It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s A Wonderful Life is the quintessential Christmas movie. It is powerful and easily a favorite of many. I watch it every year. It helps remind me of the most important things in life. James Stewart’s performance is great, but it certainly wouldn’t be the same without Lionel Barrymore. The awesome evilness of Mr. Potter is essential to the story. The character is based upon Ebenezer Scrooge.

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Lionel Barrymore

Barrymore is so great in his role. I couldn’t imagine anyone else. We also have him to thank for James Stewart taking the role of George Bailey. He actually convinced him to accept the role. Stewart had recently returned from fighting in WWII and was concerned he wasn’t ready for it yet. Thankfully, Barrymore persuaded him. It would have been a completely different movie without Stewart.

Barrymore also exhibited a kind of fun side on set. He challenged Donna Reed to milk a cow on-set. She won the impromptu bet, having grown up in Iowa.

His look was based on the farmer in the painting “American Gothic” at Frank Capra’s request.

James Stewart

The part was rewritten for Stewart by Frank Capra. Originally, Cary Grant was set to star when the part of George Bailey was being developed by another studio.

Donna Reed

This kissing scene is so intense and passionate. I really enjoy the chemistry that Reed and Stewart share. It’s hard to believe that this was her first staring role.

Awards Galore!

This film had 5 Oscar winners. Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart, Donna Reed, Gloria Graham {Violet} and Thomas Mitchell {Uncle Billy}. I think my favorite part with Uncle Billy is the ad-lib by Mitchell in the scene below. A crew member actually dropped a tray of props at that moment and Mitchell threw in, “I’m alright! I’m okay!” as if Uncle Billy had drunkenly stumbled into some garbage cans.

I’m not sure how I feel about this being colorized by the way, but I couldn’t find it otherwise.

Bottom Line

This is a wonderful movie. There are great performances by all the actors involved and it’s a heartfelt story. Christmas just isn’t Christmas without it.

This post was written for In the Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood‘s Barrymore Trilogy Blogathon. Check out all the entries!

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