Credit to source and image-It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

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.

Lovely film.

'It's a Wonderful Life' is enjoyable, hearty and well crafted. It takes longer than I would've predicted to get to 'the event', but it's very much worth seeing the journey that comes before - as we see the arc of James Stewart's George. It all crescendos with an ending that you can't help but smile at.

Stewart is excellent in the lead role, you really do see every single emotion that his character goes through. He is, by far, the standout performer, but there are of course good performances from the likes of Donna Reed (Mary), Lionel Barrymore (Henry) and Henry Travers (Clarence).

I did notice a few weird cuts in there, not that I hold that against it or did it affect my enjoyment - it's just noticeable. I see, via other reviewers, that there's a colour version - Channel 4 showed the black-and-white version over here in the UK. I can't say I felt the need for colour, which is always a good sign.

Wholesome. Not that it, evidently given the average rating, needs to be said by someone like me, but: I'd certainly recommend this.

Full Cast & Crew

James Stewart-George Bailey

Donna Reed-Mary Hatch

Lionel Barrymore-Mr. Potter

Thomas Mitchell-Uncle Billy

Henry Travers-Clarence

Beulah Bondi-Mrs. Bailey

Frank Faylen-Ernie

Ward Bond-Bert

Gloria Grahame-Violet

Frank Capra

Director, Screenplay

Frances Goodrich

Screenplay

Albert Hackett

Screenplay

Credit to source and image-It's a Wonderful Life (1946)