With a superb ensemble cast including
Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore, the hero is, of course,
George Bailey (Stewart), a man who never quite makes it out
of his quiet birthplace of Bedford Falls. As a young man
he dreams of shaking the dust from his shoes and travelling
to far-off lands, but one thing and then another keeps him
at home - especially his responsibility to the family savings
and loan association, which is the only thing standing between
Bedford Falls and the greed of Mr. Potter (Barrymore), the
avaricious local banker.
George marries his high school sweetheart
(Donna Reed, in her first starring role), settles down to
raise a family, and helps half the poor folks in town buy
homes where they can raise their own. Then, when George's
absentminded uncle (Thomas Mitchell) misplaces some bank
funds during the Christmas season, it looks as if the evil
Potter will have his way after all and George loses hope.
In despair he stands on a bridge contemplating
suicide when an Angel 2nd Class named Clarence (Henry Travers)
gives him the greatest Christmas gift of all by showing him
what life in Bedford Falls would have been like without him
and saving him.
An all time favourite with fans and critics
alike, the Collector’s Edition DVD includes a digitally
remastered version of the film, a 23 minute ‘Making
of It’s A Wonderful Life’ narrated by Tom Bosley
and a personal introduction by Frank Capra Jr. Don’t
forget – every time a bell rings, an angel gets its
wings!
Running Time: 168 minutes
Certificate: U |
