It’s beautiful how he realizes - in an explosion of passion at the end - that the thought of a life with her now means more to him than his previous dream of independence. She is worth changing the entire planned trajectory of his life. This is one of the most romantic films in cinematic history. ❤❤❤
For me, this scene is not only about their romance... It's also about George's overwhelming frustration surfacing regarding his life and her place in it.
it's sublime. Sublimely awkward but sublime. The whole dialogue interchange revolves around Mary's undying love and blindness to George's insecurity and George's feeling of complete enslavement to fate, unable to take agency into his own hands, to do as he sees fit. What he doesn't understand is how much the community he lives in and the people around him really mean to him until it's taken away. He doesn't realise that his good nature precludes the route his life has taken and that he should be glad for it, not ambivalent or suicidal to it.
Things keep popping up that are keeping him in Bedford falls and keeping him from his dreams of college and traveling. Mary is one of those things but he can’t help but stay with her and love her.
@@artistsometimes2729 I like your comment, as much for its content as for being refreshingly coherent. Many comments on UA-cam show an appalling and frightening lack of spelling, punctuation and grammar skills on what used to be considered a rudimentary level
@@artistsometimes2729 They very much end up living Mary's dream and not George's. Mary wants to live in Bedford Falls because it's home and her family is there. Mary wants marriage and kids. Mary even wants to live in the old Granville House. The movie shows us this explicitly when they're throwing the rocks; George is telling her his dream of building skyscrapers and bridges and she interrupts him to throw a rock for her wish they they get married and live in that house. George sacrifices so much for so many people and for Mary most of all, because he loves her.
This telephone scene between Mary & George is perhaps one of the most powerful and raw love scenes between a man and a woman that has ever been captured on film. How Donna Reed took on as her own Mary's vulnerability and restiveness as she struggles with her emotions is amazing while simultaneously, Stewart portrays an anger that consumes George to a crescendo fighting the inner turmoil of wanting freedom yet craving this woman who is forced bodily together by a telephone.
@Taigen Riggs So glad you were able to describe this scene to a "T." As many times as I've savored it, this time I listened from the perspective of Sam!! He was surely sitting there just delighted for these two with his mouth hanging open! 😄
The way she looks at him... My God , will I ever have someone like this , a girl to show me her love just with her beautiful gaze... just with her eyes !?
You will. She will look at you and the whole universe will flow though her eyes and that moment will be frozen in time. And don't be an idiot like me who let her get away.
That little twinge of jealousy in George’s face when he hears Mary taking to Sam gets me every time. The sexual tension between the two of them sharing that stupid phone. This whole scene gets me ugh.
They just needed to get close enough together physically. George tried desperately to gird himself and not surrender his independent path, but "chemistry" still won.
"Tell Mary to get on the extension." "You talk-" "Mother's on the extension" *Mother eavesdropping on the phone upstairs, promptly hanging up as soon as she's discovered* "I AM NOT!" Why is nobody talking about how hilarious and modern this is?
The comedic timing was just so good in this movie, the Violent Love line especially, I'm shocked they were able to get away with it, the audience must have been roaring.
When Mary says, "It's the chance of a lifetime," she's talking about herself. The "deal" was done as soon as George walked through the door and he knew it. Poetic as well as romantic.
Frank Capra once said in an interview that if he would remake the movie, he would change Mary's alternate fate because he felt she was too strong willed to end up a librarian.
Reed was exceptionally attractive. What a doll , an absolute classic. The fact is in reality she would have married donkey boy and been a lonely trophy wife ... George would have become an alcoholic
I so love the telephone scene. It is beautiful, romantic, and shows how you don't need to see people rolling around butt naked to show real passion and emotion. Effortlessly brilliant film.
George’s frustration with debating on his future travels and finding love at the same time my heart this scene always gets me😭💖He knows he’s in love and deep down can’t deny it
The scene when Sam Wainwright calls "long distance" hahaha.... and George and Mary share the phone together listening to the conversation, is still one of the most E-r-o-t-i-c and romantic scenes in film history.
I read somewhere that this passionate scene on the telephone was done in one take, and they were so into it they accidentally skipped multiple pages of dialog! But Capra was so impressed that he kept that take.
This scene is an absolute Masterpiece, The rising sexual tension between them from 5:25 to 7: 27 is just unbelievable. In these 2 minutes, Donna gave the performance of her life.
@@jonathanblaze1648 Yes, sadly. But some women nowadays do choose to wear dresses and skirts more. I've worn only dresses and skirts for nearly 3 years, I love it and contrary to what anyone what may say, it's perfectly comfortable and warm in winter, if you wear the right kind of tights and such. Women wore dresses for all of history until quite recently, it's so funny to me to see women nowadays shocked at the notion of wearing dresses all or most of the time.
As everyone says below this one of the most powerful emotional scenes in all American cinema. So well acted by Stewart and Reed it seems real. Amazing direction by Frank Capra, a masterpiece that chokes me up every time I've seen it.
Among my favorite scenes in this film. He just lets the phone drop on the floor, shakes her and says: " Now you listen to ME! I don't want any Plastic, Ground Floors and I don't want to get married EVER to ANYONE! Do you understand that?!? I want to do what "I" want to do! Next thing you know, they fall into each others arms, and it's...."Oh Mary....Mary"......" "GEORGE, GEORGE, GEORGE!" And I LOVE it!
George, a man who once believed life was about being big and going to places. Only to realize that all a man needs in life is love. He almost turned her away but when he saw her tears run down her face and her eyes begging for him, he finally understood that she was all he ever needed in life.
@@tuckercarlson6427 Not even today would such an interaction be considered assault by anyone... other than a Marxist lesbian attorney looking for trouble 1)The attraction was clearly mutual 2) They were free to declare their sentiments 3) He was not being violent; passionate yes, but not hurtful, disrespectful or insincere. Reminds me of the old c&w song lyric: "All right... ok...you win - I'm... in love with you"
"HE'S MAKING VIOLENT LOVE TO ME MOTHER!!" LOL!! Thanks for these movie 🌟 clips for this, my all time favorite Christmas 🎬 🎄 😇 Movie by Frank Capra!! Happy holidays 🎄 💫 to ALL!!!!
No there will not. I'm surprised cancel culture hasn't destroyed his legacy. Look up his personal life and political views... A man like him will never be allowed to exist again...
I read where they actually had to re-shoot as it was much more passionate the 1st time they shot it. Beautifully done. I've never understood why this film wasn't a hit when it 1st came out. Timing, I guess, or maybe people were expecting something more upbeat & cheerful because it was a holiday time release. Thankfully, we all love it & watch it every year.
"I've never understood why this film wasn't a hit when it 1st came out." People were adjusting to peace after years of war and were not interested in a movie about someone who was unable to volunteer because of a hearing impediment. Too many families were still grieving for their lost loved ones. The big movie blockbuster of 1946 was "The Best Years of Our Lives" about the difficulties of three servicemen adapting to society after World War II. In retrospect, both are considered classic films.
Charles Buxton That's seems strange to me. I should think that this type of the movie is exactly what the public would have needed in a post war era. After nearly a decade of the most devastating conflict in human history, I should think that a story of love and morals is exactly what people would want following the death and destruction of the war.
CM1138, here's a list of the top grossing US films of 1946: 1. Song of the South (Disney cartoon); 2A. The Best Years of Our Lives (3 GIs peacetime adjustment); 2B. Duel in the Sun (violent love triangle); 3. The Postman Always Rings Twice (noir adultery & murder); 4. Blue Skies (musical comedy); 5. The Yearling (coming of age story of a boy and his deer); 6. The Razor's Edge (GI's post-war search for meaning); 7. Notorious (Hitchcock Nazi spy thriller); 8. Till the Clouds Roll By (Jerome Kern biopic/musical); 9. Road To Utopia (Crosby, Hope & Lamour in Alaska); 10. Gilda (Rita Hayworth as femme fatale). Perhaps the public needed "It's A Wonderful Life," but that's not what they chose to see in great numbers in 1946. Sometimes a classic takes a period of momentum to gather great acclaim.
One of the great ironies of history; a practically forgotten movie for years (after dismal box office figures; surprising for James Stewart returning from the war) becomes what most of us feel is the greatest Christmas movie of all time - certainly the most popular
It's A WONDERFUL Life, I watch every year around Christmas time. One of my very favorite movies and a true classic. A reminder in whatever times we may be experiencing, things can always get worse. Even so, we must remember What is of true value in life. Family, friends and loved ones. When we have them, and the love of God, we are truly Rich!
Andy Coleman They were sitting on the couch and she was trying to make it funny and less tension between the 2 of them while they were talking because George was being a sour puss that night. Mary was in-love with him and he didn't have the idea or realization of it yet LOL
I know this is five years after your comment, but I have to agree with you. I've always thought that even the incidental characters, such as the bridge keeper, were perfect. This really is one of the most perfect movies ever.
Gosh it’s just so beautiful. I was born in ‘94 but this movie always brings tears to my eyes. I know historically and politically times were terrible back then, but gosh darn it look at the flowers, look at her dress, the music, the slang, his suit, how they talk, its just all awfully pretty, IAh!
If you remember in the beginning of the movie it was said that goerge gave his college money to harry his brother, so it was only fitting that goerge, made his own destiny in being there when mary returned home from college, thats what all the frustration that goerge kept built up in him , and let it all out in this scene! Very touching moment!
The telephone scene, the moment love is felt. From n.j. ,I was going to college out in Denison iowa,1967, there was a parade, I asked a few locals about what it was for, they said it's Donna reed day. Then coming closer , from down the street,there was a float, and there she was,waving to everyone. I was spellbound. The telephone scene always gets me choked up.
That the most romantic scene ever when he is trying to talk himself out of loving her and breaks down crying knowing he cant deny how much he needs her.
My late pastor (of 41 years) often preached against the evils of Hollywood, in a fast-moving downward spiral of societal corruption. I had believed, for years, that he never watched movies, and for a long time hadn't even owned a tv set. His only son is now my daughter's husband, and he revealed to me that once they got a tv (with no cable hook-up), they watched, "It's A Wonderful Life," on VHS, every year. It's refreshing to know he was human, after all.😊
Well, 100 years ago there was no TV, and so all those centuries before, they were all human. He wasn't wrong in disliking TV, he was probably very true with his skepticism of it. But yes, there are clean charming rare movies that stir the heart for the right🙏
He didn’t want to love her; Mary meant staying in the town he hated and never escaping a dream that was, originally, his father’s. But he still couldn’t help himself. Everything was given up for her.
Its A Wonderful Life is not only the greatest Christmas movie ever made, its the greatest Christian movie this side of The Passion. This movie shows us how wonderful a true Christian society can be. And then Its A Wonderful Life shows you the flipside, which we live in Pottersville.
The war took a terrific toll on Stewart. He came home with PTSD and aged 15 years in just 3. Frank Capra wanted to tap into this. The anger you see here isn’t all acting. Quite a man.
Love this movie. My all time favorite Christmas movie. I know every line. George Bailey has always loved his Mary. One of many favorite scenes. She cries because she thinks he hates her and is so afraid of his reaction but it's the exact opposite. He loves her. "I don't want to get married ever to anyone. Mary, Mary." (George Bailey) "George, George." (Mary Bailey)
Sam likely heard ALL OF THAT over the phone, and I could see him -- chomping on a stogie, nodding his head in approval, saying: "Hee-HAW old boy! It's about time!" and then hanging up while laughing.
A song called Bradford Falls incorporated the snippet of the passionate dialogue. The passion and emotion I heard and felt in it made me search up where it was from. I have a sense of the context the passion is coming from and It makes the song a little bit better. Knowing that he didnt want to live a second rate life where he didnt fight for what he wanted is honestly motivational. Go for what you want. You only live it once.
I’m 37 and first saw this maybe 2 years ago (I’ve seen thousands of films at this point) and knew this one was long overdue. When I saw this phone scene, I was definitely not expecting it to be so intimate, intense and insanely romantic. The acting of tension is suburb. The end always makes me cry ugly. There’s just a range of emotions in one film and I think that’s what stands the test of time for so many. You have drama, romance, comedy, and fantasy rolled into one.
Kind of interesting how this scene with the phone compares to the other scene when George and Mary are arguing over the phone when talking to Zuzu's teacher.
I feel for George. In his self sacrifice he lost sight and eventually his grip on his personal ambitions and dreams. But by giving himself up selflessly for the people around him he managed to make a community flourish and grow. He doesn't realize it until he is confronted with what he perceives as his personal failures; he feels unfulfilled and despondent. But Clarence helps him realize that even though he sacrificed his personal desires to see others around him grow as people, he also recognizes that these people care about him. They see him as a strong and independent minded individual; they never saw George as a man who needed help, yet when they finally see George hurting for the first time, they do everything they can to help him. It's not even a question of whether or not George or his Uncle laundered the money from Building and Loan for the townspeople; George wore his heart on his sleeve his whole life and the townsfolk saw that. As a result, they gave selflessly in his moment of need, as George did during all of theirs. The end of this film was one of the most touching things I've ever seen. Parts of the film definitely feel outdated and inappropriate. Like his reaction and the way he starts shaking Mary towards the end of this scene. But I get it. To be with Mary is to stay in Bedford Falls. To keep in line with tradition and the sense of continuity that comes with rural living. Conservative folks are right to be skeptical of modern Capitalism, as it completely destroyed these rural working class community values. It wasn't always fun, but you did these things for each other because you loved each other and wanted the next generation to succeed. Now it feels like every man for himself. But the message is hopeful, in my opinion. Through love and self sacrifice, putting others needs before personal ambition (Potter is the personification of reckless self aggrandizement/self gain), trust is built. The rest follows suit. As Hemingway once wrote, "the best way to trust people is to trust them." Or something to that effect.
George Bailey earned immortality by his good deeds. The people of Bedford Falls will never forget a man like that. That's worth more than 1000 times Sam Wainwright's or Mr. Potter's fortunes combined.
I was at a client 20 years ago and engaging in a bit of self-deprecating talk over lunch when the accountant whose work I was auditing snapped: “Who the hell said you’re weird?” The table froze…most of all myself…and it took me 9 years to realize the heart behind her scolding. She would have been a great mother of my children… God help me never to treat the ladies in my life with disrespect.
"I can't fight this feeling anymore - I've forgotten what I started fighting for - It's time to bring this ship into the shore, and throw away the oars forever." - REO Speedwagon
I, You Stupidity lol I said the same thing watching this with my wife last week. His brain is telling him one thing but his nads are telling him another. Nads always win 😂
It’s beautiful how he realizes - in an explosion of passion at the end - that the thought of a life with her now means more to him than his previous dream of independence. She is worth changing the entire planned trajectory of his life. This is one of the most romantic films in cinematic history. ❤❤❤
For me, this scene is not only about their romance... It's also about George's overwhelming frustration surfacing regarding his life and her place in it.
it's sublime. Sublimely awkward but sublime. The whole dialogue interchange revolves around Mary's undying love and blindness to George's insecurity and George's feeling of complete enslavement to fate, unable to take agency into his own hands, to do as he sees fit. What he doesn't understand is how much the community he lives in and the people around him really mean to him until it's taken away. He doesn't realise that his good nature precludes the route his life has taken and that he should be glad for it, not ambivalent or suicidal to it.
Things keep popping up that are keeping him in Bedford falls and keeping him from his dreams of college and traveling. Mary is one of those things but he can’t help but stay with her and love her.
@@artistsometimes2729 I like your comment, as much for its content as for being refreshingly coherent. Many comments on UA-cam show an appalling and frightening lack of spelling, punctuation and grammar skills on what used to be considered a rudimentary level
@@artistsometimes2729 Ouch! The harsh truth! My husband has always said that I'm George Bailey and reading your comment made me realize it. Thank you.
@@artistsometimes2729 They very much end up living Mary's dream and not George's. Mary wants to live in Bedford Falls because it's home and her family is there. Mary wants marriage and kids. Mary even wants to live in the old Granville House. The movie shows us this explicitly when they're throwing the rocks; George is telling her his dream of building skyscrapers and bridges and she interrupts him to throw a rock for her wish they they get married and live in that house. George sacrifices so much for so many people and for Mary most of all, because he loves her.
This telephone scene between Mary & George is perhaps one of the most powerful and raw love scenes between a man and a woman that has ever been captured on film. How Donna Reed took on as her own Mary's vulnerability and restiveness as she struggles with her emotions is amazing while simultaneously, Stewart portrays an anger that consumes George to a crescendo fighting the inner turmoil of wanting freedom yet craving this woman who is forced bodily together by a telephone.
Yes they finally let their emotions for each other show
I agree - it's absolutely electric!!
Donna Reed made this scene.
Exactly
@Taigen Riggs
So glad you were able to describe this scene to a "T."
As many times as I've savored it, this time I listened from the perspective of Sam!! He was surely sitting there just delighted for these two with his mouth hanging open! 😄
When she broke that record I died a bit, felt like the perfect reaction to his behavior :)
Yes…and that was probably what he needed to come to his senses!
The way she looks at him... My God , will I ever have someone like this , a girl to show me her love just with her beautiful gaze... just with her eyes !?
You will. She will look at you and the whole universe will flow though her eyes and that moment will be frozen in time. And don't be an idiot like me who let her get away.
I feel the same way to.
go figure Sure...keep looking
For me women is mother friend and ma’am nothing more
Most likely not.
That little twinge of jealousy in George’s face when he hears Mary taking to Sam gets me every time. The sexual tension between the two of them sharing that stupid phone. This whole scene gets me ugh.
For me it's when he clenches his jaw right before he throws down the phone, like he has to restrain himself from wanting her so much.
They just needed to get close enough together physically. George tried desperately to gird himself and not surrender his independent path, but "chemistry" still won.
"Tell Mary to get on the extension."
"You talk-"
"Mother's on the extension"
*Mother eavesdropping on the phone upstairs, promptly hanging up as soon as she's discovered*
"I AM NOT!"
Why is nobody talking about how hilarious and modern this is?
The comedic timing was just so good in this movie, the Violent Love line especially, I'm shocked they were able to get away with it, the audience must have been roaring.
When Mary says, "It's the chance of a lifetime," she's talking about herself. The "deal" was done as soon as George walked through the door and he knew it. Poetic as well as romantic.
Done? What deal?
Ol' Georgie-Poo is fixin' to throw Momma from the Soybean Train, from the looks/sound of it
@@ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113Jellybeans!
While he shakes her violently, she looks in his eyes and simply says "no"...and his nonsense is all over. So beautiful.
Who could not fall in love with Donna Reed??
Frank Capra once said in an interview that if he would remake the movie, he would change Mary's alternate fate because he felt she was too strong willed to end up a librarian.
A Classic BEAUTY!
Reed was exceptionally attractive. What a doll , an absolute classic. The fact is in reality she would have married donkey boy and been a lonely trophy wife ... George would have become an alcoholic
Reed and Stewart's chemistry was impeccable.
@@Dimensioneer88 Potter would have made her his if George never existed. He would then end up being president.
I so love the telephone scene. It is beautiful, romantic, and shows how you don't need to see people rolling around butt naked to show real passion and emotion. Effortlessly brilliant film.
Haha exactly. Well said
Well she was butt naked when he stepped on her robe & she hid behind the bush.A little Adam & Eve scene.
I second that❤
Well said.
George’s frustration with debating on his future travels and finding love at the same time my heart this scene always gets me😭💖He knows he’s in love and deep down can’t deny it
7:00 - Shaking voice, 'He says it's a chance of a lifetime...'
Brilliant scene by amazing actors in an incredible movie
No movie has made me cry as much as this one, and this, too, is my favorite scene! What a beautiful movie.
The ending was awesome also.
Mine too
@@roseheironimus8972 God bless you 🙏❤️
Donna Reed had the face of an angel.
Laura, she IS an angel.
Shes beautiful.
The scene when Sam Wainwright calls "long distance" hahaha.... and George and Mary share the phone together listening to the conversation, is still one of the most E-r-o-t-i-c and romantic scenes in film history.
IKR!!!! one can literally feeeeel the tension through the screen... forever one of my fav Scenes!!!
I wouldn't classify that as erotic...
What are yu doing Piceting 🤣🤣🤣
I read somewhere that this passionate scene on the telephone was done in one take, and they were so into it they accidentally skipped multiple pages of dialog! But Capra was so impressed that he kept that take.
@@dontayloronline Cool fact! Thanks for sharing.
This scene is an absolute Masterpiece, The rising sexual tension between them from 5:25 to 7: 27 is just unbelievable. In these 2 minutes, Donna gave the performance of her life.
"It still smells like PINE NEEDLES around here"
"....thank you...??"
Why pine needles? Could you explain?
Christmas tree maybe@@justforfun2767
"He says it's the chance of a lifetime" .. The greatest line in a film full of them. Beautiful scene.
fabulous scene...my favorite scene is" to my big brother George--the richest man in town".....not mans riches but more importantly heavens riches
Donna Reed was so beautiful ❤️
Best proposal ever.
Donna Reed was such a beautiful woman. And the smile she had was wonderful.
Always loved Donna Reed, she was a beautiful woman. I’m old, but still love the way woman dressed back then
Notice women wore dresses more back then. They dressed more like women. Now they where pants 95% of the time. More masculine, less feminine.
I LOVE her dress here, and prefer vintage style clothing. I'm only 28 years old, but I love to dress is an elegant and feminine way.
@@jonathanblaze1648 Yes, sadly. But some women nowadays do choose to wear dresses and skirts more. I've worn only dresses and skirts for nearly 3 years, I love it and contrary to what anyone what may say, it's perfectly comfortable and warm in winter, if you wear the right kind of tights and such. Women wore dresses for all of history until quite recently, it's so funny to me to see women nowadays shocked at the notion of wearing dresses all or most of the time.
@@jonathanblaze1648 And the problem with that is?
I also love what men wore back then.
Who hasn’t seen this movie a minimum of 20 times in their lifetime?
One of the most beautiful girls in history.
As everyone says below this one of the most powerful emotional scenes in all American cinema. So well acted by Stewart and Reed it seems real. Amazing direction by Frank Capra, a masterpiece that chokes me up every time I've seen it.
This ain’t a Christmas movie, this is THE Christmas movie
Donna Reed ...made the picture 📸 great ...quite the American beauty 😍
Among my favorite scenes in this film. He just lets the phone drop on the floor, shakes her and says:
" Now you listen to ME! I don't want any Plastic, Ground Floors and I don't want to get married EVER to ANYONE! Do you understand that?!? I want to do what "I" want to do!
Next thing you know, they fall into each others arms, and it's...."Oh Mary....Mary"......" "GEORGE, GEORGE, GEORGE!"
And I LOVE it!
That would be sexual assault nowadays.
George, a man who once believed life was about being big and going to places. Only to realize that all a man needs in life is love. He almost turned her away but when he saw her tears run down her face and her eyes begging for him, he finally understood that she was all he ever needed in life.
bravaLiz Uh,yeah.We all just saw the scene.No need for you to replay it in your own words.
@@tuckercarlson6427 no it wouldn’t.
@@tuckercarlson6427
Not even today would such an interaction be considered assault by anyone... other than
a Marxist lesbian attorney looking for trouble
1)The attraction was clearly mutual
2) They were free to declare their sentiments
3) He was not being violent; passionate yes,
but not hurtful, disrespectful or insincere.
Reminds me of the old c&w song lyric:
"All right...
ok...you win -
I'm... in love with you"
"HE'S MAKING VIOLENT LOVE TO ME MOTHER!!" LOL!! Thanks for these movie 🌟 clips for this, my all time favorite Christmas 🎬 🎄 😇
Movie by Frank Capra!!
Happy holidays 🎄 💫
to ALL!!!!
Jimmy was just wonderful.There will never be another.
No there will not. I'm surprised cancel culture hasn't destroyed his legacy. Look up his personal life and political views... A man like him will never be allowed to exist again...
I read where they actually had to re-shoot as it was much more passionate the 1st time they shot it. Beautifully done. I've never understood why this film wasn't a hit when it 1st came out. Timing, I guess, or maybe people were expecting something more upbeat & cheerful because it was a holiday time release. Thankfully, we all love it & watch it every year.
"I've never understood why this film wasn't a hit when it 1st came out." People were adjusting to peace after years of war and were not interested in a movie about someone who was unable to volunteer because of a hearing impediment. Too many families were still grieving for their lost loved ones. The big movie blockbuster of 1946 was "The Best Years of Our Lives" about the difficulties of three servicemen adapting to society after World War II. In retrospect, both are considered classic films.
Charles Buxton That's seems strange to me. I should think that this type of the movie is exactly what the public would have needed in a post war era. After nearly a decade of the most devastating conflict in human history, I should think that a story of love and morals is exactly what people would want following the death and destruction of the war.
CM1138, here's a list of the top grossing US films of 1946: 1. Song of the South (Disney cartoon); 2A. The Best Years of Our Lives (3 GIs peacetime adjustment); 2B. Duel in the Sun (violent love triangle); 3. The Postman Always Rings Twice (noir adultery & murder); 4. Blue Skies (musical comedy); 5. The Yearling (coming of age story of a boy and his deer); 6. The Razor's Edge (GI's post-war search for meaning); 7. Notorious (Hitchcock Nazi spy thriller); 8. Till the Clouds Roll By (Jerome Kern biopic/musical); 9. Road To Utopia (Crosby, Hope & Lamour in Alaska); 10. Gilda (Rita Hayworth as femme fatale). Perhaps the public needed "It's A Wonderful Life," but that's not what they chose to see in great numbers in 1946. Sometimes a classic takes a period of momentum to gather great acclaim.
@@Checkmate1138 you forget that people back then didnt wear there feelings on there sleaves.
One of the great ironies of history; a practically forgotten movie for years (after dismal box office figures; surprising for James Stewart returning from the war) becomes what most of us feel is the greatest Christmas movie of all time - certainly the most popular
It's A WONDERFUL Life, I watch every year around Christmas time. One of my very favorite movies and a true classic. A reminder in whatever times we may be experiencing, things can always get worse. Even so, we must remember What is of true value in life. Family, friends and loved ones. When we have them, and the love of God, we are truly Rich!
I actually enjoy watching it any time of the year.
“Still smells like pine needles around here” savage af
"He's making violent love to me, mother!"
+Chantal Jalbert Sounds like fun!!!
Say that in 2015... See what happens
Andy Coleman They were sitting on the couch and she was trying to make it funny and less tension between the 2 of them while they were talking because George was being a sour puss that night. Mary was in-love with him and he didn't have the idea or realization of it yet LOL
I understand the sarcasm of the scene... I was just saying if you say it in 2015, you could get five years to life.
+Andy Coleman I said that tonight when my mom asked what my sister and her boyfriend were doing tomorrow... needless to say I got looks haha.
Every scene in this movie is the best scene ever. One of those rare gems where every scene is absolutely perfect in every way.
Ahh, the good movies, where even the background characters were good actors
+Annie C. a GREAT supporting cast!
I know this is five years after your comment, but I have to agree with you. I've always thought that even the incidental characters, such as the bridge keeper, were perfect. This really is one of the most perfect movies ever.
Nick 🍺 Annie 🍳 Mr. Gower The Drugist 💊
Mr. Bank Examiner💰 Violet Bicks 💃 and of course, Burt & Ernie-
The Bedford Falls
Police Officers!!👮♂️💯👮
and Bulah Bondi as Georges mom..she was in many movies
Gosh it’s just so beautiful. I was born in ‘94 but this movie always brings tears to my eyes. I know historically and politically times were terrible back then, but gosh darn it look at the flowers, look at her dress, the music, the slang, his suit, how they talk, its just all awfully pretty, IAh!
The most romantic and lovely scenes of all the time. I alway cry when i see it.
Same. Its quite the amazing movie
Boy Donna Reed was such an attractive woman my god!!!!
One of best scenes in movie history....Donna Reed happened to be 2 of the greatest films ever, from here to eternity and this one
One of the finest scenes in film..... so powerful. it always makes me cry.... just so true and human.
If you remember in the beginning of the movie it was said that goerge gave his college money to harry his brother, so it was only fitting that goerge, made his own destiny in being there when mary returned home from college, thats what all the frustration that goerge kept built up in him , and let it all out in this scene! Very touching moment!
"Why don't you get on the extension?"
"Mother's on the extension."
"*hangs up phone* I AM NOT!"
Donna Reed is so damn beautiful I can't take it!
The telephone scene, the moment love is felt.
From n.j. ,I was going to college out in Denison iowa,1967, there was a parade, I asked a few locals about what it was for, they said it's Donna reed day.
Then coming closer , from down the street,there was a float, and there she was,waving to everyone. I was spellbound.
The telephone scene always gets me choked up.
An incredibly wonderful scene. One of the all-time best.
This scene always makes me cry ugh
Astonishing scene
+Daniel Elford That is exactly the right adjective. The power of these two together. Who could not be moved?
Everything going on in this scene. The final phone sequence is played so well, particularly by Stewart.
The best movie ever, best holiday movie ever, 70 years have passed all the same, God bless
Jimmy Stewart was a great American hero war hero and actor and a good human being
That the most romantic scene ever when he is trying to talk himself out of loving her and breaks down crying knowing he cant deny how much he needs her.
If I was that close to Donna Reed, I'd fall in love, too...
I've got my warm & fuzzy going on now, with a couple of Christmas time tears. Does God still make people like these?
the mother's intermingling... was precious (LOL)
That Donna reed was a real keeper
So much to say that is fantastic about this scene! Possibly the best in the film
My late pastor (of 41 years) often preached against the evils of Hollywood, in a fast-moving downward spiral of societal corruption. I had believed, for years, that he never watched movies, and for a long time hadn't even owned a tv set. His only son is now my daughter's husband, and he revealed to me that once they got a tv (with no cable hook-up), they watched, "It's A Wonderful Life," on VHS, every year. It's refreshing to know he was human, after all.😊
Well, 100 years ago there was no TV, and so all those centuries before, they were all human. He wasn't wrong in disliking TV, he was probably very true with his skepticism of it. But yes, there are clean charming rare movies that stir the heart for the right🙏
You came from George's back?
Best scene in the film.
He didn’t want to love her; Mary meant staying in the town he hated and never escaping a dream that was, originally, his father’s. But he still couldn’t help himself. Everything was given up for her.
Its A Wonderful Life is not only the greatest Christmas movie ever made, its the greatest Christian movie this side of The Passion. This movie shows us how wonderful a true Christian society can be. And then Its A Wonderful Life shows you the flipside, which we live in Pottersville.
The war took a terrific toll on Stewart. He came home with PTSD and aged 15 years in just 3. Frank Capra wanted to tap into this. The anger you see here isn’t all acting. Quite a man.
YES..You summed it up exackly..
Yes
What a freaking MAN yo. Hollywood actor had it all and still went and flew a ton of high altitude bomber missions, than he was even required to.
Love this movie. My all time favorite Christmas movie. I know every line. George Bailey has always loved his Mary. One of many favorite scenes. She cries because she thinks he hates her and is so afraid of his reaction but it's the exact opposite. He loves her.
"I don't want to get married ever to anyone. Mary, Mary."
(George Bailey)
"George, George." (Mary Bailey)
"The chance of a lifetime" - go for it, George.
Donna Reed, woof! In that dress.
Every scene in that movie was a classic
Damned onions.
these clips really highlight how much is lacking in what Hollywood churns out these days.
What a very beautiful woman. elegant and sophisticated
Donna Reed one of the greatest American actors ever!!!!! just love this lady!!!
Sam likely heard ALL OF THAT over the phone, and I could see him -- chomping on a stogie, nodding his head in approval, saying: "Hee-HAW old boy! It's about time!" and then hanging up while laughing.
Damn, something's in my eye again. :)
I've always had a crush on Donna Reed.
Haha, same. Women just aren't like that these days.
@@tuckercarlson6427 true.
A song called Bradford Falls incorporated the snippet of the passionate dialogue. The passion and emotion I heard and felt in it made me search up where it was from. I have a sense of the context the passion is coming from and It makes the song a little bit better. Knowing that he didnt want to live a second rate life where he didnt fight for what he wanted is honestly motivational. Go for what you want. You only live it once.
Same!!! Great song
I’m 37 and first saw this maybe 2 years ago (I’ve seen thousands of films at this point) and knew this one was long overdue. When I saw this phone scene, I was definitely not expecting it to be so intimate, intense and insanely romantic. The acting of tension is suburb. The end always makes me cry ugly. There’s just a range of emotions in one film and I think that’s what stands the test of time for so many. You have drama, romance, comedy, and fantasy rolled into one.
The cutest couple I’ve ever known
Kind of interesting how this scene with the phone compares to the other scene when George and Mary are arguing over the phone when talking to Zuzu's teacher.
THE BEST LIFE LESSON , ENTERTAINMENT MOVIE EVER !! 🎥👌👏🙌✨😄
Jimmy Stewart & Donna Reed played their roles well, in this Classic TV 🎄 Christmas Movie 🎥 that airs on NBC/Universal every December.
I feel for George. In his self sacrifice he lost sight and eventually his grip on his personal ambitions and dreams. But by giving himself up selflessly for the people around him he managed to make a community flourish and grow. He doesn't realize it until he is confronted with what he perceives as his personal failures; he feels unfulfilled and despondent.
But Clarence helps him realize that even though he sacrificed his personal desires to see others around him grow as people, he also recognizes that these people care about him. They see him as a strong and independent minded individual; they never saw George as a man who needed help, yet when they finally see George hurting for the first time, they do everything they can to help him. It's not even a question of whether or not George or his Uncle laundered the money from Building and Loan for the townspeople; George wore his heart on his sleeve his whole life and the townsfolk saw that. As a result, they gave selflessly in his moment of need, as George did during all of theirs.
The end of this film was one of the most touching things I've ever seen. Parts of the film definitely feel outdated and inappropriate. Like his reaction and the way he starts shaking Mary towards the end of this scene. But I get it. To be with Mary is to stay in Bedford Falls. To keep in line with tradition and the sense of continuity that comes with rural living.
Conservative folks are right to be skeptical of modern Capitalism, as it completely destroyed these rural working class community values. It wasn't always fun, but you did these things for each other because you loved each other and wanted the next generation to succeed. Now it feels like every man for himself.
But the message is hopeful, in my opinion. Through love and self sacrifice, putting others needs before personal ambition (Potter is the personification of reckless self aggrandizement/self gain), trust is built. The rest follows suit. As Hemingway once wrote, "the best way to trust people is to trust them." Or something to that effect.
George Bailey earned immortality by his good deeds. The people of Bedford Falls will never forget a man like that. That's worth more than 1000 times Sam Wainwright's or Mr. Potter's fortunes combined.
great scene with the beautiful donna reed.
This scene stresses me out
My favorite scene
I love this scene!♥️😁
The best sexual tension/love scene Hollywood ever produced!!!
Mary is absolutely beautiful
Cinema's sexiest kiss.Ever.
oh jimmy, I like be him SO MUCH! Can't wait to find my own jimmy Stewart some day :)
+Aishwarya Sharma Because he acts like a man and not some wimpy beta male that you see in 99.9% of television and movies today.
Same. Jimmy Stewart was a man of integrity ♥️
@@theyingyangdogs2446 true , and mary is a real woman.
He chose ’REAL’ love over his future of opportunity. That's life for Ya.
As much as we fight the war of love, it overpowers our resolve, and hence, sweet surrender!
Very deep.... True love melts every ice down.... It never gives up.... End was so lovely.... Bewitched 💝💝💝💝
Thanks for posting one of the greatest scenes in cinema, past and present
I was at a client 20 years ago and engaging in a bit of self-deprecating talk over lunch when the accountant whose work I was auditing snapped: “Who the hell said you’re weird?”
The table froze…most of all myself…and it took me 9 years to realize the heart behind her scolding.
She would have been a great mother of my children…
God help me never to treat the ladies in my life with disrespect.
One of my favorite movies❤️❤️
My favorite movie of all time!
"I can't fight this feeling anymore - I've forgotten what I started fighting for - It's time to bring this ship into the shore, and throw away the oars forever." - REO Speedwagon
Donna is my Grandma's Cousin...they both grew up in Iowa...on Farms. My grandma was very Beautiful too!
7:06 The moment he realizes she's the lady of his life but there's a part of him resistant to that realization!
I wanna meet a woman like mary. Shes so sweet. George was lucky guy.
Sexual tension at its finest
I, You Stupidity lol I said the same thing watching this with my wife last week. His brain is telling him one thing but his nads are telling him another. Nads always win 😂
Donna Reed, another good looking gal. I’m old sure wish gals dressed like they did back then
Magical scene.....gets me every time!