SNMR 2.15: "It's a Wonderful Life"

In the spirit of Christmas, tonight's SNMR feature is "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946, NR, B&W, 132 minutes), starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Thomas Mitchell, Gloria Grahame, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond, Frank Albertson, H.B. Warner and Todd Karns. The film was directed by Frank Capra.

The first time that I saw this film was as a junior in college. I had heard of it, of course but at that time was prejudiced against black and white movies. My California roommate Steve was dumbfounded that I had never watched this movie before and immediately insisted that I watch it. Since then, I've watched it hundreds of times.

From the DVD's dust case:

No one is born to be a failure. No one is poor who has friends. Simple thoughts that were the inspiration for one of the richest, most uplifting, most beloved American films ever made. Frank Capra's classic tale of George Bailey and his Christmas Eve visit with a guardian angel was nominated for five Oscars (but didn't win any) including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. After more than 50 years it remains as powerful and moving as the day it was made.

From Martin & Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2007, p. 574:

Have you ever wished you'd never been born? What if that wish were granted? That's the premise of Frank Capra's heartbreaking, humorous and ultimately heartwwarming It's a Wonderful Life. The story is about a good man who is so busy helping others that life seems to pass him by.

This is one of the best films ever made, in any era. Period. James Stewart (in his first role after returning from fighting in World War II) and Donna Reed headline a superb cast with top notch acting. The story is marvelous and incredibly touching. This is one of those rare films that gets me all weepy at the end, every time. How could you not be? Watch it every Christmas, own it (a must for any movie-buff or film historian). Obviously, this film gets five out of five stars.