It's a Wonderful Life

December 21, 2011

The year is 1946. The movie is Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life. The movie star is Jimmy Stewart. It is about a small town man dreaming of traveling the world. Circumstances, of course, prevent him from doing that. So, he stays and lives his life out in the small town, marrying, having 4 children, and taking over the family business. The movie is considered by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best films ever made. It is a holiday classic and watched by millions. But in 1946, the movie was considered a box office flop because of its high production costs and stiff competition at the time of its release. It was nominated for 5 academy awards and won none. The reason for its success is that all people can relate to George Bailey. He considered himself a failure and received the opportunity from his guardian angel to see what the world would be like without him. In the end, he saw how many lives he had touched, saved, or inspired over the course of his life. To quote the last lines of the movie…  "Remember George, no man is a failure who has friends."

So this holiday season, stop and think about the people in your life, the lives you have touched and the lives that have touched you, and think how truly rich we are to have friends and family in our lives.

Take a few hours out of your busy lives to relax and enjoy It’s A Wonderful Life, either on TV or check out the DVD or video from your local library! Merry Christmas!!

Donna B.
Blue Springs North Branch