You are touching our lives. I'm 65 years old. Men retired from many years of work. Watching your reactions to movies that I've enjoyed my whole life is a joy.
There are almost 98,000 lives that you have touched...entertaining us....showing us all people from all places feel the same....one race...the human race....thank you!!
Yes, Dasha, you have touched a lot of lives. With kids and grandchildren being so far away, you are a granddaughter who we get to enjoy being with everytime you post. You are loved!
Yes, of course you have touched someone's life like George Bailey did. You may not see it; you may never see it, but because of you, someone's day is a little bit brighter. You made people smile when they needed it the most. You are one of the special people everyone needs.
A lot of the younger people who watch this go into it thinking that they’re not going to like it because it’s such an old movie and it’s actually in black-and-white but even that in the end doesn’t bother them. The movie has held up incredibly well for nearly 80 years now.
I had a really bad night last night - wanted a permanent solution to temporary conflict. My dad talked me into watching this movie with him and I did. Before I went to sleep, I thought about it and cried ❤️❤️ truly a beautiful film
You are a friend to so many of us, when we have no one else, we curl up for a movie with you and other React channels and it helps us all to not feel so alone. Thank you and Marry Christmas Dasha. I recommend "Stranger Then Fiction" with Will Farrell arguably his best roll.
It can’t be said too many times: you touch lives every day with your beautifully sympathetic and insightful reactions. Thank you. This is my second favorite film of all time, after William Wyler’s “The Best Years of Our Lives.” Wyler’s film came out the same year and dominated the Academy Awards. Ironically Wyler and Capra were partners in the independent production company that made both films. Capra and Stewart both regarded this as the best film in their careers. Its production was a miracle in itself. The author was Philip Van Doren Stern, a prominent historian and author, who couldn’t sell the short story the movie is based on. So he sent it out to friends as a homemade, illustrated Christmas card. The story captivated Capra, who bought the rights. Stewart had come back from the war as a decorated hero, having led a bomber squadron on some 20 runs over Germany, but he had PTSD and thought he would never act again. Thankfully, his good friend, Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter), talked him into accepting the role. Stewart was drawing on real emotions in his dramatic scenes, especially in the prayer at the bar. Capra’s unmatched ability to move a story smoothly from comedy to drama and back to joy is on fully display in this film. He was aided in this by a tremendous group of character actors who appeared in many of his movies. Thomas Mitchell (Uncle Billy) won an Oscar for his performance in “Stagecoach.” Beulah Bondi (Ma Bailey) was a Broadway star in the 1920s and became a great character actor as she aged. I love her remarkable transformation from a loving mother to a crusty old woman in this film. H. B. Warner (Mr. Gower) was a popular star of the 1920s and also moved into character roles as he aged. He got an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in Capra’s “Lost Horizon” (1937).
Great reaction! One of the under-appreciated little touches of this film: Even during the Worst Day of his life, George's instinct is to place HIMSELF into deeper jeopardy, to shield other people: If George would have allowed an investigation to proceed, it would have been Uncle Billy who would have taken the fall. Yet, when George goes to Potter and begs for help, George changes/distorts the event: He says " ••I've•• misplaced $8,000." Potter, unlike George, knows exactly what happened, and reacts with a surprise that I think is genuine: " ••YOU•• have misplaced $8,000?" Potter's reaction, I think, is he being surprised, in two different ways: First, Potter is surprised that George's contrary-to-fact statement (on WHO misplaced the money) will allow Potter to destroy George to a much greater extent than if George had told the whole truth (that it was Uncle Billy who misplaced the money.) (Potter is realizing that his plan to undermine the Bailey family, is now positioned to succeed much more than Potter originally planned. Potter's original conception, did not have the scandal going to George himself, or involve George going to prison. Now, it will.) Second: Potter is surprised that any human being would be THAT self-sacrificing (to mislead, to change the central actor of reckless negligence onto himself, so that someone else would be spared). It's completely the opposite of how Potter thinks and sees the world. Note that Potter jokingly advises George to pursue the money from "that riff-raff" (the townspeople of modest means, who actually do come to George's rescue, later), because Potter thinks so little of those people, and because the idea of people of modest means, banding together to help their hero, in the name of justice and compassion, is totally foreign to Potter.
This movie will remind you, what life is really about. Loving people, being kind, being thankful, even when it's hard to see life from that perspective. God bless, Merry Christmas!
Originally this film was in black and white. At the time this movie was made, Jimmy Stewart had just returned from Europe in World War 2 after leading the 703rd Bomber Group as a pilot in command of he group. He was also suffering from PTSD as a result of all his combat missions and it really shows in his acting here. It must have been theraputic for him. He was noiminated for Best Actor Academy Award [the "Oscar"], but lost to someone else. He already had an Oscar fot 1940's Philadelphia Story... He retired from Military Service in 1968 after serving in the Vietnam War. He was a hero, a great actor, a gentleman, a devoted husband and father.
As wonderful as Mary is, George even changed her. Early on, she was self-interested in having a life with George. During the bank run, she wanted to continue on with their honeymoon, but when she witnessed his speech in the Building & Loan office, she saw his self-sacrifice and got on board by offering the $2,000.
I never got it until I was older but when Burt the cop says "I have to go home to see what the wife's doin" after the lovely Violet swishes by always cracks me up.
Such a great reaction to one of the best movies, not just Christmas movies, of all time in my mind. Even as a bitter and heartless old man (or so I'm told) I tear up every time I watch this movie. And for someone who has struggled so much with depression and self-destructive thoughts throughout my life, the lesson of this movie has always been one of the reasons I've never given in to those urges. Jimmy Stewart, who played George Bailey, had just come home from serving as the pilot of a B-24 bomber in WWII when this movie started production. After flying so many bombing missions over Germany in the course of his service and seeing all the death and destruction of a world war, he was suffering from what we'd now call PTSD. Lionel Barrymore (the hated Mr. Potter) was the main one who got Jimmy Stewart to take this role when he really didn't want to, and the end result was playing the character that he called his favorite of the ones he played. The movie was therapeutic for him as well. Stewart said that acting out the scenes where George was enraged was cathartic for him. While filming the scene in which George prays in the bar Jimmy Stewart was so overcome because of how low he felt in his own life that he began to sob. Frank Capra later re-framed and blew up the shot because he wanted to catch that expression on Stewart's face. It really hammers home the feeling of Stewart BEING George Bailey. Jimmy Stewart was such a brilliant actor anyway, but this role might have been great therapy for him as well as a perfect role for him to play. And if nothing else we can be thankful to the awful Mr. Potter for getting Jimmy Stewart to do this movie.
I have watched literally hundreds of reactions to this movie, both in person and through videos, and i have to say....your first time reaction was exactly like my first time. Little tears here and there, leading up to the first realizations that he wasn't born. Thats when it becomes tears upon tears, and it will still year after years! And just when you're nearly dehydrated from sad-crying....he wants to live again, so the torrential downpour of happy tears kicks in until the very last frame.... It is possible that this is the finest, purest film ever made. It speaks so deeply to the very depths of the human soul.... Hundreds, Dasha....I have seen it hundreds of times. It only gets better, if only because you remember to keep well hydrated for all the tears. Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building & Loan!
I was at a very difficult time in my childhood when I saw this movie, I was contemplating suicide at the time, this story change my veiw of life. It saved me. Thank you Lord Jesus for opening my eyes. Merry Christmas to all, I pray for good health and much happiness all the days of your lives!
You have touched my life with your sincere and honest reactions. You truly have a beautiful soul and bring light and laughter to so many of us. Thank you and Merry Christmas.🎄
Keep in mind: Mr. Potter screwed George out of $8,000.00 right before Christmas in 1945, which in 2024 would be like if your bank screwed you out of roughly $140,000.00.
try to squeeze into your mind, that 8000 doesnt actually become 140000 over time.. your bank understands this too, and theyre filled with idiots just as dumb as you.. george was only joking when he told mom and pop dollar to have babies.. toss your inflation calculator in the trash, its gibberish, and clogs up stupid minds like any other virus hipsters are infected with.. you think youre smart, but youre as dumb as a box of dollar bills
Very well done Dasha! I'm so glad you chose to watch this movie; we all really do have wonderful lives. If you enjoyed this movie, you might also like "Meet John Doe." It is another movie written and directed by Frank Capra. He was a master at creating very sentimental movies that bring a tear to your eye through acts of kindness. Watch it, if only for yourself, you will enjoy it.
13:10 -Dasha: "Gee, what an attitude..." - George is discouraged as hell, at this point. The fates are always conspiring to keep him in Bedford Falls instead of off seeing the world and accomplishing big things. Of COURSE, he's down.
The sad thing about Jimmy Stewart is that he blamed Donna Reed for this movie's failure to make money at the box office and refused to ever work with her again. But she was actually wonderful in this film. Shame on him.
@@HansDelbruck53 I did not believe that and looked it up. Sad. He still wasn't in his right mind after the war. He never seemed the type to hold a grudge. Again, sad.
@@HansDelbruck53 He was so wrong. Their chemistry was AWESOME in this. It really made the movie work that the leads portrayed the characters as sooo in sync that TOGETHER they got through the bank run and TOGETHER they got through the loss of 8000 dollars. George LITERALLY would not have made it without Mary. They were two halfs of a whole
(HEAVY SIGH) I know Dasha doesn't know any better than to watch the COLORIZED version instead of the Black & White original.... we can politely ask her to watch it in B&W every year from now on though to see it the way it was designed to be seen.
Oh... you had coloured version... the original movie was shot in black and white. BTW. the sentance "the richest man in town" didn't mean the money... but people/friends.
Just a great film in every way. Writing, directing, cinematography, acting. And remember, Jimmy Stewart filmed this shortly after returning from WWII, whrre he served as a bomber pilot. He did the movie, probably while feeling the effects of what today we'd call PTSD.
Jimmy Stewart (who plays George Bailey) was a real life war hero during WW2. He joined the US army air corps in 1941 and was promoted from private through the ranks eventually becoming a Colonel. He flew many bomber combat missions over Germany based in England and after the war he was promoted to brigadier general in 1957.
You are wonderful, Dasha. Great choice of movie. This was the colorized version of the movie, and it has some reversal of camera angles. Try viewing the original black-and-white version sometime; it will be more like the "50s" you said you love, and no reversed angles. 🙂
I thought the horizontally-flipped scenes, like at 9:16 were purposely edited that way because of the UA-cam copyright. You mean that the colorized bluray is also like that?
When you look deeply at the movie, you realize it's actually a very dark story. A man with huge dreams sacrifices all of them for the sake of the people he loves. A miserable man who considers himself to be a failure. The film illuminates something rarely ever talked about in our culture: the destruction of men. Yet Capra flips the lens and shows what's been there all the time: the wondrous web of love and friendship also available to every man, whether he knows it or not. The truth expressed in the film: giving your life over to something larger than yourself is the main reason to be alive. And the greatest source of joy. There are a hundred other reasons this movie is great but one of them is the newel post a that George kisses at the end. It's a three-act play in itself: George is first bemused by how the loose newel post represents the state of disrepair in the old Granville house. Then in his darkest moment, that broken newel post fills him with rage as it represents the mess he's made of his life. Finally, when he's seen what the world would have been without him, when he realizes how precious this messed up old house is to him, he kisses the newel post when it comes off in his hand. None of this happened by accident, or was improvised. It was built into the script, another building block in the epic story of a single ordinary life. That's finally why the film is so great: it reveals the epic in all of us. We cry for George Bailey out of awe at the size of his life, at how much love is in it. We cry because we're reminded-when we can lift our heads above the indignities and struggles and failures and frustrations of everyday living-that such love is possible in every human life.
Hi Dasha. You have such a gentle soul. I knew this would be a tough watch for you. I'm an old man now, and I have seen this movie dozens of times, usually, through a haze of tears, even more so when watching with you. I'll ring a bell for you to get YOUR wings. My very best wishes to you for the New Year and your life ahead. X
What a fantastic film, among my top five ever. So glad you enjoyed it. I think the reason it touches us so is that we can all relate in some way to many aspects depicted here. I prefer the black & white version because it shows the contrast in ways colorized doesn’t. The scene at the bar, where George is in desperate prayer, pleading with God…a brilliant piece of masterclass acting by Jimmy Stewart. The lighting, shadows & closeup make you feel George’s emotions. Can enough be said of Mary? What an amazing woman. Beautiful wife , mother & showed empathy, compassion, understanding, all mixed with a strength of dignity. More valuable than all the precious gems of the world.
❤ ❤ ❤ “Everything that I love is in this movie” - Dasha And this is why I love watching your reactions! Your recognition of the struggles of others and the amount of emotion, caring that you show towards the characters in these warms my heart. This is your gift to us. Merry Christmas! ❄️❤❄️❤❄️❤
Dasha - thank you! I’ve got a Christmas present for you: You can see same actors who played George and Mary in another black and white Christmas movie: The Shop Around the Corner! And then:You’ve Got Mail, with Tom Hanks, a movie based on The Shop Around the Corner. You Will Love Them! …and cry, too… ❤️🌷
I have been watching this movie for over 60 years and I still cry at the end. I have been watching reaction videos over the last two weeks. 12 or 15 of these videos later, and I still cry with you at the end. Directors in the 30s and 40s knew their stuff... And Frank Capra was one of the best.
Great reaction, Dasha. You have fallen in love with a movie that I and many others have also. I'm so glad that you have watched some of the older films. There are so many great films made earlier than the lastb30 years that most reactors seem to focus on. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing its alwa😢 a pleasure watching your reactions, thank you.
One of the best Christmas...strike that...films ever made. A simple yet proud message of human connection, community, and the beauty of helping one another.
They don't make movies like that anymore. Those two generations, the greatest and silent, they are all almost gone. Very special. Clean sweet movie, thats how they were. Glad you reacted to it and can appreciate it.
I'm sure it doesn't mean much, but three times a week I check in to see what Dasha's posted. So yeah, my dear, you've touched other other's lives. In a positive way. Thank you, and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I watched this movie a couple days ago on Christmas Eve for the 45th consecutive year. If you make it a part of your holiday routine, you'll find that you will love it more and hold it closer to your heart with each passing year. Hee-Haw and Merry Christmas!
I was very happy to see you reacting to my favourite movie of all-time, Dasha! This was the best Christmas present I could receive. I love your reactions, Dasha! I know you bring joy to many with these reactions! Merry Christmas, Dasha! When you re-watch this movie, I suggest the Black & White version. Have a great day! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone!
Well, I wish you'd watched the original black and white, because it's starker and has the most beautiful cinematography, which is absolutely ruined by the colorization, but nice reaction.
what you're experiencing is the "frank capra" effect. most of capra's films carry an emotional PUNCH!. 1932's "american madness" has a central theme very similar to this. then there's 1936's "mr. deeds goes to town," "mr. smith goes to washington" (1939) and "meet john doe" (1941). he also directed the screwball comedy classic "it happened one night" (1934) which was the first movie to win ALL of the top 5 oscars for that year. capra is one of my favorite filmmakers and its so sad he's mainly remembered for this one 1947 film "its a wonderful life." thanks for the video.
You should of watched the Black & White version its better! Still a powerful movie though, a timeless classic! The Actor James Stewart who played George Bailey said he HATED the color version and that it ruined it! I agree this movie was meant to be watched in Black and White, just something so much more endearing and authentic about it?
Dasha, welcome to the club. Generations have fallen in love with this movie, and all of them were a little skeptical before the first watch. Now you see why it is a Christmas tradition in America, and maybe more and more countries around the world.
Oh, it is so wonderful to watch another generation discovering one of the most powerful films of all time. Thank you. This was such a beautiful reaction!
Hello Dasha, nice to see you!😊 I love your top!❤ Great reactions to this Christmas classic, Dasha!!!🎬👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I have NO BOUBT there are many, many people out there wishing you a very happy new year!!!!😘
in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," Gandalf says “I've found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love.” People don't realize that something that seems very little to them can have a big effect on someone who's going through a hard time. You've affect people's lives more than you know.
I've been all over UA-cam watching reactions to this movie the past few days. It's one of my favorites and I can't get enough of seeing people experience it for the first time. I was a little bummed Dasha didn't have one, and now here it is! Released while I was watching someone else's! Don't think I've ever seen the colorized version before. I didn't realize colorized versions of B&W movies were still available.
You and me! And no matter how many times I've seen it (and it has been a lot) and how many reactions I see to it, I tear up and cry though the whole thing, mostly for the happy sweet things.
This film was colorized over the strenuous objections of the producer/director, Frank Capra, who tried every legal means to stop it. James Stewart testified to Congress to try and get it stopped. The film was designed in black and white and should be seen in black and white.
I think Dasha would really enjoy James Stewart in "Harvey" (1950) and his character Elwood P. Dowd's credo "in this world you must be oh-so clever, or oh-so pleasant. For years I was clever. I’d recommend pleasant."
Thanks, Dasha! It's always a pleasure to observe your sincere, goodhearted reactions to fine vintage films like this one. Hope you watch more 1930s-40s-50s movies in the new year.
The story tracks events that audiences in 1947 would have remembered. Pharmacist Gower's son died of influenza, a nod to the 1918 worldwide influenza pandemic. The bank run scene was a reference to the 1929 stock market crash that wiped out thousands of banks during the Great Depression. And of course Harry Bailey was a WW2 pilot.
The answer is YES to your question Dasha, you have touched my life and made my world better with your presence. I wish a very merry christmas to you and your family. 🎅🎄❤
(hugs) You make a difference in people’s lives. The town would show up for you, I guarantee it. I would too. I hope you found some Christmas Spirit for Christmas. I am watching this the day after. Love and Joy for you Dasha! Merry Christmas! ✌️🥰💕🌹
I have to admit this is one of my absolute favorite movies! In fact, this movie in a large way help shape my life. I Loved the philosophy of what the Bailey's family business stood for, so much that my brothers and I all became active tradesmen each in our own field of expertise. My older brother was a carpenter and our general contractor, I became an electrician, and my younger brother runs a large roofing crew that also does siding, windows, and doors. (exterior work) We could have been considered The Bailey's Building and Loan of the last 30 years here where we live. Unfortunately, Cancer took my older brother so my younger brother and I still try to keep up our family name to the best of our ability, but each in our own field.
This is without a doubt the best Xmas movie made. I know generations younger than mine may disagree but the story is timeless. I'm 66 years old and have seem this every year without fail. First with my mom and dad and later with my children. To this day, I still cry at the end because after all, "George Bailey is and always has been the richest man in town".. in so many ways..
Merry Christmas! Director Frank Capra more or less invented the romantic-comedy in the 1930s with a string of golden era classic films including It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can't Take It with You (1938), Meet John Doe (1941). Another "life is tough but beautiful" film from the early post-war era that might leave you crying is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945), directed by Elia Kazan. Kazan, like Capra, is another legendary director, with a filmography including such classics as Boomerang! (1947), Panic in the Streets (1950), A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), On the Waterfront (1954), East of Eden (1955), Baby Doll (1956), and America America (1963). All of these films still hold up well today.
"Every man on that transport died! Harry wasn't there to save them because you weren't there to save Harry!" Reminds me of the Talmud quote in Schindler's List, "Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.".
As an example of how you have touched lives, I watched your reaction to the Chernobyl miniseries, and your reaction gave me deeper insights into one of the first world changing events within my lifetime. I watch your channel because you have such a different life experience than I do. Through you I gain a broader understanding, learning more about my own biases when your reaction is similar to mine or different. You have helped me expand my understanding of the similarities and differences that shape humanity.
This is my father's favorite Christmas film. When the most stressful week in the life of a pastor is the very last week of December, as he's waiting to see if the church subscribed to the budget, seeing everyone come together and give more than enough is a dream come true. There are those who are unhappy that we don't see Mr. Potter get his comeuppance and I have never had to think about it because Charles Dickens did it for us. Mr. Potter is the unredeemed Ebenezer Scrooge, therefore that vision of Christmas Yet to Come that scared Scrooge into repentance is Mr. Potter's fate - to die alone without friends or family present, to be buried in the local cemetery, and then forgotten by time. Furthermore, the film's central thesis is that the universe is governed by a just and loving God, one Mr. Potter will face on Judgement Day.
I watch this movie atleast once if not twice a year and I cry Everytime the ending unfolds! The day I don't my soul is clearly dead! It's truly a perfect story. Wouldn't change a thing!😊
So glad you got to finally watch this treasure of a movie. Very befitting as you are a treasure yourself, Dasha, and you deserve a wonderful life, too. Like George Bailey, you also bless others. Merry Christmas to you, Dasha, and your family.
Through this channel alone you touch thousands of lives, and given how wonderful your personality is I'm positive that you touch many more in normal life
Oh Dasha, you are a wonderful girl. This old Aussie wishes you all the best for coming year and beyond. Keep up the reactions they are well worth watching.
Dasha, it's a pleasure and a privilege to watch films with you. You are such a beautiful soul, both inside and out. Happy holidays to you and yours.Stay safe young lady!
George was finally giving up his childhood dreams of being a great explorer/architect. It was difficult for him. I've watched this movie numerous times. New things stand out each time I watch.
Thank you Dasha for reviewing MY FAVORITE MOVIE of ALL TIME ever since I first saw it when I was in high school. NEVER dobt that you have touched others' lives for the better. Our lives are a gift from God, and our gift back to God is how we use our lives and the talents He blessed us with to serve others !!! I'll bet wou were indeed "in the Christmas spirit" after you watched this movie :) I hope you and your family enjoy a beautiful, blessed Christmas Season, and that 2025 proves to be your best year yet !!!
What is with reactors watching a bastardized, colorized version of this masterpiece? It’s originally in black and white, with beautiful cinematography. This is like using crayons on the Mona Lisa.
It shows that you have a total of 22,468,994 views, I have no doubt that you touched everyone of those people's lives. I have only been watching for a short time and you have certainly made an impact on me. 🤗
You are touching our lives. I'm 65 years old. Men retired from many years of work. Watching your reactions to movies that I've enjoyed my whole life is a joy.
that`s sweet
Dasha is my favourite reactor to movies. It's her ability to empathise and put herself in the position of others that I find endearing.
You sound pathetic
There are almost 98,000 lives that you have touched...entertaining us....showing us all people from all places feel the same....one race...the human race....thank you!!
She will have 100,000+ in the New Year! Merry Christmas, Dasha.
"I don't know if I have touched any lives..." At the very least, you have given joy to thousands.
Yeah don't forget to wish her a merry Christmas on the patreon
Dasha, you've touched at least 97.6K lives!
Yes, Dasha, you have touched a lot of lives. With kids and grandchildren being so far away, you are a granddaughter who we get to enjoy being with everytime you post. You are loved!
Yes, of course you have touched someone's life like George Bailey did. You may not see it; you may never see it, but because of you, someone's day is a little bit brighter. You made people smile when they needed it the most. You are one of the special people everyone needs.
Amen to that, brother. My life is a little bit better because of Dasha. Dear girl, thank you for being a part of my life.❤
A lot of the younger people who watch this go into it thinking that they’re not going to like it because it’s such an old movie and it’s actually in black-and-white but even that in the end doesn’t bother them. The movie has held up incredibly well for nearly 80 years now.
Dasha, you have touched more lives than you know just through this channel. Me included. May God bless you. Merry Christmas.
That is true!
Yes she has, she did so much
I had a really bad night last night - wanted a permanent solution to temporary conflict. My dad talked me into watching this movie with him and I did. Before I went to sleep, I thought about it and cried ❤️❤️ truly a beautiful film
I've been there too. It gets better with time. You're far stronger than you know
Time really does heal all wounds; cliche but true
Hang in there. 🌞
I'm 63 years old... I've watched this movie literally hundreds of times 😊. It never gets old!!
I'm 72 and have a deluxe copy on Laserdisc!
You are a friend to so many of us, when we have no one else, we curl up for a movie with you and other React channels and it helps us all to not feel so alone. Thank you and Marry Christmas Dasha. I recommend "Stranger Then Fiction" with Will Farrell arguably his best roll.
It can’t be said too many times: you touch lives every day with your beautifully sympathetic and insightful reactions. Thank you.
This is my second favorite film of all time, after William Wyler’s “The Best Years of Our Lives.” Wyler’s film came out the same year and dominated the Academy Awards. Ironically Wyler and Capra were partners in the independent production company that made both films.
Capra and Stewart both regarded this as the best film in their careers. Its production was a miracle in itself. The author was Philip Van Doren Stern, a prominent historian and author, who couldn’t sell the short story the movie is based on. So he sent it out to friends as a homemade, illustrated Christmas card. The story captivated Capra, who bought the rights. Stewart had come back from the war as a decorated hero, having led a bomber squadron on some 20 runs over Germany, but he had PTSD and thought he would never act again. Thankfully, his good friend, Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter), talked him into accepting the role. Stewart was drawing on real emotions in his dramatic scenes, especially in the prayer at the bar.
Capra’s unmatched ability to move a story smoothly from comedy to drama and back to joy is on fully display in this film. He was aided in this by a tremendous group of character actors who appeared in many of his movies. Thomas Mitchell (Uncle Billy) won an Oscar for his performance in “Stagecoach.” Beulah Bondi (Ma Bailey) was a Broadway star in the 1920s and became a great character actor as she aged. I love her remarkable transformation from a loving mother to a crusty old woman in this film. H. B. Warner (Mr. Gower) was a popular star of the 1920s and also moved into character roles as he aged. He got an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in Capra’s “Lost Horizon” (1937).
Great reaction!
One of the under-appreciated little touches of this film: Even during the Worst Day of his life, George's instinct is to place HIMSELF into deeper jeopardy, to shield other people: If George would have allowed an investigation to proceed, it would have been Uncle Billy who would have taken the fall. Yet, when George goes to Potter and begs for help, George changes/distorts the event: He says " ••I've•• misplaced $8,000."
Potter, unlike George, knows exactly what happened, and reacts with a surprise that I think is genuine: " ••YOU•• have misplaced $8,000?" Potter's reaction, I think, is he being surprised, in two different ways:
First, Potter is surprised that George's contrary-to-fact statement (on WHO misplaced the money) will allow Potter to destroy George to a much greater extent than if George had told the whole truth (that it was Uncle Billy who misplaced the money.) (Potter is realizing that his plan to undermine the Bailey family, is now positioned to succeed much more than Potter originally planned. Potter's original conception, did not have the scandal going to George himself, or involve George going to prison. Now, it will.)
Second: Potter is surprised that any human being would be THAT self-sacrificing (to mislead, to change the central actor of reckless negligence onto himself, so that someone else would be spared). It's completely the opposite of how Potter thinks and sees the world. Note that Potter jokingly advises George to pursue the money from "that riff-raff" (the townspeople of modest means, who actually do come to George's rescue, later), because Potter thinks so little of those people, and because the idea of people of modest means, banding together to help their hero, in the name of justice and compassion, is totally foreign to Potter.
This movie will remind you, what life is really about. Loving people, being kind, being thankful, even when it's hard to see life from that perspective. God bless, Merry Christmas!
Originally this film was in black and white. At the time this movie was made, Jimmy Stewart had just returned from Europe in World War 2 after leading the 703rd Bomber Group as a pilot in command of he group. He was also suffering from PTSD as a result of all his combat missions and it really shows in his acting here. It must have been theraputic for him. He was noiminated for Best Actor Academy Award [the "Oscar"], but lost to someone else. He already had an Oscar fot 1940's Philadelphia Story... He retired from Military Service in 1968 after serving in the Vietnam War. He was a hero, a great actor, a gentleman, a devoted husband and father.
As wonderful as Mary is, George even changed her. Early on, she was self-interested in having a life with George. During the bank run, she wanted to continue on with their honeymoon, but when she witnessed his speech in the Building & Loan office, she saw his self-sacrifice and got on board by offering the $2,000.
Please, please watch the original Black & white version at some point. The colorised one is not now it should be seen.
I never got it until I was older but when Burt the cop says "I have to go home to see what the wife's doin" after the lovely Violet swishes by always cracks me up.
Just the other day, I was thinking "Dasha needs to watch 'It's a Wonderful Life'," and here you are.
Except she chose to watch the wrong version.
This might be the greatest movie America has every produced. It's overwhelming the amount of human spirit contained in it
Such a great reaction to one of the best movies, not just Christmas movies, of all time in my mind. Even as a bitter and heartless old man (or so I'm told) I tear up every time I watch this movie.
And for someone who has struggled so much with depression and self-destructive thoughts throughout my life, the lesson of this movie has always been one of the reasons I've never given in to those urges.
Jimmy Stewart, who played George Bailey, had just come home from serving as the pilot of a B-24 bomber in WWII when this movie started production. After flying so many bombing missions over Germany in the course of his service and seeing all the death and destruction of a world war, he was suffering from what we'd now call PTSD. Lionel Barrymore (the hated Mr. Potter) was the main one who got Jimmy Stewart to take this role when he really didn't want to, and the end result was playing the character that he called his favorite of the ones he played. The movie was therapeutic for him as well. Stewart said that acting out the scenes where George was enraged was cathartic for him. While filming the scene in which George prays in the bar Jimmy Stewart was so overcome because of how low he felt in his own life that he began to sob. Frank Capra later re-framed and blew up the shot because he wanted to catch that expression on Stewart's face. It really hammers home the feeling of Stewart BEING George Bailey. Jimmy Stewart was such a brilliant actor anyway, but this role might have been great therapy for him as well as a perfect role for him to play.
And if nothing else we can be thankful to the awful Mr. Potter for getting Jimmy Stewart to do this movie.
I have watched literally hundreds of reactions to this movie, both in person and through videos, and i have to say....your first time reaction was exactly like my first time. Little tears here and there, leading up to the first realizations that he wasn't born. Thats when it becomes tears upon tears, and it will still year after years! And just when you're nearly dehydrated from sad-crying....he wants to live again, so the torrential downpour of happy tears kicks in until the very last frame....
It is possible that this is the finest, purest film ever made. It speaks so deeply to the very depths of the human soul....
Hundreds, Dasha....I have seen it hundreds of times. It only gets better, if only because you remember to keep well hydrated for all the tears.
Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building & Loan!
I was at a very difficult time in my childhood when I saw this movie, I was contemplating suicide at the time, this story change my veiw of life. It saved me. Thank you Lord Jesus for opening my eyes.
Merry Christmas to all, I pray for good health and much happiness all the days of your lives!
You have touched my life with your sincere and honest reactions. You truly have a beautiful soul and bring light and laughter to so many of us. Thank you and Merry Christmas.🎄
My mom loved the movie. She would cry every time the bell rang. I lost her to cancer in 2011. I heard a bell ring. She got her wings.
Keep in mind: Mr. Potter screwed George out of $8,000.00 right before Christmas in 1945, which in 2024 would be like if your bank screwed you out of roughly $140,000.00.
So the $25k Sam gave him would be like if your boy gave ya almost half a million today
try to squeeze into your mind, that 8000 doesnt actually become 140000 over time.. your bank understands this too, and theyre filled with idiots just as dumb as you.. george was only joking when he told mom and pop dollar to have babies.. toss your inflation calculator in the trash, its gibberish, and clogs up stupid minds like any other virus hipsters are infected with.. you think youre smart, but youre as dumb as a box of dollar bills
@TheRockkickass : $25,000 in 1945 would be about $438,000 in 2024.
TheRockkickass: $25,000 in 1945 would be about $438,000 in 2024.
@ Sam came in clutch.
Very well done Dasha! I'm so glad you chose to watch this movie; we all really do have wonderful lives. If you enjoyed this movie, you might also like "Meet John Doe." It is another movie written and directed by Frank Capra. He was a master at creating very sentimental movies that bring a tear to your eye through acts of kindness. Watch it, if only for yourself, you will enjoy it.
13:10 -Dasha: "Gee, what an attitude..." - George is discouraged as hell, at this point. The fates are always conspiring to keep him in Bedford Falls instead of off seeing the world and accomplishing big things. Of COURSE, he's down.
Jimmy Stewart is an American treasure.
The sad thing about Jimmy Stewart is that he blamed Donna Reed for this movie's failure to make money at the box office and refused to ever work with her again. But she was actually wonderful in this film. Shame on him.
@@HansDelbruck53 I did not believe that and looked it up. Sad. He still wasn't in his right mind after the war. He never seemed the type to hold a grudge. Again, sad.
@@HansDelbruck53 Donna Reed was a stunner in this movie.
@@HansDelbruck53 He was so wrong. Their chemistry was AWESOME in this. It really made the movie work that the leads portrayed the characters as sooo in sync that TOGETHER they got through the bank run and TOGETHER they got through the loss of 8000 dollars. George LITERALLY would not have made it without Mary. They were two halfs of a whole
(HEAVY SIGH) I know Dasha doesn't know any better than to watch the COLORIZED version instead of the Black & White original....
we can politely ask her to watch it in B&W every year from now on though to see it the way it was designed to be seen.
Merry Christmas Dasha and everyone watching.
Oh... you had coloured version... the original movie was shot in black and white.
BTW. the sentance "the richest man in town" didn't mean the money... but people/friends.
Just a great film in every way. Writing, directing, cinematography, acting. And remember, Jimmy Stewart filmed this shortly after returning from WWII, whrre he served as a bomber pilot.
He did the movie, probably while feeling the effects of what today we'd call PTSD.
Dasha it’s okay get emotional because it’s shows that you’re the most beautiful woman both inside and out. God bless you and Merry Christmas. ❤❤❤
Jimmy Stewart (who plays George Bailey) was a real life war hero during WW2. He joined the US army air corps in 1941 and was promoted from private through the ranks eventually becoming a Colonel. He flew many bomber combat missions over Germany based in England and after the war he was promoted to brigadier general in 1957.
You are wonderful, Dasha. Great choice of movie.
This was the colorized version of the movie, and it has some reversal of camera angles. Try viewing the original black-and-white version sometime; it will be more like the "50s" you said you love, and no reversed angles. 🙂
I thought the horizontally-flipped scenes, like at 9:16 were purposely edited that way because of the UA-cam copyright. You mean that the colorized bluray is also like that?
@reactions5783 the original B&W version is the best. The colorized version makes it all a bit too much.
When you look deeply at the movie, you realize it's actually a very dark story. A man with huge dreams sacrifices all of them for the sake of the people he loves. A miserable man who considers himself to be a failure. The film illuminates something rarely ever talked about in our culture: the destruction of men. Yet Capra flips the lens and shows what's been there all the time: the wondrous web of love and friendship also available to every man, whether he knows it or not. The truth expressed in the film: giving your life over to something larger than yourself is the main reason to be alive. And the greatest source of joy. There are a hundred other reasons this movie is great but one of them is the newel post a that George kisses at the end. It's a three-act play in itself: George is first bemused by how the loose newel post represents the state of disrepair in the old Granville house. Then in his darkest moment, that broken newel post fills him with rage as it represents the mess he's made of his life. Finally, when he's seen what the world would have been without him, when he realizes how precious this messed up old house is to him, he kisses the newel post when it comes off in his hand. None of this happened by accident, or was improvised. It was built into the script, another building block in the epic story of a single ordinary life. That's finally why the film is so great: it reveals the epic in all of us. We cry for George Bailey out of awe at the size of his life, at how much love is in it. We cry because we're reminded-when we can lift our heads above the indignities and struggles and failures and frustrations of everyday living-that such love is possible in every human life.
Hi Dasha. You have such a gentle soul. I knew this would be a tough watch for you. I'm an old man now, and I have seen this movie dozens of times, usually, through a haze of tears, even more so when watching with you. I'll ring a bell for you to get YOUR wings. My very best wishes to you for the New Year and your life ahead. X
What a fantastic film, among my top five ever. So glad you enjoyed it. I think the reason it touches us so is that we can all relate in some way to many aspects depicted here. I prefer the black & white version because it shows the contrast in ways colorized doesn’t. The scene at the bar, where George is in desperate prayer, pleading with God…a brilliant piece of masterclass acting by Jimmy Stewart. The lighting, shadows & closeup make you feel George’s emotions. Can enough be said of Mary? What an amazing woman. Beautiful wife , mother & showed empathy, compassion, understanding, all mixed with a strength of dignity. More valuable than all the precious gems of the world.
❤ ❤ ❤ “Everything that I love is in this movie” - Dasha
And this is why I love watching your reactions! Your recognition of the struggles of others and the amount of emotion, caring that you show towards the characters in these warms my heart. This is your gift to us. Merry Christmas! ❄️❤❄️❤❄️❤
Dasha - thank you! I’ve got a Christmas present for you: You can see same actors who played George and Mary in another black and white Christmas movie: The Shop Around the Corner! And then:You’ve Got Mail, with Tom Hanks, a movie based on The Shop Around the Corner. You Will Love Them! …and cry, too… ❤️🌷
Merry Christmas Dasha! You bring a lot of joy to all your viewers!
I knew you would be crying. FYI, you touch my life, your reactions always please me.
I have been watching this movie for over 60 years and I still cry at the end.
I have been watching reaction videos over the last two weeks. 12 or 15 of these videos later, and I still cry with you at the end. Directors in the 30s and 40s knew their stuff... And Frank Capra was one of the best.
Great reaction, Dasha. You have fallen in love with a movie that I and many others have also.
I'm so glad that you have watched some of the older films. There are so many great films made earlier than the lastb30 years that most reactors seem to focus on. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing its alwa😢 a pleasure watching your reactions, thank you.
One of the best Christmas...strike that...films ever made. A simple yet proud message of human connection, community, and the beauty of helping one another.
Please consider watching this again next year, but in black & white.
They don't make movies like that anymore. Those two generations, the greatest and silent, they are all almost gone. Very special. Clean sweet movie, thats how they were. Glad you reacted to it and can appreciate it.
I absolutely loved watching your reaction. It’s so heartwarming to see such empathy. Thank you for making me feel less alone this Christmas.
I'm sure it doesn't mean much, but three times a week I check in to see what Dasha's posted. So yeah, my dear, you've touched other other's lives. In a positive way. Thank you, and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I watched this movie a couple days ago on Christmas Eve for the 45th consecutive year. If you make it a part of your holiday routine, you'll find that you will love it more and hold it closer to your heart with each passing year.
Hee-Haw and Merry Christmas!
I was very happy to see you reacting to my favourite movie of all-time, Dasha! This was the best Christmas present I could receive. I love your reactions, Dasha! I know you bring joy to many with these reactions! Merry Christmas, Dasha! When you re-watch this movie, I suggest the Black & White version. Have a great day! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone!
Well, I wish you'd watched the original black and white, because it's starker and has the most beautiful cinematography, which is absolutely ruined by the colorization, but nice reaction.
I agree it's much more beautiful in black n white
what you're experiencing is the "frank capra" effect. most of capra's films carry an emotional PUNCH!. 1932's "american madness" has a central theme very similar to this. then there's 1936's "mr. deeds goes to town," "mr. smith goes to washington" (1939) and "meet john doe" (1941). he also directed the screwball comedy classic "it happened one night" (1934) which was the first movie to win ALL of the top 5 oscars for that year. capra is one of my favorite filmmakers and its so sad he's mainly remembered for this one 1947 film "its a wonderful life." thanks for the video.
You should of watched the Black & White version its better! Still a powerful movie though, a timeless classic! The Actor James Stewart who played George Bailey said he HATED the color version and that it ruined it! I agree this movie was meant to be watched in Black and White, just something so much more endearing and authentic about it?
All politicians should be made to watch this film 20 times !!
No, they would side with Potter
Dasha, welcome to the club. Generations have fallen in love with this movie, and all of them were a little skeptical before the first watch. Now you see why it is a Christmas tradition in America, and maybe more and more countries around the world.
Oh, it is so wonderful to watch another generation discovering one of the most powerful films of all time.
Thank you. This was such a beautiful reaction!
Hello Dasha, nice to see you!😊 I love your top!❤ Great reactions to this Christmas classic, Dasha!!!🎬👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I have NO BOUBT there are many, many people out there wishing you a very happy new year!!!!😘
in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," Gandalf says “I've found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love.” People don't realize that something that seems very little to them can have a big effect on someone who's going through a hard time. You've affect people's lives more than you know.
She hasnr seen the hobbit, she's only reacted to lord of the rings lol
I've been all over UA-cam watching reactions to this movie the past few days. It's one of my favorites and I can't get enough of seeing people experience it for the first time. I was a little bummed Dasha didn't have one, and now here it is! Released while I was watching someone else's!
Don't think I've ever seen the colorized version before. I didn't realize colorized versions of B&W movies were still available.
@CaptainNeatoman2007 Same here, I was watching Chi, Hela, and Katie from Movie Munchies react to it when I got the notification for it.🤣
You and me! And no matter how many times I've seen it (and it has been a lot) and how many reactions I see to it, I tear up and cry though the whole thing, mostly for the happy sweet things.
@@johnnehrich9601 Chi, Hela, Katie, and their friends Tien and Lan from Asian Angels are definitely "Sweet Things"!😉🤣
This film was colorized over the strenuous objections of the producer/director, Frank Capra, who tried every legal means to stop it. James Stewart testified to Congress to try and get it stopped. The film was designed in black and white and should be seen in black and white.
I think Dasha would really enjoy James Stewart in "Harvey" (1950) and his character Elwood P. Dowd's credo "in this world you must be oh-so clever, or oh-so pleasant. For years I was clever. I’d recommend pleasant."
Thanks, Dasha! It's always a pleasure to observe your sincere, goodhearted reactions to fine vintage films like this one. Hope you watch more 1930s-40s-50s movies in the new year.
This is a great movie, and it's even better when shown in its original black and white film.
The story tracks events that audiences in 1947 would have remembered. Pharmacist Gower's son died of influenza, a nod to the 1918 worldwide influenza pandemic. The bank run scene was a reference to the 1929 stock market crash that wiped out thousands of banks during the Great Depression. And of course Harry Bailey was a WW2 pilot.
You’ve touched my life for several years!
The answer is YES to your question Dasha, you have touched my life and made my world better with your presence. I wish a very merry christmas to you and your family. 🎅🎄❤
(hugs)
You make a difference in people’s lives. The town would show up for you, I guarantee it.
I would too.
I hope you found some Christmas Spirit for Christmas. I am watching this the day after.
Love and Joy for you Dasha!
Merry Christmas! ✌️🥰💕🌹
Oh no! You watched the colorized version.
I have to admit this is one of my absolute favorite movies! In fact, this movie in a large way help shape my life. I Loved the philosophy of what the Bailey's family business stood for, so much that my brothers and I all became active tradesmen each in our own field of expertise. My older brother was a carpenter and our general contractor, I became an electrician, and my younger brother runs a large roofing crew that also does siding, windows, and doors. (exterior work) We could have been considered The Bailey's Building and Loan of the last 30 years here where we live. Unfortunately, Cancer took my older brother so my younger brother and I still try to keep up our family name to the best of our ability, but each in our own field.
This is without a doubt the best Xmas movie made. I know generations younger than mine may disagree but the story is timeless. I'm 66 years old and have seem this every year without fail. First with my mom and dad and later with my children. To this day, I still cry at the end because after all, "George Bailey is and always has been the richest man in town".. in so many ways..
Merry Christmas! Director Frank Capra more or less invented the romantic-comedy in the 1930s with a string of golden era classic films including It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can't Take It with You (1938), Meet John Doe (1941). Another "life is tough but beautiful" film from the early post-war era that might leave you crying is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945), directed by Elia Kazan. Kazan, like Capra, is another legendary director, with a filmography including such classics as Boomerang! (1947), Panic in the Streets (1950), A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), On the Waterfront (1954), East of Eden (1955), Baby Doll (1956), and America America (1963). All of these films still hold up well today.
The reboot I wanted that will never ever get made: It’s a Wonderful Life, with Bruce Willis as George Bailey and Alan Rickman as Potter.
NAH. Tom Hanks would get the George Bailey role. Elon Musk would be perfect as Potter.
@@HansDelbruck53 Tony Jay would've been a convincing Mr Potter in the flesh.
Here's a little known fact. The two main characters in 'Big Bang Theory' are named after the actor who played Nick in this movie, Sheldon Leonard.
Wonderful, Dasha! It's a keeper, isn't it? Thanks for sharing this one, and Merry Christmas! 🌲⛄ 🎁 🎀 😊
I loved your reaction! No one gets through this movie with out crying. Its a classic they don't make movies like this nowadays.
This movie has one of the best messages of all movies. Our lives do count to others even when we don't think so.
"Every man on that transport died! Harry wasn't there to save them because you weren't there to save Harry!"
Reminds me of the Talmud quote in Schindler's List, "Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.".
what if you saved hitlers life?
As an example of how you have touched lives, I watched your reaction to the Chernobyl miniseries, and your reaction gave me deeper insights into one of the first world changing events within my lifetime. I watch your channel because you have such a different life experience than I do. Through you I gain a broader understanding, learning more about my own biases when your reaction is similar to mine or different. You have helped me expand my understanding of the similarities and differences that shape humanity.
This was lovely, BUT! Never never watch colorized movies, only the original black and white!
Great reaction ! As you said , this film has so much warmth. You are such a lovely person. Merry Christmas 🎄
One of my top 10 movies all time and my favorite Jimmy Stewart performance 😊
21:55 I am not a lawyer, but yes, it is stealing. Potter knows perfectly well whose money it is, and he has a legal duty to return it.
This is my father's favorite Christmas film. When the most stressful week in the life of a pastor is the very last week of December, as he's waiting to see if the church subscribed to the budget, seeing everyone come together and give more than enough is a dream come true.
There are those who are unhappy that we don't see Mr. Potter get his comeuppance and I have never had to think about it because Charles Dickens did it for us. Mr. Potter is the unredeemed Ebenezer Scrooge, therefore that vision of Christmas Yet to Come that scared Scrooge into repentance is Mr. Potter's fate - to die alone without friends or family present, to be buried in the local cemetery, and then forgotten by time. Furthermore, the film's central thesis is that the universe is governed by a just and loving God, one Mr. Potter will face on Judgement Day.
Next time you watch this movie, make sure you have the original black&white version. It's even better!! Merry Christmas!!!
I watch this movie atleast once if not twice a year and I cry Everytime the ending unfolds! The day I don't my soul is clearly dead! It's truly a perfect story. Wouldn't change a thing!😊
Perhaps the best Christmas movie ever.
You are so sweet and wonderful Dasha. It was so great to see this movie again through your eyes being your first time. Thank You and Merry Christmas 🎄
My all-time favorite movie. A life lesson in every scene.
So glad you got to finally watch this treasure of a movie. Very befitting as you are a treasure yourself, Dasha, and you deserve a wonderful life, too. Like George Bailey, you also bless others.
Merry Christmas to you, Dasha, and your family.
Through this channel alone you touch thousands of lives, and given how wonderful your personality is I'm positive that you touch many more in normal life
Oh Dasha, you are a wonderful girl. This old Aussie wishes you all the best for coming year and beyond. Keep up the reactions they are well worth watching.
Dasha, it's a pleasure and a privilege to watch films with you. You are such a beautiful soul, both inside and out. Happy holidays to you and yours.Stay safe young lady!
This is my favorite Christmas movie. George was truly rich, as are all of us.
George was finally giving up his childhood dreams of being a great explorer/architect. It was difficult for him. I've watched this movie numerous times. New things stand out each time I watch.
Thank you Dasha for reviewing MY FAVORITE MOVIE of ALL TIME ever since I first saw it when I was in high school. NEVER dobt that you have touched others' lives for the better. Our lives are a gift from God, and our gift back to God is how we use our lives and the talents He blessed us with to serve others !!! I'll bet wou were indeed "in the Christmas spirit" after you watched this movie :)
I hope you and your family enjoy a beautiful, blessed Christmas Season, and that 2025 proves to be your best year yet !!!
never doubt
What is with reactors watching a bastardized, colorized version of this masterpiece? It’s originally in black and white, with beautiful cinematography. This is like using crayons on the Mona Lisa.
Given the premise of the story, we can assume that George's father does know that he's continued the business successfully.
It shows that you have a total of 22,468,994 views, I have no doubt that you touched everyone of those people's lives. I have only been watching for a short time and you have certainly made an impact on me. 🤗
The bad guy (Mr. Potter) was played by legendary actor Lionel Barrymore, who is Drew Barrymore's great uncle.
I watch it ever Christmas since 1985 when I discovered it. B&W only