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It's a Wonderful Life
Frank Capra
(1946)
130min
U Certificate
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Review
Our Score
by
David Parkinson
This masterpiece from Frank Capra is a film with much more to it than festive feel-good sentimentality and still has a lot to say about community spirit. As the suicidal man who is shown the value of his life by his guardian angel, central character George Bailey is Mr Deeds, John Doe and Mr Smith rolled into one and only James Stewart could have so successfully lent him the self-doubt that gnaws away at his essential decency. As with all good morality tales, the villain has to be exceptional, too, and Lionel Barrymore is at the peak of his powers as the evil Potter. The term Capra-esque is too often misapplied: forget the imitations and revel in the genuine article.
Summary
A hard-working, small-town businessman comes to think his life has been a complete waste of time and tries to commit suicide. At the last minute, his guardian angel pays him a visit and makes him realise his true worth by showing him what would have happened to those around him had he never been born. Fantasy drama, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Thomas Mitchell and Frank Faylen.
Cast & Crew
George Bailey
James Stewart
Mary Hatch
Donna Reed
Mr Potter
Lionel Barrymore
Uncle Billy
Thomas Mitchell
Clarence Oddbody
Henry Travers
Mrs Bailey
Beulah Bondi
Ernie
Frank Faylen
Bert
Ward Bond
Violet Bick
Gloria Grahame
Mr Gower
H B Warner
Harry Bailey
Todd Karns
Pa Bailey
Samuel S Hinds
Cousin Tilly
Mary Teen
Sam Wainwright
Frank Albertson
Little George Bailey
Robert J Anderson
Director
Frank Capra
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Black and white
Theatrical distributor:
Park Circus
Available on:
video, DVD and Blu-ray
Released on:
14 Dec 2018
Drama
Full Episode Guide
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