IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) TWIN BROTHERS FIRST TIME WATCHING MOVIE REACTION!
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- Опубліковано 21 гру 2023
- We had no idea what It's a Wonderful Life was all about, we had zero expectations and thought we were getting a corny Christmas story; but this movie is an incredible film from acting and storytelling!
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In 1982, I was on the verge of doing something very stupid. Before I had the chance though, this movie came on the TV. It was the first time I had seen it and it changed my life. This movie is the main reason I am here today to even write this. I watch it ever year and cry and thank God that he placed this movie before me to show me how wrong I was. I hope you get as much from this movie as I did and do each and every time I watch it. I am going to grab some Kleenex now and watch your reaction.
Agreed 🎉🎉
That’s the year I was born. I’m glad to be living in a world that has you in it.
Im glad your still around buddy
I’m so very glad you’re still here with us, friend. 💜
😢 Looks like I need some of that kleenex too.
Sam Wainwright actually wasn't an a-hole. He was one of George's closest childhood friends. He actually wanted George to become a rich man because of how genuine he was. And, Sam also came in clutch at the end because he never forgot their friendship.
Yeah, Sam is a great guy!
Not only that, George was the reason he made a fortune so fast by talking him out of building in Rochester and putting the factory in Bedford Falls where he could do it cheaper. He never forgot that and was there when George needed him.
He also had good taste in women--he was also a suitor of Mary's. Also didn't hold a grudge against George for winning her heart.
YES! ❤ IT Was Young George that told Young SAM about that New "THING" with Soy Bean, to Make Plastic! 😂
@@rikk319 He probably had an idea, I'm sure George came up once in a while, and he saw how she lit up at his mention. That's why he had a girl in New York when calling Mary.
There’s a reason this is one of the VERY few non-animated Christmas classics to not get a remake. It’s already perfect.
That usually doesn't stop them, tho.
Actually remade for TV when the original film was barely available to watch: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Happened_One_Christmas
it was remade in the 80's it was horrible staring Marlo Thomas
It's been remade many, many times, including one starring Marlo Thomas and Wayne Rogers.
Family Man with Nic Cage was a loose remake
One detail I love on re-watch is when Potter snidely tells George to go ask all his "riff-raff" friends for $8000, and predicts that they'll all "run you out of town on a rail." Because Potter literally can't conceive of a world where people actually take care of each other, or feel gratitude for each other. That's how bitter and impoverished Potter's soul has become.
Excellent point.
Even Hee Haw (who would have never invested in jelly(soy) beans gets the value of old friends and community.
Great point.
"To my big brother George, the richest man in town."
That line always makes me sob😭😭😭
Its a tradition to watch this film every Christmas and cry uncontrollably. Literally the most perfect happy ending in film history.
I'm Not crying.... you are...... ok, maybe we both are.
It’s not only the sentiment, it’s the crack in his voice…😢
I am always a puddle.
It’s a great ending, but I always have to watch the “lost ending” bit from SNL afterward. Seeing Potter get the shit beat out of him by everyone adds the absolute perfect catharsis to it.
He’s the richest man in town, but not because of his money!
Jimmy Stewart, the actor who played George, is seriously one of the best actors ever on the big screen. You should take a look at some of his other movies.
For anyone that really enjoyed Jimmy Stewart's performance give "Rear Window" a try. It's an Alfred Hitchcock movie from 1954. Bonus - the drop dead gorgeous Grace Kelly co-stars.
@@karenlkvm I liked Flight of the Phoenix.
He is my most favorite actor of all time
•You Can’t Take It with You
•Mr Smith Goes to Washington, (both by Frank Capra),
•Harvey
•The Shop around the Corner
•The Mortal Storm
•The Philadelphia Story
•The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance…
@@francoisevassy6614 -- I don't recall "The Mortal Storm" - I'll have to look that one up. I really like Stewart in "Mr. Smith" and "The Shop Around the Corner" was remade into a modern film with Tom Hanks in "You've Got Mail".
That bar scene where he's praying to God, no acting...just raw emotion from his PTSD from the WW2. I remember reading that this movie actually saved alot of returning soldiers lives. They all felt lost when they returned and this movie gave them hope. This is and has been my Christmas Eve movie for the past 20 yr.
It's not just the fact that George is distraught about never being able to achieve any of his dreams, he was about to be arrested, jailed and charged with bank fraud. His family was going to be forever ruined by this which is why he hugs his child in such despair. In his mind that may well have been the last normal moment they would ever have again. And yes, James Stuart (George) is one of the greatest American actors ever.
The fact that you guys knew nothing about the movie and had low expectations made this reaction perfect🥰🥰🥰👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
I read another reaction video commenter who pointed out that Sam (“Mr. Hee-Haw”) owed George a lot. George was the one who told Sam about the empty factory and available workers in Bedford Falls when he was just getting started in plastics, more than likely saving Sam a lot in start-up costs as his business was getting launched. That offer to advance George $25K was more than just a friendly gesture, it was him paying George back an old debt. That lack of a factory in town contributed to the difference between Bedford Falls and Pottersville.
@@Jamessir_Bensonmum Here’s what is said:
Sam: “George, you remember that night in Martini’s bar when you told me you read someplace about making plastics out of soybeans?…Well, Dad's snapped up the idea. He's going to build a factory outside of Rochester. How do you like that?”
George: “Rochester? Well, why Rochester?”
Sam: “Well, why not? Can you think of anything better?”
George: “Oh, I don't know... why not right here? You remember that old tool and machinery works? You tell your father he can get that for a song. And all the labor he wants, too. Half the town was thrown out of work when they closed down.
Sam: “That so? Well, I'll tell him. Hey, that sounds great! Oh, baby, I knew you'd come through.”
So, not only did George tell him about the empty factory, he was also the one to get Sam interested in plastics to begin with.
He Made Sam's Family Rich,to Keep BEDFORD FALLS going, for the Town's Sake! ❤
@@luvsumkahlua7730 I think Sam's Family already had quite a bit of money (Sam's Dad can just build a factory on a whim), but George definitely set them up in plastics.
George also gave Sam the idea of how to make the plastics I never thought of that before as much as I have watch this movie he actually should be given George a whole lot of money in the hundreds of thousands or millions.
The other incredible thing is this was 1946! Where the idea of a plastics revolution was a pretty far-fetched idea!
Even in “The Graduate,” decades later, plastics were STILL in their infancy as an industry…with the famous dialogue in the movie discussing it.
George Bailey is one of the most relatable characters in film. You grow up with dreams and ambitions, but life goes in a different direction but not necessarily the wrong one. And sometimes a reminder is needed to make you grateful for what you have. Also, the idea of putting others first is so well done in this, that it makes the final scene a REAL tearjerker.
James Stuart flew as the pilot of an B-24 Liberator more then 20 mission over Germany from 1944-1945. So the fragile character we see in this fantastic movie from 1946 was for a large part based on his experiences from WW2
My Dad served in the same unit, the 445th Bomb Group, Based at Tibbenham, England! The Both were Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism in Aerial Combat! Jimmy Stewart was the Real Deal!
That's an interesting thought in respect of some of his other roles. For an actor known for portraying amiability he was excellent at depicting trauma and fragility too - Vertigo obviously springs to mind...
_'Stewart'_
Jimmy Stewart was an American icon. The only actor that carries a similar credibility today is Morgan Freeman. Same feel. If he's in it, probably a good movie.
Chris and Curtis going into the movie with zero expectations but were immediately completely invested
1933 and 34 was the worst part of the Great Depression. People panicked and withdrew all their money. There was no federal insurance on bank deposits so if there was no money left people lost everything and the bank would close never to reopen.
Case in point for why fractional reserve banking/lending is theft and should be illegal.
@earlofbroadst Earl you're smarter than me could you break that down. I'd like to understand it. Thank you.
I can't even watch a reaction on this movie without crying.
Same! I cry at every reaction video of this movie.
Same
Same here. I couldn't even watch it at all for the last few years, until last year.
"No man is a failure who has friends."
It's a Wonderful Life is my all time favorite Christmas film. It's the best feel-good movie that everyone needs to watch because it shows how everyone is important. No one is bigger than anyone else. We all matter because we as individuals can make a difference, no matter the situation that comes towards us.
Also, Fun Fact: James Stewart was nervous about the phone kiss scene because it was his first onscreen kiss since his return to Hollywood after the war. Under director Frank Capra's watchful eye, James Stewart filmed the scene in only one unrehearsed take and it worked so well that part of the embrace was cut because it was too passionate to pass the censors.
Cadinho
I buy my friends😮
@@Steve-gx9ot Rent them, it's cheaper 😁
Do imaginary friends count ? I, unlike any kid who has ever or will ever live, was different because I had imaginary friends. I know what you're thinking. "Lots of kids have them". Not like me. My imaginary friends were real people, I just imagined they were my friends
@Superman679
WOW YOU ARE SPECIAL
(in your mind)...
and that is all that matters
(In your mind)
Blessed are the beasts and chiluns!♡
I cry every time I read that bit from Clarence in the end. I'm sad and smiling in turns throughout the flick, but that part makes the tears come (with a big smile, of course). Just the perfect summation of the flick.
I'm so glad you guys watched this. This my favorite Christmas movie. The scenes where Jimmy Stewart is being emotional and you said he was a great actor, he actually wasn't just acting. He was suffering from PTSD really bad while filming this movie.
Well, it helped because it produced maybe his best performance ever and he was excellent in Mr. Smith and Harvey.
@oliviarogers
I disagree. It was phenomenal acting. Whether he had PTSD or not. He had been in many films before the war & he was exceptional then, too.
♡ Merry Christmas & have a great new year! :)
@wallyboy6666 I didn't say he was a bad actor. I was talking about those scenes specifically of him crying. Cause he was actually crying.
@@oliviarogers2808 i know what youre trying to say but like, he IS acting lol. he knows a camera is on him, and he knows he's playing George bailey. he just had a lot of trauma to draw on, like some of the best actors do :) anyway just my opinion, merry christmas
eh, this is a bit of a stretch. sure, he was drawing from trauma and life experience but he was still acting.
The taxicab driver and the cop, Bert and Ernie, were the inspirations for the Sesame Street characters of the same name.
Not to be "that person," but in the biography of Jim Henson, none of Henson's friends acknowledge this, or remember having any conversation with Henson about IAWL (including Frank Oz, who played Bert); and, in fact, "It's a Wonderful Life" was well out of circulation when those Muppets were created, meaning Henson would have had to have remembered their names about 15 years after the film was last available. It's one of those things that genuinely might be a coincidence. (Forgive me for the correction, but my dogs are named Ernie and Bert - after BOTH pairs of characters.)
@@jasondavidsscott3828 If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. I can't recall where I heard that. So I can't confirm the source at all.
Maybe it's just a cool little lie?
🤔
@@jasondavidsscott3828 I heard the same thing
@jasondavidsscott3828 no on cah confirm that you named your DAWGS Burnt and ernie= more likely banes given to them by their mom (female dog= bitch)❤
@@jasondavidsscott3828 Maybe it was subconscious as far as Henson choosing those names. The names Bert and Ernie are too uncommon to be a happenstance, I think.
He did hee-haw because that's how they greeted their classmates when they were kids. Each class has a catch-phrase or inside saying only to themselves.
Hee haw used by kids, used instead to call someone an "ass" ( donkey hee-haws)😮
Jimmy Stewart almost completely quit acting after his experiencing in WW2, but the man who played mr Potter (one of the Barrymores, yes like in Drew Barrymore) convinced him to do this film, and even tho it was a failure at the box office originally, it was incredibly therapeutic for Stewart, and he managed to go on to have a further successful film career. (including my favourite Hitchcock film, Read Window)
Lionel Barrymore
Rear window
This movie was actually first released in theaters in July. It was never meant to be a "Christmas" movie.
Oh! Didn’t expect to see you in the comments! Great work btw!
Two points I think a lot of people miss.
1) Potter offered George a 3 year contract. Do you think he would has renewed the contract after the 3 years? Potter is considered one of the all time villains. He had the money yet swore out the arrest warrant.
2) During the honeymoon when Mary says what her wish was, she says it in George’s bad ear so he still did not know.
Point #1: yes I’ve always wondered why no one ever mentions that.
Point #2: I’ve never noticed that! Thanks for pointing that out.
Right. He would have kicked George to the gutter as soon as he destroyed the Building and Loan
Even though it doesn't mention any of it, I like to think the gregarious sheriff/marshall ends up opening an investigation into the lost $8000, Potter gets found out, and he ends up having a heart attack from the stress of the investigation.
I think George may have been so effective in the role Potter would've grown to depend on him and ultimately left everything to him.
I heard that nearly got the film banned by the censors since at the time the laws required a villain either repent or be shown to get their just rewards for their acts but he doesn't do either and at the end of the film still has the money he essentially stole.
This was one of my dad’s favorite movies. He watched it every Christmas. He died two years ago just before Christmas and so this movie feels extra personal. It has a beautiful timeless message as well.
Merry Christmas ❤
Condolences. My dad passed away in 2017, and mom in 2007. We grew up watching this every year, and I can't help but think that it somehow shaped me. The way I look at the world, money, power, meaning, etc. This movie is so much.
❤
I'm 55 and my kids watched it
Now my grandkids watch it. We have to keep this movie alive❤
I’m 55, too. No kids or grandkids. And I agree.
56 here and I’ve done my part! My sons (22 & 25) have been “forced” to watch this every year with me. Merry Christmas 🎄🌟
my favorite holiday film, hits harder after loosing my wife of 17 years last year. This movie tests your capacity as a human to feel. It was nice to see both of you appreciate this classic and its dark and hopeful tones
When this movie came out, it
was not well received at the
box office .... it was only many
years later it got the recognition
It truly deserved ....and what
a iconic film
You are absolutely correct. Ironically, the film’s flop at the box office was probably what made it so popular decades later. Like Potter, I believe one of the tv networks (NBC?) bought the rights to the film in the early ‘60s for pennies on the dollar. It was supposed to be just a fill-in for their Christmas TV season. It performed so well it became a regular Christmas staple. It’s gained in popularity ever since.
I believe this movie came out the same year as "Gone with the Wind", which added to the reason it was largely ignored.
This movie was 1947. GWTW was 1939, like the Wizard of Oz. @@cindyspangler3982
@@cindyspangler3982 No, Gone with the Wind was several years before this
I remember the 80s SNL skit of the "alternate" ending of It's a Wonderful Life where George finds out that Mr. Potter took the money and everbody in town took turns beating crap out of him. lol
Not just one of the greatest Christmas movies, but one of the greatest movies ever made.
I met Zuzu at the beginning of December! She is just as sweet as she was in the movie and her smile and eyes are still the same! She travels to craft shows and wants to have a personal conversation and connection with each person in line for her to sign the keepsake bells or books she sells at her booth. I cant speak highly enough of her ❤❤❤❤❤ She makes everyone she talks to smile and feel valued ❤. If that isnt living out the point of the story, what is?!
Awww that is so heartwarming! ❤❤❤
That's so sweet ❤
If you want to check out another old movie that's pretty high class and that a lot of reactors like, watch the 1957 "12 Angry Men." You won't be sorry.
My all time favorite movie right there. Would love so see that reaction
Another great black and white movie. They used to make movies to make works of art and for the love of making movies. Today, they just make movies to make money.
This is my favorite Christmas movie. James Stewart, who played George, was an amazing actor.
I love how Mary shows up with the 2000$ and doesn't even hesitate just automatically knows what to do!!!❤
Great movie made the year I was born. The guy George cut in on dancing with Mary is Alfalfa from Our Gang. Jimmy Stewart made this movie just after his service in WW2 as a medal winning Brigadere General fighter pilot pilot. Mr Potter is Lionel Barrymore, Drew's grandpa. Bert & Ernie were named after this movie. Your wonderful reaction just confirms why the movies of the 30's 40's movies are so much better than most movies of today. Strictly story based, with no special effect to grab attention. Thanks.
Drew's grandpa is actually Lionel's brother, John Drew Barrymore Sr.
Clarence angel = very sexy with great charisma❤
He was a B-24 bomber pilot, and retired as a brigadier general in 1968, but wasn't one in WW2. My dad was Air Force and revered the guy for no small reason :D
Lionel Barrymore (who played Potter) is actually Drew Barrymore's great-uncle. And according to Sesame Street writers, the naming of the muppets was purely coincidental.
I know it's a crazy concept, but some people make sacrifices for the good of others. It's not always about what you "want" to do, sometimes it's about what you need to do.
Yes! Seems like most people today think that happiness comes from focusing on yourself, while actually the opposite is true.
@@shirw It wasn't making George happy though. Making sacrifice after sacrifice drove him into misery and almost cost his life. The results of his kindness came back to make him happy in the end, but it wouldn't have done him any good if his wife hadn't asked the community to support him. He had the selflessness part down - everyone knows that. He just needed the humility to let others help him.
Every MCU villain looks at Mr potter like “at least I’m not that bad”
Yeah, so nixe to rationaliza "at least I am not THAT BAD" as convicts look at Serial killers and say it!!
Just stupidly insane...😮
This is a whole other level of film. It's literally a classic film. And the number of parodies and references for this film and its scenes is pretty large as well.
Hope y'all get around to CASABLANCA as well.
It seems like every TV sitcom and series had at least one "Wonderful Life" inspired episode where a character sees what life would've been like without them.
@@dr.burtgummerfan439 There’s also the great Saturday Night Live sketch about the Lost Ending of It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s the best.
This movie was not a hit when released. It faded from memory for many years until it became public domain and then was shown by television stations needing Christmas movies. It is a hit now.
Casablanca would be a great one . They would love it !
My mom convinced me to watch it with her when I was around 17, been in love ever since,
Jimmy Stewart is amazing, and Donna Reid is absolutely adorable,
This movie flopped in theaters, can you imagine?
Now that you've seen it, you will begin to notice the "never been born" theme in many many t.v shows, and other movies, and how much this story has influenced and inspired so so many people ❤
What's interesting is that even though the "current" scenes are supposted to take place in late December, it was actually filmed during the heat of a southern California summer, with temperatures above 90F. So, when you see George covered in flop sweat, in frear of losing everything, he's actually sweltering while wearing a winter coat in July.
I looked for this comment. ❤
While filming this, Jimmie Stewart was suffering severe PTSD from World War 2. He was a B-17 bomber pilot in Europe during the war. Some of the depressed scenes were expressing his pain. I think it is safe to say by the end he may have been feeling better. An amazing film.
It was fun watching you guys reacting to it.
Y'all be safe. Have a wonderful Christmas or holiday celebration of your choice.
OK which is it?
Was Jimmy Stewart a ww2 b17 or b24 pilot?
Was he a general later or?
Cuz generals did not fly planes in ww2 and no air force- it was army air corps
He commanded a squadron of B-24's (Walter Matthau served in the same squadron). He flew 20 missions but suffered PTSD because of all the men who died in the war. He actually spent some time in a hospital because of it.
@@Steve-gx9ot I believe he was a general when he was invited to fly in a B-36. There actually is a video here on Y.T. of that flight. Just look for Jimmie Stewart and B-36.
@@Steve-gx9ot He retired as a brigadier general from the Air Force in 1968. He also made a film called Strategic Air Command in 1955, and my dad would watch it whenever it came on TV...he was Air Force, too, worked on B-52s and later the B-1.
I read that when Jimmie Stewart came back from the war, he wasn't interested in making movies, but Lionel Barrymore (who played Mr. Potter) convinced him to do the movie as a way to work through his PTSD.
The ending of this movie makes me cry every year, it never fails.
The movie that mellowed the arrogance right out of Octokrool. We knew how to write movies back in the day, if you don't get the feels during the conclusion of this movie you simply have no heart. You boys would be interested in a SNL sketch from the Dana Carvey era where they figure out where Uncle Billy left the money. It's on UA-cam and is the ending everyone hoped for in the movie.
One of my favorite movies period.
Jimmy Stewart was the Tom Hanks of his day, every film he made was fire.
Check out his work with Hitchcock, "The rear window" is a cinematic masterpiece.
My sister and I are forced to watch this every Christmas by our mom even as adults, but it really is a touching story and has good lessons :)
I've just finished watching it now this is Heartbreaking but beautiful
This film was also innovative. The special effects team invented a new way to create realistic looking snow in the middle of summer. Before, snow was created by using painted corn flakes (too crunchy underfoot); the film's crew created a "chemical snow" using water, soap flakes, foamite, and sugar.
A $20,000 per year salary in 1946 is closer to $300,000 in today's money. Better men then George would've been tempted by that much.
I think you mean "lesser men than George" there was no better human than George Bailey
One of my great-grandmothers was named Mary Hatch. She died during the 1918 Influenza leaving behind a houseful of children including my grandmother who at the age of 17 took over as lady of the house. I put off watching this movie for decades because I assumed I wouldn't enjoy it. I just love that such a wonderful character in such a wonderful film shares the name of the woman who raised my grandmother who raised my mother who raised me. BTW- I was born on Christmas Eve. Loved your reactions - Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas & Happy Birthday, Karen!
@@billolsen4360 Thank you, Merry Christmas!
❤
There's a reason this is considered a Christmas classic. It has everything, especially heart. Happy Holidays, Hot Dog! 🎄🎅🎉🌭
Yes, Uncle Billy puts strings on his fingers to help him remember things ... but it doesn't work very well. Uncle Billy is played by Thomas Mitchell, who was one of the great supporting actors of his generation - and there were a LOT of wonderful supporting actors in this time, who made the movies as great as they were. Mitchell was Scarlett's father in "Gone with the Wind".
Capra, like other directors, like to re-hire favorite actors in his films--the actor who played Mr. Gower was also in Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, among others.
@@rikk319 HB Warner, who was in movies almost from the start - he was Christ in Cecil B De Mille's "King of Kings" in 1927. It's available on YT and one of my favorite moments starts at about 43 mintues in: ua-cam.com/video/XwNhYP9f2hI/v-deo.html
Also, Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter) and Jimmy Stewart acted together in another Capra movie about ten year before this one, "You Can't Take It With You", where Barrymore plays a much nicer (and more central) character.
For me, it’s a Christmas movie but not because it’s taking place at Christmas , it’s because it embodies the spirit of Christmas and what the season is about. Family, community, love, giving to others, selflessness and being grateful for what you have!! It’s a traditional to watch this every year and I always come away so thankful!!!
Tying strings around a finger was a well known way to remember things back in the day.
In an earlier version of this script, Mr. Potter was going to be a classmate with George - and we see them both growing up with George doing his thing and Potter being pretty much the same... but since Potter was younger, there was going to ALSO be a love triangle where Potter wanted to have Mary as his wife. In THAT version, it was an unknown Vincent Price who was going to be Mr. Potter.
When Uncle Billy wanders off and you hear the crash off screen that was the prop kid bumping into the prop table and knocking all the props over - and the actor playing Uncle Billy was QUICK to call out "I'm all right" to make it sound like he walked into garbage in his drunken wanderings... and so the scene was kept in the movie.
An old school notification bubble
This is a good movie to remember when we’re discouraged. Any time of the year.
That basketball court with the swimming pool underneath it still exists and is in use today. It’s at Beverly Hills High School. Pretty amazing considering this movie is 77 years old now. And the prankster who flipped the switch to open up the pool was Carl Switzer, who played Alfalfa in the original Little Rascals comedy series in the ‘30’s. And from what I’ve heard he was a piece of shit like that in real life, that wasn’t just acting in the scene.
"just go ahead George, it's not your problem."..... "his life is miserable".... that mindset can sometimes be detrimental to society as a whole. he may not have done the things he wanted, but he did great things. We definitely have to balance doing for self with the greater good. So glad you watched this. Great reaction.
I'm always surprised how truly dark this movie gets. Everyone thinks old Christmas movies are all silliness and light, but this movie hits hard before it comes back around.
Jimmy Stewart is one of my all time favorite actors. He was also a decorated war hero. RIP 🙏
I absolutely love this movie. It's wonderful that it helped Stewart's mental health after WWII.
Love that you guys reacted to this; it's a deservedly well-known film and one of my favorites. Also love that you guys recognized Jimmy Stewart's talents (he won an Oscar before this movie in 1940) - he's my favorite actor, living or dead.
🎬 Fun facts:
- Jimmy Stewart was the first "movie star" to enlist for service in WW2 (a year before Pearl Harbor). He eventually became a Colonel then a Brigadier General in the US Air Force and earned an Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Croix de Guerre (from the French Gov't) and seven battle stars.
- Villain Potter is played by legendary actor Lionel Barrymore, who had to convince Stewart to take the role of George - this is Stewart's first acting role after returning from WW2. And yes, Lionel is Drew Barrymore's great uncle.
- Of all his films, Stewart said this was his favorite.
- Donna Reed, who plays George's wife Mary, also surprised everyone on set when she broke the window with the rock - she played baseball in high school.
- This movie is ranked as the #1 Most Inspirational Movie of All Time by the American Film Institute (AFI).
What a joy to watch you both enjoy this movie!!
It was a little dagger to the heart to hear you say… The guy who played George… Lol. Jimmy Stewart. A treasure.
Jimmy Stewart is actually one of my favorite actors. He did a couple of Hitchcock movies; Rear Window also one of my faves.
I always love seeing people react to classic old movies like this. It really shows how well these films stand the test of time and still appeal to new audiences and younger generations.
You're absolutely right about George. He's self-sacrificing *To A Fault*.
The man who played George is the legendary Jimmy Stewart, one of the greatest actors and biggest stars in movie history. His performance in this movie hit particularly hard because "It's a Wonderful Life" was filmed shortly after WW2. Steward is considered a war hero for his service in the Air Force. He suffered major PTSD from his combat experience, and he expressed a lot of issues with the emotional depth and grit in the role of George Bailey.
Also, I agree, Mary is the MVP of the story.
FYI, I enjoy all your reactions, but in the last 3rd of this one, UA-cam was sticking in ads every two minutes. It made it really hard to watch.
This is why I watch this channel. To see you guys talk about how great and beautiful this movie is and also say things like "I hope Sam died in the dark timeline." You guys are great. 😂
I think they meant Mr. Potter, not Sam. Great movie that never gets old. ❤
George said early that he wanted to build things. Bridges, buildings, whole cities. Well ,he never did that. But he did, without realizing it, build something far more important.
He built a community. A group of people who knew and cared for and were willing to help each other through tough times.
He did design Bailey Park though! Those little affordable houses were his idea. He built a whole neighborhood. And that's a big question in architecture. Do you want to build the most beautiful extravagant mansions of your wildest dreams for the richest clients? Or do you focus on less eye-catching things that help communities - affordable houses, non-depressing schools, using local materials and making reasonable and sustainable buildings?
@@Jupiter-T Indeed. But George never really thought of it as "big" or "important".
Lol, sometimes when our kids are being particularly bratty my husband or I will say, "you call this a happy family? Why do we have to have all these kids?" 😂
I am so happy you kind gents watched this. This ranks up there with you both watching "The Birdcage". You both came with a degree of compassion and understanding. Those are highly admirable qualities. I got attracted to your channel with your Friday the 13th reaction and just went through there. Keep your understanding and compassion rolling, but also keep being genuine and honest. Many hugs for Christmas, New Years 2024 and beyond that.
I know what you mean about the brothers. I wasn't sure they were going to "get" the Color Purple or Delores Claiborne but they showed sensitivity and appreciated the movies. I'm glad It's a Wonderful Life is now part of their experience because everybody should see it and connect with George and be cheered up by the message of the movie.
Sam was a good guy throughout the entire movie. He tried to get George in on the ground floor of his business that made him a millionaire and he came through for him in the end.
People were always there for George but he was so busy giving, he didn't know how to ask for what he needed.
Two things
1.) The crow was actually a Raven (a trained bird that appeared in almost every Director Frank Capra film (it is also the same "crow" that landed on the Scarecrow's shoulder in the Wizard of Oz.
2.) James Stewart (George Bailey) was a real war hero as he piloted B-24 Bimbers over Germany and commanded entire bomber squadrons. He remained in the Air Force Reserves after the war attaining the rank of General.
seeing how much you guys genuinely appreciated this and the magic that was Jimmy Stewart was truly a wonderful thing to see.
Director Frank Capra gave a nod to his Italian family with the goat in the car. Capra means goat in Italian
Not just my favorite Christmas movie, but one of greatest movies of all time. Jimmy Stewart movies are always entertaining. You guys should check out Rear Window and Rope. Both terrific movies from the director of Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock. Rope is one of my personal favorite. Only like ten editing cuts through the whole movie. All meant to look like one continuous shot. It's a masterpiece.
This is gonna hit hard with a couple brothers sitting next to each other, the Harry and George part in the last 15 minutes.
This is a truly beautiful movie. And it really hammers home the meaning of Christmas.
You gotta watch more James Stewart (George Bailey) movies. He's one of the best, most interesting actors Hollywood ever produced, and was a standup guy in real life too. My next recommendation would be "The Philadelphia Story," where he acts alongside Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. On the surface it's a romantic comedy, but similar to this movie it goes a lot deeper than you'd expect. Not as dark as this movie, but razor sharp and smart, and truly hilarious.
Sam Wainright is the kind of friend I think we've all had at some point, who is kind of annoying and socially clueless, but isn't really a bad person, and who sticks around and comes in clutch at an important time.
My favorite Christmas movie. I watch it every year and every year that ending brings me to tears. (It's Pavlovian now, beyond my ability to stop it. No matter how hard I try.) There is just something so beautiful about good deeds being rewarded IRL.
All someone has to do is casually mention this film and I tear up. ZuZu's petals and hearing a bell ring send me over the edge.
Jimmy Stewart was an American original, Icon, Legend, Hero and Patriot. Jimmy Stewart was a commander of a 2nd Bombardment Wing in WWII and had over 20 combat mission over Germany. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat missions. After the war he transitioned to the reserves and retired as a General. He used his PTSD in It's a Wonderful Life and his later films. It must have been a form of therapy to express his inner pain after what he witnessed during the war. General Stewart, thank you for your serve to our nation and RIP.
You guys are the perfect audience of this classic film. Jimmy Stewart (George Bailey) is one of the greatest actors of all time, and Mary Bailey is one of the best wives in the history of film, just a rock.
One of my favorite movies. So dark but it teaches you that you never know around the corner and you don't realize how many lives you affect. So glad you loved the movie. That was the great Jimmy Stewart. Donna Reed played his wife. Lionel Barrymore (from the great Barrymore acting family) played Potter. Wonderful movie~
The druggist's son died of the Spanish Flu. The year was 1919, in the center of that pandemic
This movie is a lesson that, as taxing as being kind everytime can be, it's ultimately the right thing
Yeah I agree, but I think the subtler lesson is what they were talking about after the movie, that George had never asked for kindness in return - he was too selfless (and proud and stubborn) to seek help. But there were so many people willing to help him, and when his wife asked for their support, they rallied around him. This wouldn't have happened in time if she hadn't asked. Acting kind as a way to feel entitled to favors in return is wrong, but it's not selfish to ask for help. It's part of being a community.
This is an extremely well written film not to mention well acted. It really tugs at the heart and it makes you glad to be alive. What more can you ask for?
Loved this ! I hope you guys watch more old classics. Just like this one they will blow you away with how good they are. To be honest most older movies are far better than anything made today. You just have to be open minded enough to give them a chance. And you two are intelligent and perceptive enough to appreciate them. Thanks again for the great reaction !
Words to live by & my favorite line in the movie: 'I been savin' this money for a divorce, if ever I got a husband."😁
Man, this movie gets me all the time. It's become my #1 movie of all time and I have watched it every Christmas since.
Be sure to check out SNL's It's A Wonderful Life Alternate Ending. Hilarious.
This film never fails to make me tear up at the end. In my opinion, this is the greatest Christmas film ever made. Thank you, guys!
Thank you for reacting to this Christmas classic, also there old SNL sketch that gives an extended ending to the movie, so I recommend it.
This movie was originally released in January 1947 and was not marketed as a Christmas movie. We think of it as a Christmas movie due to the final scene and also because the copywrite lapsed and Turner Network started playing it non-stop at Christmas because it was free and they didn't have to put on other programming. It also had disappointing box office returns but is now considered one of the top 100 movies of all time.
All of the action of the film literally takes place on Christmas Eve.
Jimmy Stewart is an amazing actor, as a young man in "You Can't Take It With You", into his later years with Hitchcock thrillers like "Rear Window", or groundbreaking Westerns like "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". You will be surprised by him every single time.
Rope, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Harvey, Anatomy of a Murder, Rear Window, so many great Jimmy Stewart performances.
This movie opened my eyes to the fact that you can impact others without even knowing it sometimes, and that if you have those that truly love you in your life (friends, family, strangers...) you are rich 🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭
Fellas I thought you guys would consider this film as being too outdated and corny,but your reaction to it was maybe the best one I've seen ! And also you really appreciated the humor in it. Keep up the good work. And another Christmas film you'd enjoy made a year later in 1947 is Miracle on 34th Street
. You'd like it too I'm sure.
Put off watching this movie for 35 years and i finally broke down and watched it, Fantastic movie. Everyone should watch it. Jimmy Stewart one great actor.
this has been on my Christmas watch list since I was a kid. it played on TV every year on Christmas Eve and we would watch it while we baked cookies for Santa. I watch it every year and feel the same emotions now that I did back then. this movie is a timeless classic and I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it! 😃
Frank Capra was a brilliant director. Movie holds up.
My friend Julie Adams, who co-starred with Jimmy in BEND OF THE RIVER and played his wife on Jimmy's TV show, said she learned so much about acting by just watching him when they were filming a scene where he wasn't even saying anything. He didn't need to speak a line to be a great actor.
Jimmy Stewart, who played George, put his acting career on hold during World War 2 to become a bomber pilot. He went on to retire years later from the Air Force as a Brigadier General. A true American hero!!
Okay, before I start watching, I want to say that this film is one of my favorites. It was one of the first steps to my mental health. Merry christmas guys!
My favorite Christmas film of all time! Glad you two got to finally watch it. Acting and writing was top notch.
The original Miracle on 34th Street is a great one as well.
It's really weird to encounter people who have never seen this movie before. There was a time where every TV channel would air this at least once each year. It was impossible to miss. I feel so old now :(
My dad, brother, and I have been watching this movie every Christmas for over 20 years. My brother passed away this year, so it's a little sadder. "You've misplaced $8000?" Such a powerful line. That George will accept responsibility no matter what. Some facts about the movie: When the Old man Gower hit young George Baily, he actually made the child actors ear bleed accidently. Since this movie is now 78 years old, the only people still alive are the children.