With Christmas just around the corner, It's that time of the year to revisit the old 1944 classic film It's a Wonderful Life starring the iconic American actor James Stewart.
Although it is considered one of the most famous movies of all time due to its wholesome nature and universal appeal, there has been somewhat of an effort to tuck it away in an old chest in recent decades (see a recent discussion of this). This is perhaps due to its underlying arcs and moral lessons about life, love, and the importance of family and friends.
The classic film's themes are universal: Family, Life, Purpose, and Greed. Such themes never fade since they are timeless and are present in every culture around the world.
So, I thought I would venture to experiment a bit here on Steemit and see what comes of it. I'd like to start a discussion about the movie, its themes, its parallels to the present society in which we find ourselves.
For this, and for those willing, I propose the following framework, or sections below in this post:
- Background
- Synopsis
- Discussion Questions
- Favorite Moments
So please, feel free to join in the holiday fun and help this old classic come back to life.
Background
First, a few short notes on the background of the film.
The movie was inspired on a 1943 short story entitled The Greatest Gift written by Philip Van Doren Stern. You can read the story here(PDF).
It is also worthwhile to note that It's a Wonderful Life was written and directed by the very gifted Frank Capra who directed another American classic also starring James Stewart, namely Mr Smith goes to Washington (1939).
Both films share and depict two common themes - those of greed and corruption with the earlier film depicting an already very corrupt US Congress (as far back as in the 1930's).
Needless to say, Capra had a very astute grasp and handle on such matters that concern us even to this day.
Well, with those few tidbits out of the way, lets proceed with the film's synopsis...
Synopsis
On the Christmas Eve of Bedford Falls, the guardian angel Clarence is assigned to convince the desperate George Bailey not to commit suicide. George is a good man that sacrificed his dreams and his youth on behalf of the citizens of his small town. He inherited the loan business of his father and he gave up traveling the world and joining University as scheduled. Later he resisted the proposals of the evil banker Mr. Potter, and never sold his business to protect the poor community of Bedford Falls and offer a means to afford to buy their own house. He married his beloved Mary Hatch Bailey and had four children with her and a tough life with his family. When his uncle Billy loses US$ 8,000.00, found and stolen by Mr. Potter, George decides to commit suicide, since he believes he worth more dead than alive. When Clarence sees that he is not able to persuade George to give up his intention, he decides to show the life in town if George had never existed. (source)
Discussion Questions
Firstly, I'd be curious to know if you have seen the film or not. If willing, please state whether you have seen the film or not, your age (and location) below before elaborating on any of the DQs (Discussion Questions) in the Comments section below.
Alright, now here are some questions I'd like to use to explore the various arcs, twists, and turns of this wonderful film.
Question #1 - Setting
This question is about the main setting for the movie. Most of the story takes place in Bedford Falls town in upstate New York in the 1940s. Describe 2 things that illustrate this particular time and place.
And you can also compare how things have changed since then. Feel free to substitute your hometown from the 1940s compared to today (hint: you can ask your parents or grandparents for help)
You can even post some old photos if you wish!
Question #2 - Symbolism
Near the beginning of the tale, George Bailey is given a brand new suitcase from his former boss, Mr. Gower. In this case, the suitcase represents freedom and escape, as when he is a young man, George wishes to escape the boredom of his small, humdrum, town.
To me, one of the strongest symbols found in the film is that of George's 5 year-old daughter Zuzu, namely the petals from her flower.
After George is having a terrible day, he finds out Zuzu is sick with a cold and checks on her. She tells him that the petals from her flower have fallen off and she asks daddy to paste them back on. He pretends to do so while putting them in his pants pocket and tells her the flower is as good as new. Later in the story George searches his pocket to find Zuzu's petals but his guardian angel Clarence tells him they're not there as he has decided to forego his life. Near the end of the film just before George thinks all is lost, he starts to realize that he is back where he belongs and immediately checks his pocket for Zuzu's petals; they are there and he is so elated and rejoiced.
The petals symbolize life and the strong bond that exist between family members, and that there's always a way out. Even thought the petals came off, their connection to the source is unbreakable. In other words, no matter how things get broken in one's life, there's always a path to redemption. It's just a matter of finding it.
Question 3 - Mr. Potter
Who is Mr. Potter? What does he do? What are some of his personality characteristics? How does his character relate to matters in today's world?
Question 4 - Clarence, the guardian angel
How does Clarence – George’s guardian angel – get George to “come around” and not be suicidal anymore? Do you believe in guardian angels?
Question 5 - Pottersville
When George is shown as if he never existed the town (Bedford Falls) he used to know and live in no longer exists but is now Pottersville. Describe the setting of Pottersville. How does it contrast with that of Bedford Falls? How do its people seem different?
Question 6 - Themes
What are the main themes explored in this movie? How does Frank Capra, the director, shape them? And how do they related to today's world/society?
- Question 7 - Lessons & Morals
What are the lessons and morals to be drawn from this tale? What are its timeless messages?
- Question 8 - Family & Community
Have we lost the sense of family & community, or are these still intact and thriving in modern society?
Feel free to answer whichever questions you want or simply add any of your personal observations.
Favorite Moments
There are so many favorite moments for me and I am sure many as well for countless others who have watched this classic.
I will only state one which I found to be particularly poignant.
It is at the end of the movie when George's brother Harry returns from war/duty. It is a nice surprise to George and upon his arrival Harry makes a toast saying:
"A toast, to my big brother George. The richest man in town".
I think at this point, George does indeed realizes that being rich is not about money. But rather, about the strong bonds created with family, friends, and community.
This is something that seems more and more lacking in today's materialistic and socially engineered world. It takes us back to basics by making us realize what is truly important in life.
What is your favorite moment?
Post below.
Peace.