Christmas Classic – “It’s a Wonderful Life” - A Romantics Perspective, by Jacquée T.
Since he was a young boy, George Bailey dreamed of leaving the quaint town, Bedford Falls, and traveling the world. Yet as an adult, he finds that achieving that goal isn’t easy, especially since he feels responsible for the family business Savings and Loan.
One Christmas Eve, George meets yet another crisis in the family business, and this one is about to drive him to the point of suicide. A guardian angel, Clarence, is sent to dissuade him from making such a mistake.
Though It’s a Wonderful Life has a timeless theme of man embracing ambitions, ’tis engrained in a Christmas timeline that frames the beginning and end of the story.
This movie, for me, has become as much a part of the Christmas tradition as sending cards and baking sugar cookies. I cannot recall the first time I saw It’s A Wonderful Life, yet I’ve made a point to watch it at least once per year since.
And this is the time to watch it. Just like Christmas carols, it doesn’t seem right in July.
Perhaps it’s a great holiday time movie — other than the fact that much of it takes place on Christmas Eve — because it embraces family and friendship. Plus, the snow scenes are convincing enough to make you want to put on your own scarf and coat. And, it embraces ambition, and reflecting on life — things we tend to think about as the year nears a close.
I practically know this movie by heart, yet I laugh or get weepy in the same places. Each time I anticipate these scenes, I tell myself “you know what happens next — no surprise therefore no need to snicker,” or “no need to get teary-eyed.” Yet I do.
I wish I could erase It’s A Wonderful Life from my mind, so I could watch it again for the first time. Yet, short of a good hit on the head, that’s not possible. The next best thing is to find a friend who hasn’t seen it yet. I did! And I’m going to wrangle him to watch it with me. I know he’ll love it, and I’ll love watching his reactions.
It’s a Wonderful Life features a superb human interest story and a love story stitched beautifully within. If you have seen it, I recommend you take time to watch it again. Pop the popcorn, pour a cup of mulled wine and enjoy!