Editor Review

I can understand the reluctance of some to watch It's a Wonderful Life for the first time. It's a black and white movie from 1946 that lasts 130 minutes.

But this is the quintessential Christmas movie, and it is worth every second.

James Stewart is on top form as protagonist George Bailey, an ordinary, moral man who is discouraged by the world and contemplates suicide. An angel shows him what his town of Bedford Falls would be like had he never been born, and he regains appreciation for what's truly important.

Frank Capra's best film spans Bailey's lifetime while also telling of American life, beginning in 1919, continuing through the roaring 20's, the Great Depression and into the Post-War America of 1946.

As a child, George saves his brother's life, defends his hard-working father in front of Mr. Potter, the rich Scrooge of the film, and saves his employer Mr. Gower from imprisonment through negligence. This good nature continues into his adult life, sacrificing his own drive and career goals for the good of the community and his family.

He marries his long-term admirer, the beautiful and charming Mary Hatch - played by Donna Reed - who is a perfect mixture of wholesome sex appeal and home-grown, American strength and virtue. They don't do starlets like they used to, and Donna Reed is glorious. Her charm with Stewart, particularly on their walk home from the graduation dance, is nothing short of mesmerising.

The chord that It's a Wonderful Life strikes with modern audiences is no surprise, since it encapsulates all that the difficulties of modern life entail. Because, in a way, we are all George Bailey. We all had wild plans to adventure and build and romance. But, when we see how large one modest man's impact on the world actually was, the sincere message is loud and clear; what makes you happy is not beyond the horizon, but at home.

The pejorative term "Capra-corn" was often used for Frank Capra's wholesome, feel-good films, but when done correctly, as in this case, he can create a truly uplifting tale.

The sheer excitement of Stewart running through the snow is uplifting. If only every festive return home was as spine-tingling. This touching finale can draw tears from the sternest of men. And never has there been a more deserving picture.

George Bailey is "the richest man in town." And in that way, so are we all.

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