It's A Wonderful Life - Dinner Scene

It's A Wonderful Life - Dinner Scene

[@stanmoroncini8825]

“Pop you want a shock? I think you’re a great guy.” Gets me every time.

[@Spudgonzo]

Did you hear that Annie?

[@lisacostello3685]

Same. 😢😢😢

[@tunkyslug]

That line kills me too. So genuine. Brilliant acting. Subtle and beautiful.

[@jeffsanders1428]

That entire scene. I’ve easily seen the movie over 50 times, but that scene, THAT line, gets me EVERY time…

[@stanmoroncini8825]

@@jeffsanders1428 I watch it every year during Christmas time. Every single time I watch it, and hear that line, I get choked up.

[@Nately22]

George's father describing Potter as "sick and and frustrated...." dignity even towards his enemy and then telling George to follow his dreams and get out of here. What a man.

[@kremove]

That's a real man.

[@thedrewdog]

This is one of my favorite film scenes between a father and son -- MAYBE my favorite of all time. It breaks his father's heart to hear that George is leaving, but at the same time, he wants his son to be happy and have the adventures he never got to have. There's just so much respect and reverence between them, you don't see that anymore.

[@yankeear]

The real hero, Georges Father who passes his Goodwill towards his fellow man on to his sons.

[@windstorm1000]

exactly--it sets the motion going for rest of movie's plot

[@mikebowman9844]

Very insightful.

[@jamessibson7453]

One of the biggest reason Why this film has become such a classic is because the overall situtation and the George character is so relatable to the everyday person!

[@12classics39]

“I heard it! It’s about time one of you lunkheads said it!” We all need an Annie in our lives.

[@MST3KLives]

This film becomes more than just tradition as one grows older. As each of us age and surrender our ever more of our cherished childhood dreams to compromise and survival, we empathize more and more with George's inner conflict between what he wants to do, and what he knows must be done.

[@windstorm1000]

excellent--and true--words. not an easy decision.

[@CarguyEd5150]

Beautiful words and so true! I feel the same way. Thank you.

[@dawsondebell1603]

Yeah, whoever became a musician because they had to? Nowadays at least. I could see where women's roles back then were different and their options were much more limited. You ever think a lot of us are dreamers because our parents said we were special? It could be confusing, a sense of identity becoming muddled, or strengthened.

[@stanmoroncini8825]

MST3KLives well said

[@reneehurt387]

This is true word for word. The film is also a great map to rediscover what you can make come true. Life is hope with every passing day

[@JessiesCards]

The family scenes goofing around the house, getting ready for the party is the best it feels like a documentary.

[@davidvallone1476]

Love this film and this scene in particular. Solid performances by Jimmy Stewart, Samuel Hinds and Lillian Randolph. Gets me emotional every time.

[@bartgross7114]

I wish I never were born....So sad I love my family life is good and Everytime a bell rings an 👼 get their wings...I want to live Clarence...We all have a guardian angel....Thanks Clarence..

[@justingreen2432]

The brilliance of this writing... "He hates anyone with anything he can't have. I suppose he hates us most of all." Incredibly layered meaning in these words, what is it that the Baileys have in abundance that Potter doesn't? Family, friends, true treasure. Peter Bailey reveals to us very early on what the whole lesson of the film is from the very beginning.

[@Clockwork399]

The ultimate father-son scene.

[@StudMacher96]

2:00 George’s words here are so memorable and relatable man. You feel like you just gotta get away from the boring life and see the world sometimes ya know?

[@addisondebter9468]

As an artist in my mid twenties, this scene hit me harder than ever this year. So many dreams, so many aspirations to do "big things" that this past year seemingly has put on hold - moving to a new city, breaking out in my career, dating the girl I care about, making a difference in the world...And yet I'm starting to learn more and more the truth that seems so obvious but can often be so elusive...what feels like disappointment in my present circumstances can actually yield a *better* life, with even richer rewards: good health, a job with security, a deeper connection and involvement with my church community, closeness with my family, and a stronger sense of grace and gratitude.

[@margaretadami6358]

Beautifully written

[@randyjames4713]

I have seen this movie literally 100's of times, the greatest movie ever.

[@windstorm1000]

This scene is beyond touching. Its a relation on various levels. Son and father caring for your fellow man. Etc.

[@bradvandyke3301]

"I wanna do something big, n' something important!" "You know George, I feel that in a small way we're doing something important. It's satisfying a fundamental urge. It's deep in the race for a man to want his own roof, and walls, and fireplace, and and we're helping him get those things in our shabby little office." George thought his mission was to create giant skyscrapers and design big cities. It turned out it was helping people escape rent and money monopoly, and build their own homes, families, and neighborhoods. In the movie, Potter and the Baileys represent two conflicting American dreams. Which one is winning?

[@joybeale3039]

If I had to pick a favorite character in this movie it would probably be Annie!! She's HILARIOUS!!

[@qtc178]

Annie's actually played by Lillian Randolph, the voice for Mammy Two-Shoes in MGM's Tom and Jerry cartoons.

[@Wolf-qh2lk]

When Harry sensually harasses her and slaps her on the backside! Just before this scene.

[@Anglagard1]

The shadows thrown from the lamp slowly descend on George as though prison bars are closing in on him. He ducks his head, trying to avoid them, but every time he sits up straight they fall upon him once again. He can avoid his fate if he chooses to, but in order to be the man he wants to be he must submit to what fate has in store for him.

[@windstorm1000]

I never noticed u are so right

[@windstorm1000]

'The man he wants to be' wise line

[@stanmoroncini8825]

Damn good catch, I never noticed that and I’ve seen this movie a lot

[@kremove]

@@ReegusReever That's an A+ answer.

[@eaglephilla7343]

and the shadow's on his father the whole time

[@jamessibson7453]

George bailey wanted to become a big shot in this life ! Instead he discovered the valuable, sobering reality of being a big fish in a small pond! In this discovery he learned he was more potent than he ever thought he would be!!

[@windstorm1000]

Yes!

[@windstorm1000]

so touching--so real....the father's philosophy toward fellow man entering into George's character with future decisions...

[@preparetoholdyourcolour7080]

I never realised how relevant this film would become to me as an adult tbh

[@gabriel-1957]

What a picture, makes me cry, makes you think about how your life can impact others but most of all how your life is impacted through Jesus Christ!

[@georgefarrell6988]

“You were born old”. I feel the same way. When my father was stricken with terminal cancer, my teen years disappeared.

[@333kth]

A great movie, a great scene! I work in movies and what really moves(pub intended)me is the continuity of the scene. For example, at the 51 second mark their is an edit and then they go through this marvelous dialogue till 2:21, all the while eating and conversing. With the maid chiming in, just fabulous! Knowing from first-hand experience, actors today, from a-list to any list, cannot remember they're lines and completely rely on the director to("go again") till they get the whole of the scene and then rely on the editor("fix it in post")to make it all look good. I know this is just one gem, but I felt compelled to share on such a classic. One that I watch every year. All the best all the time, peace!

[@mattfinleylive]

I appreciate this, if only because I've always found the way they speak 'over' each other in this scene so unlike other acting of the day, or in general... It sometimes seems perfectly natural, ...very rare in the dramatic past.

[@333kth]

@@mattfinleylive Hey Matt, I hope this finds you well. Wow, 7 years has passed since I wrote my comment, I had forgot. Too much alcohol injected into my comment, doesn’t really convey completely what I was trying to or meaning to say. For me, the real magic of the scene is the pace and lack of POVs. The camera just sits there and the actors act. It’s like a 2-3 minute scene without any edits, beautiful! That’s whats nice about these older movies, pace, and letting the scenes speak for themselves. Anybody can chop something together, it’s another thing to slow down and let the actors fill out the scene. Another example of this and funny enough it’s in a Capra film, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. The scene with Jean Arthur and Thomas Mitchell at the restaurant feeling a little tipsy. The camera is straight on both of them in the booth. The scene again is like 2-3 minutes of just dialogue and mannerisms, just a really great scene. Well worth enjoying. Take care brother and I wish you all the best, peace!

[@Whaddayamean13]

It’s great because you do sympathize with George wanting to fly. But ultimately it’s the people we love and the friends we make that truly matters, wherever that is.

[@spudsupremesourcream4427]

Aw man. I played Papa Bailey in my play today. Tender father son moment. Whew tears wellin up now.

[@windstorm1000]

yes---a relationship built up over time, character, love and respect.

[@billedwards6985]

Any man who would give his life to save his brother is worth saving

[@abandonallhope.1040]

I wish I had a father like George Bailey's kind and supportive and an all around good person and family man. It does fit the world we live in that he dies from a stroke presumably at least partly due to stress while people like Potter live on making people miserable.

[@MrJTBolt]

Never heard the cat noise at 1:33 before

[@cskiles318]

Best Christmas movie ever 👍

[@eugenemelendi1589]

This part speaks to all the Generations of how, bad things get you have to support your family.

[@71crm]

Annie the maid is my spirit animal!

[@ysgol3]

James Stewart never did win a Best Actor Oscar did he - this scene alone, along with every other one in this film - deserved one for him.

[@bobbylee2853]

He won in 1941~ The Philadelphia Story.

[@calebbraunsroth2164]

You know, what isn't discussed is how Peter can't look at his son at 2:50 when he realizes that George wants to go see the world and do bigger things than sticking around Bedford Falls working at the Building & Loan. He looks almost worried, in a way. Peter knows George is good through-and-through and a brilliant man as well, but if George goes off then Potter has a good chance of beating the Bailey's family business; the single most important means of helping their community out through poverty and Potter's greedy tactics. That haunting look, he knows that he won't be around for much longer (And I'm not just saying that because that very night Peter has a stroke and passes away offscreen) and thinks that nobody will be around to help their friends and family and save them from turning to Potter. The sheer brilliance of acting in this scene... You really truly see how heartbroken Peter is that his son doesn't want to stay in Bedford Falls, yet he still supports George, loves him very much. I think a bit of Peter stuck around with George for the rest of the film, and it really makes you wonder what Peter was like as a father and as a friend to the community.

[@emilymcplugger]

“Sick in his mind, sick in his soul if he has one”. And those are the people who rule are world, those which this film tried to warn us about 76 years ago. The Potter’s run the show and a million Pottersville’s is their greatest triumph.

[@joewhitehead3]

It’s not all like that. Not every leader is like Potter

[@windstorm1000]

Great acting here. Natural.

[@steverogers7601]

I hope I have a relationship like this with my daughter or son. I’m going to have them with my wife for our selfish desires but I want to provide for them, teach them, guide them, and enable them to be prepared for their life. Then I want them to do what they feel. To see the world, to experience their life. I hope they do the right thing and makes decisions that are good for them. I hope I can see them be fulfilled, be happy and live their life.

[@Jaromellz]

One of the greatest scenes of all time!!!

[@windstorm1000]

Agreed. Profound writing/acting

[@stanmoroncini8825]

Agreed

[@EmotionallyExhausted]

1:33 Is that a cat crying? We watched this on Christmas through a new speaker system, and I had never heard that before. It was driving us crazy.

[@JamieRobles1]

In the alternative world, where Bailey Park was a cemetery . . . does George not understand that beautiful little houses are what make great communities? All this huff about modern cities and skyscrapers are just so cold and empty. I think there is more beauty in little houses than cities will ever know.

[@joewhitehead3]

Took a long time for George to realize that

[@g.Raider]

3:22 When your OTP finally has their "I Love You" moment

[@kremove]

OTP?

[@michaelcrennan7856]

What a scene

[@dairymilkbaraddict90]

That food looks good

[@counttommymarion7319]

Dad, I will always respect you for the action needed, you did. And, mother.. you maybe troubled. I gave you the perfect son. And left.

[@danielhallahan6391]

"what could be a better death" 👏lol this is my favorite movie

[@bigd9040]

George's father is my hero

[@joewhitehead3]

“Sick man. Sick in his mind. Sick in his soul, if he has one. He hates everybody that has anything he can’t have” Sounds like someone we all know

[@wwb16]

tRump?

[@joewhitehead3]

@@wwb16 Pretty much

[@wwb16]

@@joewhitehead3 well he wont be in office much longer. he is now running out of options

[@joewhitehead3]

@@wwb16 Hasn’t he given up yet? Accepted that he’s lost

[@wwb16]

@@joewhitehead3 nope. he's like an immature school bully. also Trump would likely be a member of SPECTRE, the same for Putin

[@JohnDoe-dh3xc]

Crying how such innocent people long gone 😢😭

[@princip3207]

Potter is corporate America and its greed personified

[@sharmandeluca1082]

What does the father have on his fork while eating at the table in this scene? My husband is convinced that it is spinach.

[@davidwilliams6362]

I thought it was onions sautéed, but spinach could be right too!

[@_mnl_]

I had this exact same conversation with my father

[@trixietheopawslife8232]

He hated everybody that he cant have.. word

[@billedwards6985]

God puts us where we need to be

[@susanb2015]

God is an a hole

[@lotrfan1996]

oh ya man easily

[@27rgodsey]

Well, you were born older George....

[@TeslaMeticulous]

I act as pop in a play so this is an interesting scene for me

[@jordanbledsoe427]

George’s dad is smart

[@mukbangmakeupnailsandhobbi9059]

What was the food they were eating in this scene

[@ricardocantoral7672]

Yes, how dare George actually have ambition !

[@robschuler1046]

What are they eating in this scene? Anyone know?

[@ftollan]

No gin tonight - good luck saying that nowadays...

[@courtneyfuller-wp8lw]

in shock this morning did sumthin evil yto chris reeves

[@melgiltner7232]

I'm forty years old and still I wonder what it was that they were eating 😂

[@santiagogonzalezlopez3196]

Does anyone knows what they're eating?😅

[@ponyoutube3301]

Why do you THINK they want gin???

[@alexanderaguirre5566]

Look at the shadow on his face. They look like prison bars

[@courtneyfuller599]

how long do yu think I will live,almost 50

[@courtneyfuller-wp8lw]

people of god do

[@edgarjones5355]

where went my comment?

[@edgarjones5355]

I think my guardian angel took it up and will use it as evidence when we meet again someday!

[@doncallangher6177]

2:23 This is the part where investors and developers love to listen to... and burst out laughing, slapping each other on the back as they slam back vodkas.

[@johnadams2063]

People eating g makes me sick

[@thomasharvey7062]

I could be mistaken but I could swear they are eating collard greens and cornbread!😁

[@bartgross7114]

I wish I never were born....So sad I love my family life is good and Everytime a bell rings an 👼 get their wings...I want to live Clarence...We all have a guardian angel....Thanks Clarence..