He just came back from England afer fighting in WW2, he was the real deal. He did say he thought about the men he lost while doing this scene and became so emotional it took some time after the take to compose himself. A great actor and more importantly a great human being.
Yes I read that too, Captain Stewart then piloting a B 24 over Germany...many times. And he poured it all into that 60 seconds without actually cracking.
@@tomr6223 He flew 20 combat missions in WWII. Later he flew a B-52 in Viet Nam in a non-combat flight. He retired from the Air Force Reserves a Brig. General. The highest ranking actor in the military. There is a feature article in this month's World War II Magazine. (Dec. 2020) It's really good.
@@tinman8518 We don't know for sure how many missions he went on. He was ordered to stay behind at one point, but would run out to the flightline and hop aboard one of the planes as it was passing. Never officially recorded. He couldn't stand to send the men without going himself.
Sorry it took me so long to reply. Let me pray for you, Father in Heaven, we know you listen to our prayers and we know that you live close to us. We pray for Sizzorgirl67. When she asked for prayer 3 weeks ago we know you were right there as you are right there right now. Because you say in Romans 8:26-28 "The Holy Spirit helps in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But The Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed with words. And The Father who knows all hearts knows what The Holy Spirit is saying, for the Holy Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." So, Sizzorgirl67 or to anyone reading this comment reply and in need of a prayer, please know this. God came on flesh and blood as a Human as Jesus of Nazareth, God the Son, and died for us, rose again and sent on Pentecost the greatest dispensation in the History of Humanity, He sent God the Holy Spirit to dwell in everyone that believes by faith in His sacrifice. Once you believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ(Messiah), God The Son, second person of God the Trinity, you have then received this Person to be with you. The Holy spirit is a person and this person is in your heart and becomes the voice of God in your life and for your life. Holy Spirit is with you, in your heart, telling God what you need even when you do not know how and what to pray. What a Gift! God has that 3rd Person of the God trinity with you so you have direct access to the presence of God. So, if you believe by faith in your heart in Jesus Christ, then you have received the Holy Spirit in you. Start a relationship with this WONDERFUL person, God Himself being inside you and wanting the best for you. Notice that the Scripture says that ALL will work together for good. So, trust God, no matter the situation. Trust and may your response be "God, I want to trust you, I want you to take control of this situation, show me the way, take the wheel, God, you know ALL hearts as your Word says, Holy Spirit, show me the way". It is important to know that we live in this double nature, the nature of the body(flesh) and the nature of the Spirit(God Holy spirit in Us). Jesus said, "The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" So, this means we need to develop a relationship with God the Holy Spirit. We need to meditate in God, we need to make time during the day to connect with this Powerful Presence. In moments of distress of course we will, and He will hear us, but if we try to maintain a discipline (disciple attitude) , we sometimes may avoid problems we get into it. I believe that the more we invest in living in The Holy Spirit, the more we will know this God The Holy Spirit person and interact with Him/Her. All the power of Heaven is at our disposal and we live like we do not have any power in our hands. We need to invest in it and use it. I think the best way to start walking in the Presence and Power with this person the Holy Spirit, the first thing we need is to use the "manual of enchantments" that we already got. I call it like that just to example that this Book is so full of the very power of God, the Bible. It is kind of the only book that says is The Word of God, not my word, but His Word. The Bible is pure power because it is like (I would say) the Constitution and the Rights of everyone of Heaven on Earth. It has all the tools and weapons we need to fight against the offspring of the enemy. The Bible calls itself as the Word of God the Sword of double -edge sword. Jesus Himself, being God on Earth used only The Words of the Book of Psalms to rebuke Satan. So, we have this book, full of power and we do not read it or use it. The words there are God's words, not mere human words. So, if we are sick, we use it against depression, sadness, anger, feelings of unworthiness, sickness of the heart or the body (which I think are connected). So, we need to use it and get serious. To not use it and read it daily is like having a bunch of coupons and not use them. A coupon to sleep better at night, have better relationship with my family, to heal my heart of all the hurts I have and someday not need to manage my pain anymore with drugs, alcohol or any addiction. So, I encourage you to know your rights and duties as Citizen of Heaven on Earth. Get excited, use your spiritual Social Insurance Number and let Heaven provide you all the benefits for your health plan; spiritual health, emotional health, relational help, mental health, physical health. God loves us so crazy. He wants to give you EVERYTHING that you need (not what we want) but what we need to live a life to the full; full of goodness. and how can I say this? Look at Romans again to what God says through scripture Romans 8:32 "Since God did not even spare his own Son but gave himself up for us all, won't God, who gave us Jesus Christ, [His only beloved baby boy, let Him grow up in this sinful world] to died for us, won''t God also give us EVERYTHING ELSE?" So, I can of stressed on brackets that God, if HE gave what was more the MOST precious to Him for our salvation, would not God give us everything else? OF course He will. The Bible is full of all those promises of God. Some great, some challenging like this one from Jesus himself "In this world, you will have trouble, but do not worry, I have overcome the World" So, that promise is tough, but He said "I have overcome the World" So, at the end of the day, our life should look like this: We try to live in the Spirit as much as possible, and how? by reading our powerful Bible and meditating in it and letting The Bible do its job in us to teach us the ways of God, teach us the way to fight against the spiritual enemy, and the way to love others the way Jesus did. Then, when we mess up, we just need to go over and over again, with our dirt and garbage in our knees and imagine that cross of Jesus in front of us and get there in our knees and imagine us in his feet full dripping his innocent blood and say, "Dear Jesus, here is my garbage, I know you came for this junk, it is a burden and how great your death is for me to get rid off this and ask you to forgive me, to take it as you do in this Cross, and set me free, make me white as snow because your blood cleans me." That's our job. How crazy is that, the Love of God is so insane that in that cross he wants just one transaction, get your debt, your sin, your mistakes, your garbage to exchange it for the best currency in Heaven, LOVE FOR YOU, GRACE, PEACE. And I say this because once you leave that cross and go back to your life, that PEACE will carry you, that LOVE will change you. And every time you do this you will just end more in LOVE with Jesus, your life will become a response to That unconditional love He shows you. This will change your perspective and will help you love other back the way He loves. Because when we love back the way He does, it is not really us but The holy Spirit in us who is changing and shaping our hearts more and more to be like Christ. This is the secret to change the world, this is the secret to make this world better place. the secret is to let God The Holy Spirit do his/her job so we get more full of God for the good of ourselves and the good of Humanity. Blessings for anyone who was able to read all of this. I hope it helped your perspective and if just by reading it you have accepted Jesus Christ in your heart, CONGRATULATIONS! You are a new person and the best and most wonderful journey of your life begins! Blessings for Sizzorgirl67 and please know that God is always there with you and with those ones you care for.
My absolute favorite part in the movie. What I love most about it is that you could show this scene to anyone around the world with no context or subtitles and they'd understand what he's going through, just by looking at his eyes. It's a universal human feeling and Jimmy Stewart portrayed it painfully true.
+ztoker well I use to didn't pray and I tried to take my life one time. And the rope broke off my neck and I hit the ground. So after that I had a experience with the LORD that I no he's real. Now I gave my life to someone who gave me life. And I do prison ministry and help people to bring them hope in a hopeless world. Just call on the name of the LORD JESUS and ask Him to show you Himself He's real.
The Lord rebuke you and the blood of Jesus Christ is against you. You will see if you die and don't repent. Hell is real and that will be your portion for not believing JESUS is the Way the truth and the Life no man can come to the FATHER til they go through JESUS. Repent and believe
+Marc Bogart oh you scared of when you die I feel bad for you cause you allowing the enemy to use your mouth. You been hurt by some people who claim they believe in Jesus. But ask JESUS Himself to appear to you. Then you will see.
Capra felt this was a perfect take but they only had one camera that was further out of the shot than they wanted. Rather than try for another take with a closer camera they enlarged each frame in the film to get the close up shot. Time consuming and expensive but worth it
It reminds me of a time when I was contemplating ending it. It was about two or three years after my combat tour in Fallujah. I was in bar. I was angry all the time. I was drinking a lot to suppress my demons. My marriage had ended and I was alone with my own thoughts. Everything that could go wrong was going wrong. I thought it was just better if I wasn’t around anymore. An older gentleman wearing a Vietnam veteran cap came up to me and asked me how I was doing. I tried to lie and say I was ok. He said, “ Don’t bullshit me brother I can see in your eyes that you’ve been through similar things like I have. If you do what I think you’re considering doing, you will destroy the lives of everyone who loves you. I’ve been where you’ve been and I know when a man is at the end of his rope.” At that point I realized that not only did I want help I needed it. I guess God does working mysterious ways
@@Onecooltop75 Great story to share. Those are the kinds of things that make a difference for those who have trouble believing or who are struggling I greatly appreciate your service and your sharing this story. It makes a difference to anyone who cares about others, or is cared for by others. Merry Christmas to you.
Theres something about him breaking down among the laughter and music that feels so real. That profound grief can strike anytime and even other peoples happiness can further alienate you
@@tammycampbell112 It was very real in the guide post years ago he shared about how the Lord touched him when he prayed the prayer and acted the scene and all of the horrors. He faced in war, and we all know there are a lot, and it was that sort of suffering that he had face that affected his performance. It was his first performance, after being away flying bombers in World War II
@@faithmarshall309 her only other film role was wizard of Oz. Her one line was during the tin Man singing if I only had a heart and she says "Where for art thou Romo?"
When you learn that Stewart channeled his post-war trauma for this scene it makes it that much more impactful. Having been a bomber pilot who did runs over Europe, he experienced extreme terror and horror, flak fire and seeing the aircraft of his friends get shot apart and burst into flames. He struggled making this movie, being his first after the war, but he gave us everything and it truly affects the heart when you watch it.
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. It's always best to pray before you run into problems. Seek God even when things are going good, and he will keep you from trouble. I love this movie though, and this scene. Makes me teary eyed.
I learned something from the Heartwarming page of It's A Wonderful Life on TV Tropes: after George is finished praying, his friends show up to offer help and concern, and when he gets punched, practically everyone around him checks on him to make sure he's ok. THAT was the real answer to his prayer, he was just too depressed to see it.
jimmy should have won the oscar for this scene alone. i loved fredrich march in the best years of our lives, but it was definitely a supporting one, thus should have tied/lost to his costar who won. beautiful scene i've loved my entire life.
I know! Was academy committee asleep in the theatre?? March was very good--but no comparison to Jimmy's full bodied, funny, strong, vulnerable portrayal
I hope so. I’ve been a praying man and I’m not getting any answers. There’s only one thing at this point keeping me a praying man. I can never not believe, but praying…
The director reframed this in the cut because he wanted to better capture Jimmy's intense experession. Where he goes in just one minute is phenomenal; I am moved just by the truth in his performance...the shaking hands, the shifting eyes, you can almost feel his heart racing. His commitment to the truth of the character rings right through his performance. My favourite silver screen actor.
This scene is really amazing. I remember hearing that Jimmy Stewart put himself in that state of mind like he really was stuck in a rut and prayed to God for help. So basically, in that one scene, Jimmy Stewart actually became George Bailey.
Jimmy Stewart’s own account was that the Lord touched him, when he played this scene out . He wasn’t George Bailey at all. It was Jimmy Stewart, calling out to the Lord, and the Lord met him. Frank Capra asked him to play it again, so he could do a close-up, to which Stewart responded, “I don’t think I can” as a result Capra through editing magic, did the close-up in the cutting room by a process that I can’t explain.
@@ceballosfamily2807 thank you for the prayer 🙏🏼. It didn’t work out, but it came and passed. I thank God that the situation didn’t finish worse than how it was already. God is good.
You can definitely see Stewart’s wartime PTSD manifest here. Not just the tears, but the arm jitters and the stuttered breathing. My buddies who came back from combat used to act this way.
Years ago I saw an interview where JS told of this scene. As I recall, he said after the scene was shot director Frank Capra said he had intended to do a close up but did not. He asked if JS could do it again, and Stewart "Well, no, I don't think I can!" So Capra decided to zoom it in editing, which put the video just slightly out of focus, serendipitously improving the effectiveness of the scene. If anyone knows where to see that interview, please point me to it. Thanks.
God knows that we all get discouraged...especially with everything going on today and if it's hard for us to see...imagine how he feels...but he hears every prayer we say...especially the ones were we beg for his help...just like Jimmy did in the movie.
Little did George Bailey know that nearly the entire town was prayerfully interceding for his circumstance before he even petitioned God. Jesus is always good, punctual and amazing.
He was actually feeling this during the seen. The director asked him to do a retake of this shot. He just got up sobbed and walked away. It was the first movie he shot after the war being a bomber pilot
God, I’ve been there. And I always feel better watching this movie with my mum every year. God bless James Stewart for his amazing performance, God bless the writers and director, God bless the gorgeous Donna Read, God bless everyone else involved in this masterpiece and most of all God bless everyone watching this who relates a little bit too much ❤
This scene, this film in general, but this scene in particular I think strikes a chord that goes beyond cinema, beyond film or any modicum of art or artistic expression. Regardless of religion or beliefs or value systems: suffering is essential to living. Establishing a bottom to the weight of the chaos we tolerate and experience and live through from life. And the rock bottom that George reaches here, this is so important to understanding that to love, and to feel, and to test the limits of one’s understanding of suffering and how it applies to a life that can only be lived by us, alone, individually, we need to hit rock bottom. We need to establish margins of pain and suffering, and the deeper that goes, the higher we climb when things are good. When life is better, when things are easier and when people are kind. We need moments like what George experiences because moments of pain and yearning and suffering are just as important as our moments of happiness, and it’s the realization and acceptance of our collective journey as human beings, what we’ve gone through that aids us when coming full circle with the moments in our life that are truly wonderful.
If you’ve ever suffered with depression or had thoughts of suicide (however briefly), then this short scene just hits you so hard. A beautiful and raw performance from Stewart too.
@@AlexSirota And the end of 2023, and no. Doesn’t compare to the end of WW2 either as another opined but it’s quite a downer after what the greatest generation suffered and died for.
The female singer of the Italian song Vieni Vieni playing in the background is none other than Adriana Caselotti, the original voice of Disney's Snow White. You may recognize her whistling too as she was the distinctive whistling artist of Whistle While You Work also!
@@thevaccinator666 I actually knew that. Glad you mentioned it! Part of her contract on Snow White was that she couldn't take any more film roles (at least with screen credit) because Walt Disney was determined to make sure that Snow White's voice sounded unique. The fact that Disney is now desecrating that film's legacy is a huge shame, but I digress.
I think that this speaks to a more poignant truth in life: We will all come to a point in life where life has humbled (not God’s doing) us and where only God can lead us out safely.
James Stewart gives one of the greatest performances in cinematic history in this film. There isn’t one moment that doesn’t feel completely genuine and natural. You have to have some internal goodness inside of you to play a character like George Bailey so well, a piece of that character woven into your true personality. And by all accounts, Mr. Stewart did. A humble man, faithful to his wife when all his peers fell into the philandering stereotype of Hollywood stars, a kind and helpful colleague who put his fellow actors at ease, a friendly soul who deeply cherished his involvement in this film for the rest of his life. Thank you, Mr. Stewart, for gifting us with your wonderful talent.
I am no religious but I think the reason George was saved was because he was indeed a good person and the prayers were answered because George deserved the help for everything he had done. George could had traveled the world as he originally planned, but he selflessly helped others over himself. Had it been Potter, the Gods in heaven would had been more than happy to send him to Hell for his evil deeds.
We need to remember that many will feel that way. Especially around Christmas- Never know how much more they can really take. Not always gonna be an angel.
Yes Jimmy was so overcome with emotion he's really sobbing , capra was so upset he didn't zoom in so this scene is slightly less in quality bc capra blew it up he knew this was the best take
You know the funny thing, as a self-proclaimed atheist I was in this position when my father had a heart attack and was struggling for his life. I prayed to God just as George did.
Thank you so much for sharing your account. Our experiences in spiritual matters is what makes a difference for others. It is the, “proof” the Almighty exists and cares about you and I.
+Laure Covert I know the song is Vieni, Vieni by Tino Rossi. Didnt know it was a Christmas Carol. Always thought it was a love song, by the way he sang it.
The cameraman forgot to zoom in because he was so distracted by how emotional this scene was, so they ended having to go in and manually zoom in picture by picture. If you look closely this scene kind of looks stop motion…this is because of how they had to do it frame by frame! Incredible!!!
I wish there was a recording of that particular performance of that song in the background. The female vocalist is the same who voiced Disney's Snow White.
One of the all-time greats. Sincere, honest, sensitive, heartfelt, funny, smart…as good as it gets. Always a supreme pleasure to watch the great Mr. Stewart!
It's amazing how nice and just ... well, decent Bert is. I reckon he's the most polite Policeman I've ever seen, even as he's getting ready to wind up his nightstick to whack George he utters an exasperated "...I hate to do this to ya ...''
Even prior to that he says with such comfort and kindness "Why don't ya be a good kid-- we'll get ya to a doctor, everything's going to be all right.''
Besides all the crews he witnessed that were lost (as a squadron Commander). He was also devastated by a bombing mission that killed many civilians and turned out to be the wrong target. It wasn't his fault, the target was chosen and charted by his superiors.
Little known fact, the woman singing behind James Stewart was non other than Adriana Castelloti ( The original voice of Snow White ) she never got credit because Disney Studios didn't want to tarnish the image of Snow White, she never did another movie,only uncredited ones
To see what Stewart went through to some extent watch the 1949 epic Twelve O Clock High. If General Frank Savage isn't Stewart - I don't know what. That film used to be shown at military academies and even companies on how to be a leader and the toll it takes on men. Gregory Peck plays Savage but - Jimmy Stewart lived the part in real life. Film is stunning - the war scenes real as planes do bombing runs and very young men die while others were mentally destroyed and others - hunkered down and got in with things. Twelve O'Clock High one of 3 best war films ever.
A little known piece of trivia about this scene in Martini's bar is that Adriana Caselotti, who was the voice of Disney's Snow White, is seen seated behind George. It's her voice that is heard singing in the background.
Bill Bryson said he wasn't in the war like John Wayne. He most certainly was. He was a bomber pilot in WW2, I believe he made it to the rank of General too.
According to Frank Capra, he wanted an extreme closeup of Stewart for this scene but had only shot a medium c/u during filming. He reframed and blew the shot up for maximum effect in the final movie. That's why it looks a little grainy. It was a masterful performance in any case. One of Stewart's finest roles.
if you listen in the background singers ,... you hear the the girl who did the voice for snow white,... Adriana Caselotti she singing in Italian in teh background .. she was uncredited for it,...
He just came back from England afer fighting in WW2, he was the real deal. He did say he thought about the men he lost while doing this scene and became so emotional it took some time after the take to compose himself. A great actor and more importantly a great human being.
Yes I read that too, Captain Stewart then piloting a B 24 over Germany...many times. And he poured it all into that 60 seconds without actually cracking.
@@tomr6223 He flew 20 combat missions in WWII. Later he flew a B-52 in Viet Nam in a non-combat flight. He retired from the Air Force Reserves a Brig. General. The highest ranking actor in the military. There is a feature article in this month's World War II Magazine. (Dec. 2020) It's really good.
@@tinman8518
We don't know for sure how many missions he went on. He was ordered to stay behind at one point, but would run out to the flightline and hop aboard one of the planes as it was passing. Never officially recorded.
He couldn't stand to send the men without going himself.
@@eldorados_lost_searcher True American Patriot hero for sure. Thanks for your comment.
My grandfather went through some serious stuff in the war my grandmother was his rock
This is me right now if anyone has a prayer for me I’ll take it🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sorry it took me so long to reply. Let me pray for you, Father in Heaven, we know you listen to our prayers and we know that you live close to us. We pray for Sizzorgirl67. When she asked for prayer 3 weeks ago we know you were right there as you are right there right now. Because you say in Romans 8:26-28 "The Holy Spirit helps in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But The Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed with words. And The Father who knows all hearts knows what The Holy Spirit is saying, for the Holy Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." So, Sizzorgirl67 or to anyone reading this comment reply and in need of a prayer, please know this. God came on flesh and blood as a Human as Jesus of Nazareth, God the Son, and died for us, rose again and sent on Pentecost the greatest dispensation in the History of Humanity, He sent God the Holy Spirit to dwell in everyone that believes by faith in His sacrifice. Once you believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ(Messiah), God The Son, second person of God the Trinity, you have then received this Person to be with you. The Holy spirit is a person and this person is in your heart and becomes the voice of God in your life and for your life. Holy Spirit is with you, in your heart, telling God what you need even when you do not know how and what to pray. What a Gift! God has that 3rd Person of the God trinity with you so you have direct access to the presence of God. So, if you believe by faith in your heart in Jesus Christ, then you have received the Holy Spirit in you. Start a relationship with this WONDERFUL person, God Himself being inside you and wanting the best for you. Notice that the Scripture says that ALL will work together for good. So, trust God, no matter the situation. Trust and may your response be "God, I want to trust you, I want you to take control of this situation, show me the way, take the wheel, God, you know ALL hearts as your Word says, Holy Spirit, show me the way". It is important to know that we live in this double nature, the nature of the body(flesh) and the nature of the Spirit(God Holy spirit in Us). Jesus said, "The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" So, this means we need to develop a relationship with God the Holy Spirit. We need to meditate in God, we need to make time during the day to connect with this Powerful Presence. In moments of distress of course we will, and He will hear us, but if we try to maintain a discipline (disciple attitude) , we sometimes may avoid problems we get into it. I believe that the more we invest in living in The Holy Spirit, the more we will know this God The Holy Spirit person and interact with Him/Her. All the power of Heaven is at our disposal and we live like we do not have any power in our hands. We need to invest in it and use it. I think the best way to start walking in the Presence and Power with this person the Holy Spirit, the first thing we need is to use the "manual of enchantments" that we already got. I call it like that just to example that this Book is so full of the very power of God, the Bible. It is kind of the only book that says is The Word of God, not my word, but His Word. The Bible is pure power because it is like (I would say) the Constitution and the Rights of everyone of Heaven on Earth. It has all the tools and weapons we need to fight against the offspring of the enemy. The Bible calls itself as the Word of God the Sword of double -edge sword. Jesus Himself, being God on Earth used only The Words of the Book of Psalms to rebuke Satan. So, we have this book, full of power and we do not read it or use it. The words there are God's words, not mere human words. So, if we are sick, we use it against depression, sadness, anger, feelings of unworthiness, sickness of the heart or the body (which I think are connected). So, we need to use it and get serious. To not use it and read it daily is like having a bunch of coupons and not use them. A coupon to sleep better at night, have better relationship with my family, to heal my heart of all the hurts I have and someday not need to manage my pain anymore with drugs, alcohol or any addiction. So, I encourage you to know your rights and duties as Citizen of Heaven on Earth. Get excited, use your spiritual Social Insurance Number and let Heaven provide you all the benefits for your health plan; spiritual health, emotional health, relational help, mental health, physical health. God loves us so crazy. He wants to give you EVERYTHING that you need (not what we want) but what we need to live a life to the full; full of goodness. and how can I say this? Look at Romans again to what God says through scripture Romans 8:32 "Since God did not even spare his own Son but gave himself up for us all, won't God, who gave us Jesus Christ, [His only beloved baby boy, let Him grow up in this sinful world] to died for us, won''t God also give us EVERYTHING ELSE?" So, I can of stressed on brackets that God, if HE gave what was more the MOST precious to Him for our salvation, would not God give us everything else? OF course He will. The Bible is full of all those promises of God. Some great, some challenging like this one from Jesus himself "In this world, you will have trouble, but do not worry, I have overcome the World" So, that promise is tough, but He said "I have overcome the World" So, at the end of the day, our life should look like this: We try to live in the Spirit as much as possible, and how? by reading our powerful Bible and meditating in it and letting The Bible do its job in us to teach us the ways of God, teach us the way to fight against the spiritual enemy, and the way to love others the way Jesus did. Then, when we mess up, we just need to go over and over again, with our dirt and garbage in our knees and imagine that cross of Jesus in front of us and get there in our knees and imagine us in his feet full dripping his innocent blood and say, "Dear Jesus, here is my garbage, I know you came for this junk, it is a burden and how great your death is for me to get rid off this and ask you to forgive me, to take it as you do in this Cross, and set me free, make me white as snow because your blood cleans me." That's our job. How crazy is that, the Love of God is so insane that in that cross he wants just one transaction, get your debt, your sin, your mistakes, your garbage to exchange it for the best currency in Heaven, LOVE FOR YOU, GRACE, PEACE. And I say this because once you leave that cross and go back to your life, that PEACE will carry you, that LOVE will change you. And every time you do this you will just end more in LOVE with Jesus, your life will become a response to That unconditional love He shows you. This will change your perspective and will help you love other back the way He loves. Because when we love back the way He does, it is not really us but The holy Spirit in us who is changing and shaping our hearts more and more to be like Christ. This is the secret to change the world, this is the secret to make this world better place. the secret is to let God The Holy Spirit do his/her job so we get more full of God for the good of ourselves and the good of Humanity. Blessings for anyone who was able to read all of this. I hope it helped your perspective and if just by reading it you have accepted Jesus Christ in your heart, CONGRATULATIONS! You are a new person and the best and most wonderful journey of your life begins! Blessings for Sizzorgirl67 and please know that God is always there with you and with those ones you care for.
ChristianMusicCa thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You got it.
2yrs later and I'm thinking and praying about you now..
just found this..
hope you are well
You have my prayer. I pray you find happiness and strength and hold on.
At one point in time, everybody will have experienced the sheer despair that George
felt. A magnificent piece of acting.
Iv experienced this scene. My dad had stage 4 bladder cancer. Unfortunately it was his time and he passed a year and 6months ago. RIP Dad.
My absolute favorite part in the movie. What I love most about it is that you could show this scene to anyone around the world with no context or subtitles and they'd understand what he's going through, just by looking at his eyes. It's a universal human feeling and Jimmy Stewart portrayed it painfully true.
only if everyone can call on Father God and His SON JESUS CHRIST this will be a better world.
+Belinda Black But what if you're not a praying kind of person and you don't believe in God?
+ztoker well I use to didn't pray and I tried to take my life one time. And the rope broke off my neck and I hit the ground. So after that I had a experience with the LORD that I no he's real. Now I gave my life to someone who gave me life. And I do prison ministry and help people to bring them hope in a hopeless world. Just call on the name of the LORD JESUS and ask Him to show you Himself He's real.
The Lord rebuke you and the blood of Jesus Christ is against you. You will see if you die and don't repent. Hell is real and that will be your portion for not believing JESUS is the Way the truth and the Life no man can come to the FATHER til they go through JESUS. Repent and believe
+Marc Bogart oh you scared of when you die I feel bad for you cause you allowing the enemy to use your mouth. You been hurt by some people who claim they believe in Jesus. But ask JESUS Himself to appear to you. Then you will see.
Quite possibly the best piece of acting ever put to film
yes
actually he wasn’t acting. The actor wasn’t supposed to cry in this scene but the he just got back from war and was overcome by emotion
Capra felt this was a perfect take but they only had one camera that was further out of the shot than they wanted. Rather than try for another take with a closer camera they enlarged each frame in the film to get the close up shot. Time consuming and expensive but worth it
❤️🗺🌎🌍🌏 Yeah That’s FrankCapra’s Directing 4 Ya
In the Parkinson BBC interview, he said it was his favorite moment of the movie.
This man cried in a way only a combat veteran could. If you know you know.
I don't need to know. True empathy is a blessing and a curse my friend.
And those of who know, wish it upon no one
It reminds me of a time when I was contemplating ending it. It was about two or three years after my combat tour in Fallujah. I was in bar. I was angry all the time. I was drinking a lot to suppress my demons. My marriage had ended and I was alone with my own thoughts. Everything that could go wrong was going wrong. I thought it was just better if I wasn’t around anymore. An older gentleman wearing a Vietnam veteran cap came up to me and asked me how I was doing. I tried to lie and say I was ok. He said, “ Don’t bullshit me brother I can see in your eyes that you’ve been through similar things like I have. If you do what I think you’re considering doing, you will destroy the lives of everyone who loves you. I’ve been where you’ve been and I know when a man is at the end of his rope.” At that point I realized that not only did I want help I needed it. I guess God does working mysterious ways
@@Onecooltop75
Great story to share. Those are the kinds of things that make a difference for those who have trouble believing or who are struggling I greatly appreciate your service and your sharing this story. It makes a difference to anyone who cares about others, or is cared for by others. Merry Christmas to you.
Theres something about him breaking down among the laughter and music that feels so real. That profound grief can strike anytime and even other peoples happiness can further alienate you
It was real. In the script, George wasn't supposed to cry, but Jimmy broke down thinking about how many people were actually suffering in the world.
@@tammycampbell112
It was very real in the guide post years ago he shared about how the Lord touched him when he prayed the prayer and acted the scene and all of the horrors. He faced in war, and we all know there are a lot, and it was that sort of suffering that he had face that affected his performance. It was his first performance, after being away flying bombers in World War II
Dear Father in Heaven please show me the way. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
this scene makes me cry....we have all been there...well maybe not everybody
Everybody. They just haven't gotten there yet.
I would say the people that haven't are in a very small minority...
The pain of regret, anguish, horror and all the rest crystallised in his eyes in one brief moment...very sad to watch but beautifully captured.
The women who voiced Snow White in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Adriana Caselotti, was singing in the background of this scene.
Do you know the name of the song? I have always wanted to do the song in one of my shows!
Mel Williams It’s Tino Rossi and the name of the song is Vieni Vieni
@@faithmarshall309 her only other film role was wizard of Oz. Her one line was during the tin Man singing if I only had a heart and she says "Where for art thou Romo?"
The Lord Is Only A Prayer Away. . . .
When you learn that Stewart channeled his post-war trauma for this scene it makes it that much more impactful. Having been a bomber pilot who did runs over Europe, he experienced extreme terror and horror, flak fire and seeing the aircraft of his friends get shot apart and burst into flames. He struggled making this movie, being his first after the war, but he gave us everything and it truly affects the heart when you watch it.
To all you Disney and it's a wonderful life fans, that woman singing in the background is Adriana Caselotti who was the voice of Snow White
This resonates with me. Working 3 jobs to provide for my family. Dealing with economic uncertainty in the USA. George’s desperation is too real.
Hope you are doing fine my man! Prayin for u from Turkey 🙏
"Show me the way, dear Lord. Please, show me the way...😢😢😢
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
It's always best to pray before you run into problems. Seek God even when things are going good, and he will keep you from trouble.
I love this movie though, and this scene. Makes me teary eyed.
I learned something from the Heartwarming page of It's A Wonderful Life on TV Tropes: after George is finished praying, his friends show up to offer help and concern, and when he gets punched, practically everyone around him checks on him to make sure he's ok. THAT was the real answer to his prayer, he was just too depressed to see it.
jimmy should have won the oscar for this scene alone. i loved fredrich march in the best years of our lives, but it was definitely a supporting one, thus should have tied/lost to his costar who won. beautiful scene i've loved my entire life.
I know! Was academy committee asleep in the theatre?? March was very good--but no comparison to Jimmy's full bodied, funny, strong, vulnerable portrayal
That man carried a film better than anyone.
When you lose everything, God is up to something.
Prove it
I hope so. I’ve been a praying man and I’m not getting any answers. There’s only one thing at this point keeping me a praying man. I can never not believe, but praying…
@@cholodesanfe87
You just did. Your response is the proof.
The director reframed this in the cut because he wanted to better capture Jimmy's intense experession. Where he goes in just one minute is phenomenal; I am moved just by the truth in his performance...the shaking hands, the shifting eyes, you can almost feel his heart racing. His commitment to the truth of the character rings right through his performance. My favourite silver screen actor.
This scene is really amazing. I remember hearing that Jimmy Stewart put himself in that state of mind like he really was stuck in a rut and prayed to God for help. So basically, in that one scene, Jimmy Stewart actually became George Bailey.
Thanks. I didn't know that. 😇
He was suffering from PTSD after his service in WWII. They said that after this scene, he needed some time to compose himself
Jimmy Stewart’s own account was that the Lord touched him, when he played this scene out . He wasn’t George Bailey at all. It was Jimmy Stewart, calling out to the Lord, and the Lord met him. Frank Capra asked him to play it again, so he could do a close-up, to which Stewart responded, “I don’t think I can” as a result Capra through editing magic, did the close-up in the cutting room by a process that I can’t explain.
I’m in a situation like this rn. I really need God’s help. Please pray for me. I’ll also pray for anyone else who would like a prayer as well.
May God help you! He will show you the way. May God provide peace for you and wisdom. I pray for mercy and grace from Jesus for you!
@@ceballosfamily2807 thank you for the prayer 🙏🏼. It didn’t work out, but it came and passed. I thank God that the situation didn’t finish worse than how it was already. God is good.
You can definitely see Stewart’s wartime PTSD manifest here. Not just the tears, but the arm jitters and the stuttered breathing. My buddies who came back from combat used to act this way.
Years ago I saw an interview where JS told of this scene. As I recall, he said after the scene was shot director Frank Capra said he had intended to do a close up but did not. He asked if JS could do it again, and Stewart "Well, no, I don't think I can!"
So Capra decided to zoom it in editing, which put the video just slightly out of focus, serendipitously improving the effectiveness of the scene.
If anyone knows where to see that interview, please point me to it. Thanks.
Everything came together just right for this movie. Probably the most successful B-movie ever made
God knows that we all get discouraged...especially with everything going on today and if it's hard for us to see...imagine how he feels...but he hears every prayer we say...especially the ones were we beg for his help...just like Jimmy did in the movie.
This has touched me since I was a child. I watch this every Christmas Eve. Back when Hollywood was a much different place.
Little did George Bailey know that nearly the entire town was prayerfully interceding for his circumstance before he even petitioned God. Jesus is always good, punctual and amazing.
He was actually feeling this during the seen. The director asked him to do a retake of this shot. He just got up sobbed and walked away. It was the first movie he shot after the war being a bomber pilot
God bless him.
You as well ❤
God, I’ve been there. And I always feel better watching this movie with my mum every year. God bless James Stewart for his amazing performance, God bless the writers and director, God bless the gorgeous Donna Read, God bless everyone else involved in this masterpiece and most of all God bless everyone watching this who relates a little bit too much ❤
This scene, this film in general, but this scene in particular I think strikes a chord that goes beyond cinema, beyond film or any modicum of art or artistic expression. Regardless of religion or beliefs or value systems: suffering is essential to living. Establishing a bottom to the weight of the chaos we tolerate and experience and live through from life. And the rock bottom that George reaches here, this is so important to understanding that to love, and to feel, and to test the limits of one’s understanding of suffering and how it applies to a life that can only be lived by us, alone, individually, we need to hit rock bottom. We need to establish margins of pain and suffering, and the deeper that goes, the higher we climb when things are good. When life is better, when things are easier and when people are kind. We need moments like what George experiences because moments of pain and yearning and suffering are just as important as our moments of happiness, and it’s the realization and acceptance of our collective journey as human beings, what we’ve gone through that aids us when coming full circle with the moments in our life that are truly wonderful.
This is real ptsd from his war experiences on film
Jimmy Stewart conveys heartbreak, desperation and uncertainty with such force and conviction.
The woman singing in the background is Adriana Caseloti. She voiced Snow White and this is one of the only other movies where you hear her voice
If you’ve ever suffered with depression or had thoughts of suicide (however briefly), then this short scene just hits you so hard. A beautiful and raw performance from Stewart too.
My favourite movie starring my favourite actor with ‘Snow White’ singing in the background! You can’t get any better than this! ❤
I have always remembered this part of this scene, where all of us felt his pain,his anger, his depressions, and god listen 👂.
One of the finest moments of acting in movie history.
Jesus is the WAY! THE TRUTH! AND THE LIFE!❤
God, I felt that. As we reach the end of 2020 and this wretched year, a lot of us can relate to his despair today. To better days.
... you really comparing 2020 to WWII?
And here we are at the end of 2021. Is it better yet??
@@mike-ur9tr I don't think she was, just refering to the amount of despair many felt in 2020 and 2021, which there was a hell of a lot of.
@@AlexSirota
And the end of 2023, and no.
Doesn’t compare to the end of WW2 either as another opined but it’s quite a downer after what the greatest generation suffered and died for.
The female singer of the Italian song Vieni Vieni playing in the background is none other than Adriana Caselotti, the original voice of Disney's Snow White. You may recognize her whistling too as she was the distinctive whistling artist of Whistle While You Work also!
Nice trivia! Always liked it's usage, the foreign song helps not distract us, but it still stands out as atmospherically perfect for Martini's bar
Fun fact: the soprano singer in the background is Adriana Caselotti, who was also Disney's Snow White.
That's cool because her voice was also in the Wizard of Oz, during the Tin Man's song.
@@thevaccinator666 I actually knew that. Glad you mentioned it! Part of her contract on Snow White was that she couldn't take any more film roles (at least with screen credit) because Walt Disney was determined to make sure that Snow White's voice sounded unique. The fact that Disney is now desecrating that film's legacy is a huge shame, but I digress.
Such a wonderfully-acted scene. Stewart perfectly portrays what it's like to be at your wit's end, feeling conpletely desperate. So amazing!
Mr. Bailey's apealing to the right One, "Dear Father in Heaven..🙏"
I think that this speaks to a more poignant truth in life: We will all come to a point in life where life has humbled (not God’s doing) us and where only God can lead us out safely.
James Stewart gives one of the greatest performances in cinematic history in this film. There isn’t one moment that doesn’t feel completely genuine and natural. You have to have some internal goodness inside of you to play a character like George Bailey so well, a piece of that character woven into your true personality. And by all accounts, Mr. Stewart did. A humble man, faithful to his wife when all his peers fell into the philandering stereotype of Hollywood stars, a kind and helpful colleague who put his fellow actors at ease, a friendly soul who deeply cherished his involvement in this film for the rest of his life. Thank you, Mr. Stewart, for gifting us with your wonderful talent.
I am no religious but I think the reason George was saved was because he was indeed a good person and the prayers were answered because George deserved the help for everything he had done. George could had traveled the world as he originally planned, but he selflessly helped others over himself.
Had it been Potter, the Gods in heaven would had been more than happy to send him to Hell for his evil deeds.
We need to remember that many will feel that way. Especially around Christmas- Never know how much more they can really take. Not always gonna be an angel.
Yes Jimmy was so overcome with emotion he's really sobbing , capra was so upset he didn't zoom in so this scene is slightly less in quality bc capra blew it up he knew this was the best take
I see the fuzziness as a good accident. To me, it highlights George's state of mind of being unstable, and unclear of what to do.
Best Christmas movie ever made
Who hasn't been where George is right now? I get emotional every time I see it.
Have any of you ever been at such a low-point?
Yes I have. It's not a good place to be in at all. But there is an answer.
***** That is a true statement. Nik, if you can, try and subscribe our channel. We would love to have you.
I think 99% of all men have had a point like this in their life.
Amen
Friend, what we would do to have a guardian angel like Clarence, eh?
You know the funny thing, as a self-proclaimed atheist I was in this position when my father had a heart attack and was struggling for his life. I prayed to God just as George did.
No disrespect meant - but if you're an atheist, why did you pray to God?
@@bobgilbert3436 Thats the interesting question in all of this isn't it?
Whats the saying.."there are no atheists in foxholes"
Thank you so much for sharing your account. Our experiences in spiritual matters is what makes a difference for others. It is the, “proof”
the Almighty exists and cares about you and I.
Wow the acting here. Off the charts.
This is as real as it gets, the horror of his service, what they call ptsd, shows in his eyes
Such a powerful scene and yet so straight to the point. Just an incredible performance from a great actor. Poured everything he had into that role.
I saw a fact that james stewart was really crying.He had just came back from WW2 and was suffering from PTSD. 😭
Man... ptsd when seen on an actor who went through war, and lost men, is an experience i never thought id see.
That's the voice of Snow White singing in the background.
That's the actress who played Snow White in the Disney movie singing the Italian Christmas carol in the background.
+Laure Covert Indeed she is Adriana Caselotti! And as she was of Italian stock, she knew full well what she was singing.
+Laure Covert I know the song is Vieni, Vieni by Tino Rossi. Didnt know it was a Christmas Carol. Always thought it was a love song, by the way he sang it.
pete p
It isn't a Christmas song.
+Laure Covert Yep! that's Adriana Caselotti, the voice of Disney's Snow White. A Disney princess is in this movie, who would've thunk? lol cute:)
Laure Covert do you happen to know the name of the carol?
Absolute real depiction, no flash bang, no headshots overtakes, just pure nerves
Truly, I believe, the single best acting ever in any movie I have ever seen.
The cameraman forgot to zoom in because he was so distracted by how emotional this scene was, so they ended having to go in and manually zoom in picture by picture. If you look closely this scene kind of looks stop motion…this is because of how they had to do it frame by frame! Incredible!!!
Surperb, unsurpassed acting. You watch it every year and every year Stewart praying sends shivers down your spine.
This scene makes me cry every time I see it.
There is just no words for this scene and movie. Just heartbreaking and then breathtaking
Who’s here after hearing Jim Caviezel mentioning this movie and this scene in particular while promoting his new movie Sound of Freedom
One of the most emotional scenes you will ever see. So many of us have been there and JS conveys the emotion so, so well.
I wish there was a recording of that particular performance of that song in the background. The female vocalist is the same who voiced Disney's Snow White.
The woman you hear singing is Adriana Caselotti, the original voice actress of Snow White!
when you really ask, you really receive. God won’t let you down.
I am so happy and grateful for your hard work, dedication, and spiritual wisdom!
U know it is unique when u can't stop replaying it
Wow
Wow, they truly do not make scenes like this anymore.
One of the all-time greats. Sincere, honest, sensitive, heartfelt, funny, smart…as good as it gets. Always a supreme pleasure to watch the great Mr. Stewart!
It's amazing how nice and just ... well, decent Bert is. I reckon he's the most polite Policeman I've ever seen, even as he's getting ready to wind up his nightstick to whack George he utters an exasperated "...I hate to do this to ya ...''
Even prior to that he says with such comfort and kindness "Why don't ya be a good kid-- we'll get ya to a doctor, everything's going to be all right.''
Тhis mooviе is now available tо watch heеrе => twitter.com/88ec027b8900c6c99/status/795841523124346884 Its a Wоndeerful Life Prayyying to God
Best performance. He suffered PTSD from his time in the war.
The best piece of acting to ever exist!
Besides all the crews he witnessed that were lost (as a squadron Commander). He was also devastated by a bombing mission that killed many civilians and turned out to be the wrong target. It wasn't his fault, the target was chosen and charted by his superiors.
Little known fact, the woman singing behind James Stewart was non other than Adriana Castelloti ( The original voice of Snow White ) she never got credit because Disney Studios didn't want to tarnish the image of Snow White, she never did another movie,only uncredited ones
To see what Stewart went through to some extent watch the 1949 epic Twelve O Clock High. If General Frank Savage isn't Stewart - I don't know what. That film used to be shown at military academies and even companies on how to be a leader and the toll it takes on men. Gregory Peck plays Savage but - Jimmy Stewart lived the part in real life. Film is stunning - the war scenes real as planes do bombing runs and very young men die while others were mentally destroyed and others - hunkered down and got in with things. Twelve O'Clock High one of 3 best war films ever.
I miss you Jimmy Stewart
Snow White's last ever role in media :(
A little known piece of trivia about this scene in Martini's bar is that Adriana Caselotti, who was the voice of Disney's Snow White, is seen seated behind George. It's her voice that is heard singing in the background.
Wonderful scene. Kudos to Stewart and to Capra, who reframed and enlarged it so it could be used in the film.
Jim Caviezel sent me here.
0:11 *I hear Snow White🩵❤️🤍🎀🍎*
Bill Bryson said he wasn't in the war like John Wayne. He most certainly was. He was a bomber pilot in WW2, I believe he made it to the rank of General too.
I utterly adore this profoundly beautiful and deeply meaningful film.
0:12 It's Snow White
Song is Vieni Vieni by Adriana Caselotti
According to Frank Capra, he wanted an extreme closeup of Stewart for this scene but had only shot a medium c/u during filming. He reframed and blew the shot up for maximum effect in the final movie. That's why it looks a little grainy. It was a masterful performance in any case. One of Stewart's finest roles.
The acting here is off the charts.
How many of us have sat with George, lost in desperation?
this scene , and all Dean Winchester's praying to god and heaven scenes in supernatural , are just ....
my best movie of life.gets me all the time..
I feel George Bailey.. In a way that only selfless Pl can overstand 🙋✝️
I’m here right now. This life shit is tough sometimes you just want to disappear into nothing.
Hope you are doing good right now brother. If you hold on life wont Chase. Remember that.
if you listen in the background singers ,... you hear the the girl who did the voice for snow white,... Adriana Caselotti she singing in Italian in teh background .. she was uncredited for it,...
Fun fact... The voice of "Snow White" singing in the background!