SYNOPSIS
George Bailey has spent his entire life giving himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity, instead staying in order to prevent rich mean Mr Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents Potter from doing so is George’s modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George’s Uncle Billy loses the business’ $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it. George realises that when the bank discovers the shortage he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking that his wife, their young children, and others will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in an angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George.
It’s Christmas! Which means that it’s the perfect time to pull out the greatest Christmas film of all time (no debate). With the film celebrating its 70th (!) anniversary this year it’s the perfect time to show your young people that films in black and white can be magical and that everyone has the opportunity to change.
By the end of the film, the philosophical question of whether a life that is morally good can also make you happy is answered positively. George Bailey achieves the life he craves by sacrificing his own plans and ambitions for the sake of his family and the poorer members of his community. What’s good about the morally good life is the way it connects you to people.
In this clip, George Bailey’s world crumbles around him on Christmas Eve. He considers suicide as his only option. It’s a far cry from the town hero George has been until this point, and it shows how one man’s greed can have a negative impact on others. He finds himself praying to God to ask for guidance. (If you’re worried the clip ends on a bit depressing note, skip to 2:01:34 and play the clip to the end of the film.)
Discuss:
- Do you think George Bailey’s kindness has been his downfall - can we sometimes be too generous?
- How do George Bailey and Mr Potter’s worldviews differ in this clip?
- Have you ever prayed for guidance when feeling defeated and lost? Did anything happen?
- What do you think really makes people happy at Christmas?
Read Matthew 6:19-24 and discuss:
- Does this mean we shouldn’t have any possessions at all? Why?
- Can you think of a time where you have been materialistic? Is that a bad thing?
- If we were to apply these verses to our lives this Christmas, how might our lives and those around us be different?
- Do you agree with the idea of not being able to serve two masters in verse 24? Why?
It’s a Wonderful Life is a truly magical film. Last year I showed it to a difficult group of young people with great trepidation, but it managed to hold their attention for the whole film - and that may well be the power of Christmas!
