It’s a Wonderful Life

This film addresses the area of emotional intelligence. The legendary James Stewart (HARVEY, VERTIGO) stars as George Bailey. George is a noble man who has spent much of his life on a crusade to stop shady local businessman Henry Potter (Lionel Barrymore – TREASURE ISLAND, DUEL IN THE SUN) from taking over the picturesque town of Bedford Falls. However, on a typically snow-covered Christmas Eve, George plays right into Potter’s hands when his uncle manages to lose a considerable amount of their family business’ money on the way to the bank. Ironically, Potter discovers the missing money and hides it, knowing that its disappearance will tarnish the Baileys’ white-than-white reputation.

Taking responsibility for the shortage and realising that he faces prison, George attempts to kill himself but in a bizarre twist of fate is visited by a guardian angel. In true Dickensian style, George’s newfound friend gives him the opportunity to glimpse a world without him in it and the repercussions his absence has on his nearest and dearest.

  Who is the most emotionally intelligent – George Bailey or Henry Potter?   The films themes are about coping with stress and suicide, the effect we have on the people around us and what makes a successful life and human being.  

Nominated for numerous Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director) and ranking at number 11 on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 greatest movies, Director Frank Capra (MR. DEED’S GOES TO TOWN, LOST HORIZON) managed to create a poignant and feel-good film that has stood the test of time and is rightly considered to be the quintessential Christmas classic.