concern followed by his smile were both genuine reactions. The director ended up tipping that crew member $10 (equivalent to $150 today) for enhancing the scene.

[@shilohasmr7442]

That’s my favorite story of the behind the scenes of this movie. You can see that Jimmy’s reaction is so natural but he just kept going with it. Loved it.

[@johnfraley8544]

The movie's publicity has always made a point of saying the Bedford Falls set was "one of the largest built for a film" which implies it was built for this film. It was actually built on the RKO Encino lot for a film called Cimmaron. They redressed it and added the oak trees. Sadly, that lot is now a subdivision. Great reaction, as usual. Thanks!

[@clurkroberts2650]

James Stewart displays the full range of life… joy.. frustration… anger… desperation. The story allows the viewer to really understand his character.

[@ccefc_families297]

He showed George Bailey was human, flawed, and had his breaking points, though deep down a very noble, sacrificial man. Very relatable!

[@kennethmacgregor-Gregorach]

I always loved the small detail that it stops snowing when George hasn't been born, and only starts again once he's "back" Merry Christmas to you both!

[@jamesalexander5623]

Jimmy Stewart was my Dad's favourite actor. They both served in the 445th Bomb Group ( B-24's ) based at Tibbenham, England during WW II.

[@scottcaldwell7562]

Hey Matthew and Emily. Merry Xmas to you both. This is a special film to me. My aunt and uncle were dancers in the movies in the 40's. My aunt was in this film during the school dance along with hundreds of others. She was not paid much but had the opportunity to earn stunt pay for being one of the dancers who went into the pool. The funny thing is that my aunt never learned to swim so she nearly drowned to earn extra money. Thank goodness she did not. Just a fun fact I wanted to share. Much love to you both.

[@michaelfitzgerald38]

This is the grandparent of all holiday movies. I’ve seen it no less that 18 times and I still love it like it was the first time.

[@otisroseboro5613]

It's Not Christmas Until I See This Movie

[@mnomadvfx]

Arguably I would say Holiday Inn takes that title. It's A Wonderful Life has such a prominent place mainly because the mistakenly lapsed copyright allowed TV studios and movie theaters to replay this film ad infinitum without giving royalties to the studio.

[@mwflanagan1]

Great film, great reaction, Emily. My favorite line: “George Bailey, I’ll love you ‘til the day I die”. Sniff 😢

[@Chet4DuJour]

Such a classic, glad you enjoyed it! Since you mentioned it, I'd like to enthusiastically upvote Arsenic and Old Lace. One of my favorite comedies of the era, and in general. An unusual but amazing role for Cary Grant!

[@barblessable]

HARD TO BELIEVE ,the film was not a hit on its release , its my favourie xmas movie and the line "to my big brother George the richest guy in town" always brings tears to the eyes .

[@markspyrison9659]

Easily one of my top 10 favorite films of all time. Beautiful reaction, guys! Loved it!

[@grasmere64]

It’s pretty close to a perfect movie. And so happy to hear that “Arsenic and Old Lace” is on your list! It’s hilarious.

[@Thewingkongexchange]

A timeless film, with a message that resonates with anyone going through tough times or who feels they've failed to meet aspirations. Love you guys, keep it up!

[@blackwolf6082]

I cry at the end no matter how many times I've seen this

[@ccefc_families297]

George saw his lifetime of sacrificing for others came back to reward him, when he desperately needed it the most. He also saw that having a beautiful family and the respect of the townspeople made him the richest man in town.

[@robindude8187]

Another title you might like: "Mr Smith Goes to Washington". Same actor and director pair. "Harvey", which you mentioned, is also a fun watch. #Title

[@nintendianajones64]

$8000 is worth $122,137.85 today. Also check out the snl sketch It's a Wonderful Life: The Lost Ending with William Shatner. It's very satisfying.

[@Peejay1966]

It's a 10 out of 10 for me, too. Everyone is brilliant in this movie. The hat tip with water is also one of my favourite moments in the film.

[@jamesalexander5623]

5 Oscar Winners and 3 Oscar Nominees in the cast! Not Too Shabby!

[@Peejay1966]

@@jamesalexander5623 spot on.

[@emotionalideas]

"Well, it's that day again...time to watch it again. Because that's just what you do. And by the way...the basketball court/pool? That's the Swim Gym at Beverly Hills High School where I went. It's still there and still in use. And Merry Christmas!

[@TrashWerewolf]

Jimmy Stewart movies were very special, because many of them were all about the "every man" struggling against the challenges of life. His movies also had a certain "heart" to them. If you like Jimmy Stewart in this, you should definitely check out Mr Smith Goes to Washington!! A great movie!

[@HuntingViolets]

Another angel movie set around Christmas is The Bishop's Wife.

[@Dej24601]

Another wonderful film that also came out in 1947, and is most definitely a Christmas movie is The Bishop’s Wife. It is also heartwarming. And 2 kids from “It’s a Wonderful Life” are in the cast of Bishop’s Wife.

[@johndrews206]

2 more fun facts. The boy who opens up the pool floor is Carl Switzer "Alfalfa" from the Our Gang movies. Also. When George is praying at Martinis. The raven haired singer is Adriana Caselotti. The voice of Disney's Snow White.

[@randallshuck2976]

The Capra movie you mentioned "Arsenic and Old Lace" is a wonderful farce (CHARGE!). I highly recommend it. Another of this time period staring Jimmy Stewart is "Harvey". Stewart said it was his favorite movie and character. Others of the time period, "The Bishops Wife", "It happened One Night", slightly newer flick that is fun is "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" (1957 Pacific war). For 40-50s musicals try "White Christmas", "Holiday Inn", "Going My Way" and "Bells of St, Mary's" All of the musicals can be applicable from Thanksgiving through Christmas, and all are excellent. Any Hitchcock movie is a jewel.

[@bluebird3281]

Definitely do "Harvey"

[@DaleKingProfile]

The best Jimmy Stewart movie for me was Rear Window

[@randallshuck2976]

@@DaleKingProfile It was excellent. I just have a soft spot for "Harvey".

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Oooooo White Christmas was one that my mom has always loved and that we watched year after year as I was growing up. I finally bought it for her on VHS as a teen so we could watch it at our convivences and without commercials.

[@charlieeckert4321]

In Harvey, Josephine Hull, who plays Elwood's sister, steals the movie. She walks a fine life between belief and disbelief and does it to perfection!

[@otisroseboro5613]

Merry Christmas Everyone

[@IKtheTroll]

Still a better love story than The Star Wars Holiday Special.

[@bfdidc6604]

@WVR Spence (WestVirginiaRebel) Happy Life Day!

[@trekkiejunk]

blasphemy!!

[@KnightsaysNi]

"George, are you high?"🤣

[@mikeconway9103]

A reason many consider this a Christmas movie is because for years it was in the public domain so TV stations could play it on an endless loop without having to pay royalties, so it was always on around Christmas.

[@jonlate4581]

The reason it's considered a Christmas movie is because it IS a Christmas movie. It takes place on Christmas eve, all the other stuff are flashbacks of George's life.

[@jonlate4581]

It was even released right after Christmas.

[@mjdaniel8710]

A lot of people have never seen this and that is a shame, this is one of my favorite Christmas movies

[@ltcolumbo9708]

I've seen it 20times over 60yrs period. Cried everytime at the end. People ARE GENERALLY GOOD HEARTED

[@SuprousOxide]

"He's making violent love to me, Mother!" Just love that line in a classic family Christmas movie. But serves Mother right, she needs to mind her own business.

[@SuprousOxide]

Though you skipped over my other favorite line. George: What is it, a boy or a girl? Mary: Mmm-hmm Yup, a boy or a girl. One of those.

[@michaelsheehan5559]

I have to agree that this movie is good to watch all year ‘round. It always makes me tear up.

[@melenatorr]

The woman who asks for $17.50 is Ellen Corby. People of my generation know her as Grandma from the "Waltons" tv series. She has a sweet supporting role as one of the sisters in "I Remember Mama", which is a lovely movie.

[@drewt.3120]

Great movie! Fun reaction! Personally, I would love to see some of the classics. Casablanca is a great story with surprisingly funny dialogue. Should you guys ever get to that one, I'll be front and center. And I feel like "Paper Moon" would be highly entertaining also. Happy New Year, y'all! Thanks for the fun times. ✌️

[@larrydlam]

When George runs past the movie theater the marque shows The Bells of St. Mary's playing. Henry Travers (Clarence) is in that movie too.

[@msdarby515]

A young George tells his father that he wants to go out and design buildings and plan cities. The beauty of it, is that is exactly what George is doing in Bedford Falls, just on a smaller scale and for people he knows and loves. He and Mary are both selfless and giving.

[@tribefan879]

Merry Christmas Matthew and Emily. I first saw this in 1992 as all the kids in my middle school were forced to watch it for a class when I was in 8th grade. Wonderful film.

[@jasonpsilopoulos1985]

I'm gonna name you a few from this era you can go with. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Quiet Man, It Happens Every Spring, North By Northwest, The Champ, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, McLintock!, Donavan's Reef and Chisum. These are some of my favorites.

[@Huntress59]

I love them all but particularly, A Quiet man.

[@scottcabler5843]

Jimmy Stewart's reaction to losing the money was excellent.

[@LukeLovesRose]

Its a Wonderful Life is not only the greatest Christmas movie, its possibly the greatest Christian movie this side of The Passion. This movie shows how wonderful a society built on true Christian values could be. Mary and George Bailey is one of the greatest love stories ever put on film. It is alongside the likes of Rhett and Scarlett, Rick and Ilsa, Jack and Rose. And Mary Bailey is the most wonderful wife and mother in film history.

[@thekpmckay]

YAY! Wonderful reaction! And I can't wait for Arsenic & Old Lace! For another classic w/ Jimmy Stewart watch "Harvey". (wrote this before you guys did the trivia wrap-up)

[@billolsen4360]

"Anatomy of a Murder" (1959) is also a great Stewart film

[@ChubbyChecker182]

An Amazing Movie. I really enjoyed this reaction very much, thank you.

[@JoePlett]

I hadn't realized until someone pointed it out, that this film actually VIOLATES the Hays code - since it requires that "crime does not pay" and bad guys either have to be caught & punished or repent & atone. But Potter gets away with it! ....at least until that legendary SNL sketch. 😏

[@jamesalexander5623]

Potter deserved WORSE than that!

[@nightfall902]

Perhaps the story just ends before we find out what becomes of Potter? Maybe he confesses or gets caught, we don't have any idea. I think Clarence goes over and takes him out before leaving.

[@nomiau]

Great movie, I enjoyed watching you watching this! Arsenic and old lace is also really good movie!

[@wiseoldman53]

A wonderful reaction to "It's A Wonderful Life"!

[@bobogus7559]

13:13 The bird is Jimmy the raven, who apparently appeared in over 1,000 movies between 1938 and 1954. His debut was in another excellent Frank Capra movie, a 1938 film called You Can't Take It With You. After that, Jimmy was the raven that landed on the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. Fun fact about ravens - in the wild, they generally live for about 10-15 years; however, they can live over 50 years in captivity, and the longest-lived raven is believed to have lived for over 70 years.

[@Lensmaster1]

The movie is Sentimental, especially towards the end, but that is all balanced out with real characters and real life. As much as I could during the Hayes Code, they talked about drinking alcohol, and sex, and jealousy. It wasn't included in this video, but the part of the walk home where Mary is naked in the bushes and George is jokingly contemplating what he should do was a surprising topic for 1946. And many movies of the period people were just too good to be true.

[@walterrutherford8321]

Lady, I love your laugh! Sir, yes, this movie gets me every time too. It starts when drunk, grieving Mr Gower boxes George’s sore ear bloody and George begs him not to hit him again then saves Mr Gower’s whole life (as we later see). I also get choked up when George hits rock bottom then goes home and loses it in front of his family. And of course the finale with the townsfolk pitching in, Harry returning and toasting his brother, and ZuZu announcing when Clarence gets his wings. Mary is a real keeper. Violet has always had a thing for George too but Mary keeps getting in the way. She thought she had him them George suggests running barefoot in the grass. Her, “Huuuh?”, is perfect.

[@kimberlymoeller6552]

I love this reaction and I love this movie! Such a special joy to see people experience this for the first time. So glad you enjoyed! Jimmy Stewart is my all-time favorite actor, and the movie that sent me over the moon for him was “The Philadelphia Story” starring him, Katharine Hepburn, and Cary Grant (just typing those actors names makes me a little swoony. 🤣Fantastic cast!). If you’re looking for some more Jimmy Stewart, I highly recommend checking out that film. Jimmy has a scene where he is drunk….and not only does he play a believable drunk, it’s also charming and hilarious. I could honestly go on for days listing great performances of his, but I’ll leave it there. Thank you for this sweet video to watch in between presents and Christmas dinner. I hope your holidays are blessed and wonderful!

[@michaelceraso1977]

great comments on J Stewart and that era was full of classic films especially 1939, I will always believe that HE deserved BEST actor for MR SMith Goes to washington ( another Capra film) and Hollwood rewarded him in 1940 with Philaldelphia story, and Henry Fonda is the actual one who shouild have won best actor in 1940

[@kimberlymoeller6552]

@@michaelceraso1977 good call! Mr. Smith absolutely should’ve been his win over Philadelphia Story! Both are fantastic performances, but you’re right. Mr Smith was the best!

[@enchantedwooddesigns3462]

Always such a good movie ) You mentioned Arsenic and Old Lace and Harvey... I can't wait. Two more favorites of all times for me.

[@ellygoffin4200]

I am orthodox Jewish. This is my father's favorite movie. I have been watching this for around 40 yrs.

[@1rotbed]

You’ll definitely want to watch The Best Years of Our Lives.

[@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..

[@isoldejaneholland8370]

You'll love this : in real life, Lionel Barrymore was nothing like Mr. Potter. When he was moving into his new house, they heard meowing coming from inside the walls. They broke it open, and found two kittens. No sign of the mother. He adopted them both on the spot. Whenever I feel like strangling Mr. Potter, I just think of the "kitten in the wall" story. Hear that, Pippin? 😉 🐈 🐈‍⬛ 😺😽

[@R.J.Godzilla81]

This was one of the best movies of the era. A couple of things of note: #1) Donna Reed was an underrated babe #2) Today It’s a Wonderful Life is a staple of Christmas but it originally came out in (I think) July #3) @11:03 the sound of banging cans was not in the script and wasn’t supposed to happen. Someone who’s job it was to transport film reels (almost serendipitously), dropped them right at that moment, and instead of doing another take, the director decided to keep it and thank God he did because it made the scene perfect.

[@nightfall902]

Of course it's a Christmas movie. It starts on Christmas....and ends on Christmas. The entire film takes place on Christmas. Granted there is a ton of back story and explaining for Clarence's benefit (and ours) but it's all on Christmas.

[@shainewhite2781]

MERRY CHRISTMAS ⛄🎄❄️🧑‍🎄🌨️

[@barblessable]

Thanks to you both from U.K. for your very informative channel ,great research and genuine reactions, love your accents too.

[@Tar-Numendil]

James Stewart is one of the greatest actors ever and the highest ranking actor in history, reaching Brigadier General in the United States Air Force.

[@Davis-carmencita]

NBC bought the rights to the movie it's a wonderful life because of copyright fail because the people did not renew the original owners of the movie their copyright to the movies so in 1994 NBC bought the movie because the movie was aired on multiple television station during Christmas December of 1994 and every television station that aired the movie on their channel did not pay the owners any revenue for the movie to be aired on their station because of copyright failed so now NBC is the only television station that's allowed to air the movie I'm not even sure if you can find the movie on cable and I noticed that when people play it on KZbin sometimes the picture is backwards and they don't even sing the song auld Lang syne all the way because they skipped some of the songs

[@TheMtVernonKid]

One of my favorites, Jimmy Stewart and his iconic voice

[@Macbeagle]

Love the D-20 lamp hanging behind you.

[@jessfleury3761]

What I love about this movie is the fact that most of the movie is following George through most of his life. This allows the audience to really see the character development, fall in love with the characters, and draw more from the timeline where George does not exist. We saw the significant events that happened, but we do not see the regular events in between. We even forget through the movie some of the events that took place, or can’t draw conclusions from what may have happened to the characters that is not shown. The alternate timeline not only shows the impact of the significant acts like Harry, Mr. Gower, Mr. Martini, Uncle Billy and Mary. But, it also show others that were indirectly affected like Bert, Ernie, Ma Bailey, Violet, and the rest of the town. We could all learn a lot from this movie. I bet many times we see things through George’s eyes where we only see the negative right in front of us at the time. One of the quotes that hits me now is “Strange isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole doesn’t he?” Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

[@WarewolfThereWolf]

This has to be one of the best post-reaction commentary and analysis ever.

[@Drewit1]

Merry Christmas Emily, Matthew and Pippin!

[@hedcmac]

I love your reaction! I give it a 10! I watch it every year on Thanksgiving weekend to kick off the Christmas season! I did not know the kiss scene in the Building and Loan was not in the script! And your ending comment! 😆😆😆

[@GigiC4]

I'm glad Emily loves this movie and I can't wait for her to see ARSENIC AND OLD LACE !

[@Fairplayer43]

I am new to your channel.. i love you guys (Pippin too). You asked for any comments about the scenes. I will never forget that after the prayer at the bar, George got a smack from Mr. Welch. In life, when you think things can not go any more wrong. Guess what? They sometimes do. I don't want to put a disheartening comment. But is true, that in life, "we reap what we sow" (bad and good alike). The only thing we take with us is what we have given away, so mind what you give away always... That is my new years resolution. Have a wonderful year!!! Thanks again, (hee haw) :) Jaime

[@Ecrocken]

The line after Clarence asks if George is sick is one of the best lines of the movie. "No, worse. He's discouraged." 💜

[@mybrainhurts1856]

Can't wait for Araenic & Old Lace! Would love to see ya'll do Bringing Up Baby!❤❤❤ Yes and Harvey too!!! 😊

[@peterramsay4674]

James Stewart is the most incredible character actor I’ve seen. He’s the lead in many movies however he’s not the poster child for leading male rugged, romantic role. His screeching excitable intensity is compelling and he portrays that so well. Watch Mr. Smith goes to Washington. If I were you I wouldn’t get into what genre this is. Just enjoy it for what it is. And be cognizant of the year it was made and realize times were very different back then. This movie is good. Very very good.

[@DavidB-2268]

George Bailey's life is the epitome of John Lennon's lyric from Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy): Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.

[@jessegardener5696]

Merry Christmas guys🎄🎁🤙🥓🥓

[@dwayneshoopman6382]

Great reaction. You mentioned that Harvey was Jimmy Stewart's favourite role. Would love for you to do a reaction to Harvey that was one of my grandmother's favourites. I have a lot of fond memories of watching it with her. Keep up the great work.

[@stevebills5716]

Absolutely second that. My all time favourite movie.

[@melissaw704]

For more good movies from this era, I have to suggest “The Shop Around the Corner’, (1940) another favorite at Christmas also starring Jimmy Stewart in addition to an exceptional cast. It’s a really cute movie and worthy follow-up to ‘Its a Wonderful Life’.

[@msdarby515]

If you saw Lionel Barrymore in other roles you most likely wouldn't be able to recognize him. He brought a unique look to every character. Sometime in the late 30s he broke his hip and the resulting arthritic pain essentially put him into a wheelchair. Mayer (of Metro Goldwyn and Mayer) made sure to either have roles accommodated or written for him to appear.

[@Jordanmode]

I’m always crying by this point anyway, but if for some reason I’m not, when Harry gives the toast to “the richest man in town,” my fave contorts in strange ways and I grab for the Kleenex.

[@InjuredRobot.]

The "lost" alternate ending to this absolute classic was found in 1987 and digitally restored! Here is the link! ENJOY! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKibaqJmlsuVaKM