It's a Wonderful Life

    It's a Wonderful Life
    1946

    Synopsis

    A holiday favourite for generations... George Bailey has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls. All that prevents rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town is George's modest building and loan company. But on Christmas Eve the business's $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin.

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    Cast

    • James StewartGeorge Bailey
    • Donna ReedMary Hatch
    • Lionel BarrymoreMr. Potter
    • Thomas MitchellUncle Billy
    • Henry TraversClarence
    • Beulah BondiMrs. Bailey
    • Frank FaylenErnie
    • Ward BondBert
    • Gloria GrahameViolet
    • H.B. WarnerMr. Gower

    Recommendations

    • 100

      Chicago Sun-Times

      It's one of those ageless movies, like "Casablanca" or "The Third Man," that improves with age. Some movies, even good ones, should only be seen once. When we know how they turn out, they've surrendered their mystery and appeal. Other movies can be viewed an indefinite number of times. Like great music, they improve with familiarity. It's a Wonderful Life falls in the second category.
    • 100

      The Hollywood Reporter

      This couldn't be other than a Capra picture, the humanness of its story the dominant factor at every turn of situation. His direction of the individual characterizations delivered is also distinctively his, and the performances, from the starring roles of James Stewart and Donna Reed down to the smallest bit, are magnificent. When Capra is at his best, no one can top him.
    • 100

      The Guardian

      The film is gripping enough simply with the telling of George's lifestory. A genuine American classic.
    • 100

      ReelViews

      Whether you view this film in the middle of the summer or at Christmas, Capra's greatest film represents one of the most transcendent and joyful experiences any movie-lover can hope for.
    • 100

      Empire

      Although peppered with colourful, sharply drawn characters, this is Stewart's movie, instantly loveable as a small town dreamer who sacrifices everything for others. His journey to despair and back warms the cockles like little else. Enjoy it in a cinema so you can sob among others.
    • 90

      The Telegraph

      The inspirational, thoroughly festive ending is guaranteed to bring tears to the eyes.
    • 90

      Variety

      Frank Capra and James Stewart, in returning to films after long years in uniform, endow the pic with its most telling contributions. Herewith, Stewart touches the thespic peak of his career. He hasn’t lost a whit of his erstwhile boyish personality (when called to turn it on) and further shows a maturity and depth he seems recently to have acquired.
    • 88

      New York Daily News

      The film is too sprawling in extent, too noisy as to background music and voices and much too obvious in the application of its social significance notes. But while it isn’t the best picture to come out of Hollywood this year, nor is it Capra’s masterpiece, it tells a good story and its conclusion has a heart-warming effect on the audience.

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