Another holiday classic. I watch this one at least once, if not twice a year. And, I recite the lines right along with the movie.
George Bailey is what you would call a good man. He started out idealistic and ready for a life of adventure:
“I wish I had a million dollars. Hot dog.”
“I know what I’m gonna do tomorrow, and the next day and the next year, and the year after that.”
“I want a big one.” In regards to the suitcase he needs in order to travel the world.
“George Bailey, I’ll love you till the day I die.” This always makes me smile. He had the love of a cute girl who grew into a beautiful women.
“What is it you want Mary? . . . You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey that’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon, Mary.” He was romantic.
“Mary, you on the nest?” He was a good father.
But, you wouldn’t think all was good from all the desperate lines delivered by our friend, George Bailey.
“Your right when you say my father was no businessman. I know that. Why he ever started this cheap, penny-ante Building and Loan, I’ll never know.”
“But to you, a warped, frustrated, old man, they’re cattle. Well in my book, my father died a much richer man than you’ll ever be!”
“Where’s that money, you silly stupid old fool?”
“Why do we have to have all these kids?”
But, his friends and family adored him:
“After all, Potter, some people like George HAD to stay at home. Not every heel was in Germany and Japan.”
“Is daddy in trouble.” “Yes, Pete.” “Shall I pray for him.” “Yes, Janie, pray very hard.” “Me, too?” “You, too, Tommy.” – these line makes me cry every time.
“I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, dear Father.”
“Joseph, Jesus and Mary. Help my friend, Mr. Bailey.”
“Help my son, George, tonight.”
“He never thinks about himself, God, that’s why he’s in trouble.”
“George is a good guy. Give him a break, God.”
“I love him, dear Lord. Watch over him tonight.”
“Please, God, something’s the matter with Daddy.”
“Please bring Daddy back.”
“A toast to my big brother George Bailey, the richest man in town.”
Well, George Bailey lost his faith, but guess what? He found it again. “It’s a Wonderful Life.” How else did you expect it to end?
The moral of the story is, “No man is a failure who has friends.”
Have you seen this classic? What is your favorite holiday movie?
Thanks so much to all my blog friends and Happy New Year!
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle 
I LOVE this movie! I watch it every year too Sydney! I didn’t realize how quotable the lines in it were!
All the best to you in 2013!
Lori
It is a great movie. It makes me laugh and cry every time. Thanks Lori. You, too!
This is THE Christmas movie — thank you so much for reminding me of the dialogue (but nothing I think from Clarance….?). For me the moral of the story is that people who live quiet, ordered lives make a difference: that what they do has worth…not so much having friends, but being a friend. Took our lads to see it at the cinema when they were young teenagers and far too cool to like something that didn’t have Acid House or super heroes in it. But wanted them to remember watching it properly – not drifting in and watching for five minutes when it was on television. Now they thank me (I like to think).
When I was in Chicago I’m sure I was told that a TV station broadcast A Wonderful Life back to back throughout Christmas Eve so every single person had a chance to see it. Could that be true?
It is a great movie. I saw it about 20 years ago in a theater, too. Then I bought the DVD. Honestly, I could have included the whole script. Not enough time or room on the post. Haha.
I must admit that I’ve never seen this movie. It’s one that seems to always be on TV around Christmas and I intend watching it. One day!
Have a great 2013!