George Bailey (Stewart) is a good sort. He saved his kid brother drowning, he stopped a depressed druggist from accidentally poisoning someone, and he gave up his dreams to continue his father's savings and loan business to stop the old Scrooge-like Henry F. Potter (Barrymore), from gaining a complete monopoly of the town. But George is at a crisis, and contemplates ending it all one Christmas Eve, until Clarence, an unlikely guardian angel, shows him what the world would be like without him, and the vision is more hellish than he could possible imagine.
The film is one of many sentimental dramas by Capra, but it is perhaps the most complete. The film itself has gone on to become the quintessential Christmas movie despite the fact that Capra himself never wanted the film pigeonholed as a "Christmas picture" and instead wanted it to celebrate the lives and dreams of ordinary American citizens. It has nonetheless had a long life after its initial release with countless TV reruns and DVD/bluray purchases. The film itself is well directed, perfectly cast with Jimmy Stewart's "awshucks" good fella routine serving him well and Lionel Barrymore clearly having a great deal of fun as the miserly Potter.
The film will be screened on Wednesday 14 December at 6pm at Narellan Library, Corner of Queen and Elyard Street, Narellan. Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided, but BYO snacks are more than welcome. Stay after the screening to share your thoughts about the film and join in a discussion about the many wonderful moments in the film.
