The most beautiful, life-affirming movie ever made. I've been watching it every Christmas Eve for more than 40 years. Tomorrow night is the night! Additionally, I got the opportunity to see it on the big screen about 10 years ago and hugged several complete strangers in the lobby after it was over, all of us with tears of joy in our eyes. It's a wonderful life, indeed..... 😊

@sharkdentures3247

Жыл бұрын

Same here! And every time I tear up at the wonderfully moving ending! While the concept of "Goodness is its own reward" is nice & inspirational, however the showing "goodness" creating a sort of "resonance field" in others that bounces back upon you & rewards you in the more physical sense, is just heartbreakingly beautiful.

@andrewpetik2034

Жыл бұрын

I just got tears in my eyes reading this! Merry Christmas!

As someone who suffers from depression and, like George Bailey, didn't get the life I ordered, this movie has saved me more than once.

I saw this movie for the first time in December 1977. I was 16 at the time. It was 11:30 p.m. and I was ready to go to bed. But my mother said there was a movie coming on that she really wanted me to see. I kept arguing that I was too tired to stay up, but she persisted. Finally I gave in. How grateful I am that she badgered me into staying up! I love this movie, and have seen it so many times that I almost know the whole script by heart.

@lewstone5430

Жыл бұрын

That’s sweet. Nice memory.

In case you're wondering, the 20,000 dollars a year Potter offers George is equivalent to 305,344 dollars today. And the 8,000 dollars Potter steals is about 122,137 dollars today.

It’s not that he “wants” Violet. She’s just a knockout and a flirt (probably considered “easy,” thus her wanting to leave later in the film). He’s feeling defeated by Harry getting the good job and now being perpetually stuck. When he sees Violet, he thinks of her as being a little wild and not looking to settle down (like him). So he proposes doing something crazy, but finds out that she’s not actually the way he is. When he goes to see Mary, he’s not just grumpy about Violet. That was just the icing on the cake of his whole evening. Edit: He didn’t feel Potter sweating when he went to shake his hand. He realized he was about to shake hands with an evil man, so he pulled back.

Fun fact: when Uncle Billy falls as he's leaving the party for Harry & Ruth, that big crash you hear off camera? It wasn't meant to happen at all. Someone behind the scenes knocked over or dropped a bunch of props or something, so the actor improvised the, "I'm alright! I'm alllright!" line on the spot. Capra loved it and kept it in the movie.

Best Christmas film ever in my opinion. I have watch so many react to it. Nobody gets away without tears. But the beauty of those is, they are not sad tears. They are JOY, which is what Christmas is all about. As we say here in Texas; Y'all be safe and have a wonderful Holiday!

More Fun Facts about this film: They invented a new kind of fake snow for the production that was used for many years after, and changed how movies were filmed. It actually started producstion mid-July, and there are at least a couple shots where you can see Jimmy and other actors sweating in the snow. This was Jimmy Stewart's first role after his incredible service in World War II (recommended reading), and he was very obviously still suffering from PTSD from his tour. The scenes where everyone else looks terriied of George's explosive emotional outbursts are mostly just them reacting in shock and going with it after. He later said in interviews that doing this film helped him through a lot of it moving forward.

8:18 They both made a wish, threw a rock, and broke a window. The only differences were that she never told her wish and it came true; but he immediately told his wish, and it DIDN'T come true. Coincidence?

I never thought that George wanted Violet, just that he thought she was pretty and not a serious entanglement, which is what he thinks he wants. But, in reality, he wants Mary, who is The One for him, and consequently, he fights against that relationship as hard as possible until the tension gets too much for him in the phone call and he finally gives in.

I only watched it for the first time about 10 years ago and it certainly does send you on that rollercoaster of emotions. It has such a nice pace, good acting and writing. It is just a lovely film and even though I've seen it in most years since, it does a good job of making my eyes a bit watery as well.

The loose newel post that Chevy Chase (aka Clark Griswold) cut off in Christmas Vacation, was a call back tribute to this movie.

Mr. Potter is Lionel Barrymore, Drew Barrymore's granduncle. The Barrymore lineage goes back 400 years and has had many family members who were famous actors and actresses. Marry is Donna Reed, who had her own show on ABC, that ran from 1958 to 1966 (8 seasons), which was quite a long run for a T.V. show of that time. The kid at the dance that takes the key and opens up the dance floor (Marry's date that George swoops in on at the dance), characters name is Freddie Othello, whom is played by Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer, you might know him from his childhood role as Alfalfa from "The Little Rascals" ("Our Gang").

@oliverbrownlow5615

Жыл бұрын

I wonder if Freddie was really named "Othello" in the script. His friend addresses him as Othello, but that's probably because he is jealous (Othello being Shakespeare's famous character who becomes so jealous that he murders his own wife, who is innocent of any infidelity).

James Stewart was in a few HItchcock movies including Rear Window, Rope, and Vertigo.

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

Oh right on! Thanks!

One of my favorite movies ever. James Stewart was one of the best actors ever.

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

I need to watch more films of his. His range of emotions was amazing to watch. I was completely captivated by everything he said.

The pool under the gym floor is still in place and used at the Beverly Hills High School

"The midnight train is whining low. I'm so lonesome, I could cry." -- for a deeply discouraged George hearing the distant train whistle after Uncle Billy swerves down the sidewalk. Lyric from the Hank Williams Sr. song, "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."

He wasnt defeated by the Violet thing, he was defeated about not getting out of town things. He still had foreign brochures in his hand when his mom was trying to get him to go see Mary.

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

It was all of it. Violet was the last straw, seemingly his last hope at doing something for himself.

@beachhum

7 ай бұрын

Maybe the irony is that Violet only liked him because she couldn’t have him. The one boy in town who wasn’t chasing her. When he finally chose to pay attention to her, she realized he wasn’t her type.

George didn't want Violet, he loved Mary. He was grouchy with her because he wanted to leave town and see the world!

There's an urban legend that Bert and Ernie were inspired by the taxi driver named Ernie and policeman named Bert.

I watched it for the first time last year, loved it so much, bloody classic.

George is grouchy when visiting Mary because earlier in the day, he learned his brother, his relief at the Building & Loan, won't hang around Bedford Falls and do his term at the bank. He's seeing is own plans flying out the window despite Mary's great flirting and remembering.

What a good review! You catch all the nuances that make the characters memorable. I cry right from the first scenes because so many people ask God to help George and He does! Jimmy Stewart is considered a wholesome noble every man. You saw that us ladies like him. 😍 For me The Philadelphia Story has some of his steamiest stuff. Glad you caught Bert and Ernie. Bert the cop is Ward Bond. He's wonderful in so many epic films. Gone With The Wind and The Quiet Man to name two. He was buds with John Wayne and in several of those epic westerns. Love him. Violet is Gloria Grahame. She is the femme fatale in some badass noir films. Love her too. Thanks and hope you react to more of these wonderful classics.

Since you were wondering about actors in this movie in other roles... Mary's Boring Dance Date was played by Carl Switzer, who played Alfalfa in the "Little Rascals" series of films. And the lady who agreed to take only $17.50 was Ellen Corby, who will go on to play Grandma on "The Waltons".

No Zuzu said could he paste the petals back on the the flower so he snuck them into his pocket so she would think he fixed them, like a sweet dad

Y'know Jay, I give you a little gruff here in the comments from time to time about my mind being blown that you haven't seen certain iconic films before, but the fact is, you've become one of my favorite movie reactors. Top 3, for sure. The production is top shelf, your editing is on-point, your reactions are genuine, and maybe most importantly, you're not pulling punches and trying to suck-up for those "family friendly" clicks. You're just keeping it real AND at a high level, and that gets mad respect from this old geezer. Good on ya. When/if you ever jump on the Patreon train for some of that well deserved financial support, you'll have one guy throwing pocket change and couch cushion money at ya. Keep doing what you do, and doing it your way. Happy holidays to ya.

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

Truly appreciate all of that. Thank you. 🙏 A Patreon has been created (with full length reactions for basically everything) but not 100 I'll pull the trigger to publish it. I appreciate the support as it is though and if I ever get fiesty in comments, I'm never actually too agitated. 😂

@michellesimms4824

Жыл бұрын

@TomServo Awww, what a great comment!

George is played by the fantastic actor, James “Jimmy” Stewart. You were correct when you thought you recognized him from Rear Window!

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

Nice! It's been ages since I've seen Rear Window in full but recently saw a cool video of everything happening at the same time as a wide shot of the building.

This film is a must every Christmas I love it, it was James Stewarts favourite of all his films.

Yes. Before there was Tom Hanks, there was James Stewart.

So glad you watched this. It's such a fantastic movie! Jimmy Stewart is one of the greatest actors to ever do it, in my opinion. 🎄🎅

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

He's amazing! I'm looking forward to seeing him in more for sure.

@rythehorrorguy2851

Жыл бұрын

@@JayBondReacts you've seen Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window with him? If you haven't it's a must. You won't regret it.

16:30 This is the start of the Great Depression, around late 1929 to early 30s in the movie where banks across the country shut down for a while. Potter is taking advantage of the situation. 28:24 This guy thinks Clarence is crazy, and got out of there before he becomes dangerous! LOL! That's really the joke here. Another good Christmas classic you'd enjoy is "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947). It was originally in B&W, but there is a colorized version available. It's a good Christmas movie too.

Yeah! This is my favorite Christmas movie ever! George was probably about 12 at the beginning of the movie. Child labor laws were not in place until around the late 1930"s. Jimmy Stewart is a great actor, one of the all time best! You should react to him in 12 Angry Men, Rear Window, Vertigo and many more! Loved your reaction, now I will check out more of your vids.😁 Oh and a very Merry Christmas to you too!

@philipcone357

Жыл бұрын

Yes Henry andJimmy were best friends

Fun facts you may or not have been told: Nick, the bartender, is Sheldon Leonard, later a famous TV producer and the basis for the names Sheldon and Leonard on The Big Bang Theory. Also, don't know if it's been mentioned, but the cop and cab driver are Bert and Ernie.

George was 12 when he worked at the drugstore. It was not unusual for kids that age to work after school as delivery boys for local stores in the neighborhood. You'd call the corner grocery store (before super duper markets), place your order and it would be delivered after school. Stewart was one of the biggest Hollywood stars beginning in the 1930s. Was a romantic lead, but never considered a major heart throb like Cary Grant. He did both comedy and drama with equally terrific results. See "Harvey," "The Rope," "Bell, Book and Candle," "The Philadelphia Story," "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington," etc, etc, etc. He also served as a pilot in WWII and commanded a bomber; continued in the Reserves.

Best Christmas movie ever! - Mr. Potter was played by Lionel Barrymore, from the legendary Barrymore family of actors. His Grand Niece is Drew Barrymore. - Supposedly, the fact that the Cop and the Cab Driver's names are Bert and Ernie had nothing to do with the Muppets being named Bert and Ernie. Supposedly, when Jim Henson named them he just thought the puppets looked like a "Bert" and an "Ernie" - but who knows? Maybe those names had stuck in his head from having seen 'It's A Wonderful Life" as a kid. - People who were around roughly in the mid 80's to early 90's probably remember this movie being on TV ALL THE TIME during the holiday season. There had been a clerical error which prevented this movie's copyright from being renewed, allowing any TV station to air it. So EVERY TV station aired it seemingly non-stop around Christmas time. I remember you could literally flip through the channels and see it playing simultaneously on various stations. In, I think, 1994 the rights issues were worked out and now NBC owns the rights and they usually air it once on TV during the holiday season. The good thing is, the constant air play allowed everyone to see it and probably helped cement the movie as an all-time classic.

My favorite movie, not just Christmas movie. Thanks for the review & Merry Christmas 🎄

So glad for you. I never saw it till I was older and it hit me too. The old movies last forever.

Small amounts of certain poisons were used in "compounded prescriptions," those made of their individual ingredients by the pharmacist, who used to be called a "chemist." Anyhow, in the "olden days," prescriptions were made specifically by the chemist, no capsules pre-loaded with the concoction/powder/medicine.

Another James Stewart movie to watch is "Mr. Smith goes to Washington". Again he is the good guy. Has a favorite line "A little looking out for the other guy, wouldn't hurt".

I've watched heaps of reviews on this movie. You're the only one who's noticed his yearning at the sound of the train. Good job 👍

You can think of Jimmy Stewart as the Tom Hanks of his day. Or, Tom Hanks is the Jimmy Stewart of today...He was just as big a star back then...Countless great movies.. And yes, you're correct about "Rear Window"...He starred in 4 Hitchcock films..."Rope" ('48. All took place in one room), Rear Window ('54)  The Man Who Knew Too Much ('56) Vertigo ('58).

Oh what a treat! This is my favorite non musical movie of all time and it's so iconic! I don't know how many times I've watched it, but to answer your question - it's a "good cry" for me (and yes, even with a clip version like this I start tearing up) it just brings up so much warmth and joy to see that level of grounded self offering and gratitude as this movie brings, it feels earned and not sappy at the end, which is why it's so so good. I also love the message it has - no man is poor who has friends. This was so influential there's probably a 3 page list of all the references this movie had in future TV and movies, but it was actually a huge flop when it came out.. Not a lot of people watched it and most who did, didn't really get it, so despite it being Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart's most beloved project, and one that Stewart at least (who _was_ a war hero during WWII, piloting an aircraft for combat missions) has influenced a lot. That proved to be a blessing in disguise as owing to it being so obscure - no one remembered to renew the rights to the film around the 70s - making it free for the public domain and very cheap for TV networks to play during the holidays, when they are short on content due to shows on hiatus. That accessibility made the film the stage it needed to finally be appreciated for the masterful work that it is. I love Jimmy Stewart (George Baily), he had such an "everyday man" charm to him that was so endearing and kind.. I don't know if he was "a heartthrob" in Hollywood, though I do know he was happily married, but he _was_ at a certain point Hitckock's man, until Hitchock deemed him "too old" and "not as handsome" as he used to be and moved to actor Carey Grant, which Stewart was actually quite hurt by. I personally love "Rear Window" and "The Man Who Knew Too much" from that collaboration, though as a kid I mostly grew up watching him in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" - which I recently rewatched with my mom and it was a cold realization to see stuff that were played for laughs literally almost a hundred years ago (the movie's from 1939) being acted out in US congress today.. Yikes.

@sparky6086

Жыл бұрын

I read somewhere recently, that "It's a Wonderful Life" wasn't a flop, & actually did pretty well. The perception, that it was a flop, seems to be rooted in someone misreading the numbers many years later & writing a newspaper article about it, which got good circulation.

@osnatashtaralevin8944

Жыл бұрын

@@sparky6086 well, I took it from the lips of the men himself.. watch the end. kzread.info/dash/bejne/qGauzaiOlNepgbQ.html

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" Fun Fact: Lionel Barrymore convinced James Stewart to take the role of George Bailey, despite his feeling that he was not up to it so soon after returning from World War II. Home Run Fact: For the scene that required Donna Reed to throw a rock through the window of the Granville house, director Frank Capra hired a marksman to shoot it out on cue. To everyone's amazement, Reed broke the window by herself. She had played baseball in high school and had a strong throwing arm. Location Location Fact: The set for Bedford Falls was constructed in two months and was one of the longest sets that had ever been made for an American movie. It covered four acres of RKO's Encino Ranch. It included 75 stores and buildings, a main street, a factory district and a large residential and slum area. Main Street was 300 yards long--three whole city blocks. Making Lemonade Fact: As Uncle Billy drunkenly leaves the Bailey home, it sounds as if he stumbles into some trash cans on the sidewalk. In fact, a crew member dropped a large tray of props right after Thomas Mitchell went off-screen. James Stewart began laughing, and Mitchell quickly improvised the "I'm alright, I'm okay!" line. Director Frank Capra decided to use this take in the final cut and gave the stagehand a $10 bonus.

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

Wow! These are "wonderful". 😂 The Lemonade facts are always quality. It's shocking how many happy accidents happen on sets that make it into the final movies.

@BigGator5

Жыл бұрын

It's honestly my favorite category. 😂 Merry Christmas! (Luke 2 : 8-14 (KJV)) 🎄 🎅 Go in Peace and Walk with God. 😎 👍

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas!!! 🎅

@charlieeckert4321

Жыл бұрын

The $10 bonus for the stage hand is worth $152.67 in 2022

This movie was my dad's favorite. I watched it with him every single Christmas since I was a baby in 1976. When he passed in Feb 2003, I swore I would never watch it again. Then Christmas time came around. And my 9 year old stepson, who'd known my dad all his life, came to the computer room one day and he said to come into the living room right now. When I got there, he looked at me and he said "come on, it's about to start". On the table there was a bowl of chips, a bowl of pop corn, Coca-Cola with ice, some gummy bears etc... Like there had been every year my entire life. That's when I heard the music. My heart broke and I opened my mouth to thank this boy for his nice gesture but I wasn't going to be able to watch it this year. Before I could say anything he sat on the couch and said "I think it's time I watched it, even though it looks boring. Don't make me watch it alone." And the first time he heard a bell ring after he saw that movie, he smiled the biggest smile and told me "grandpa got his wings". This boy is 28 years old now. And every year he comes over with chips, pop corn, gummy bears and cokes. And we watch it together.

Jimmy Stewart was in three Hitchcock movies: Rear Window, Vertigo, and Rope. All great movies.

@charlieeckert4321

Жыл бұрын

Correction: 4 (The Man Who Knew Too Much).

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! I haven't seen Rope nor The Man Who Knew Too Much. Thanks, gang!

Jimmy Stewart was never a heartthrob, but still a huge leading man. He was more the everyman. He always played himself, but a great actor nonetheless.

Bert and Ernie is not connected to Sesame Street. When Jim Henson was studying the puppets it was said one of them looked like an Ernie and the other looked liked a Bert. The connection to It’s a Wonderful Life is mere coincidence.

13:10 George does not want Violet over Mary, he desires adventure of all kinds! Accepting Mary's love means accepting the whole thing: living in Bedford Falls for the rest of his life, and giving up his lifelong dream of travel and great engineering.

Great reaction! I've been watching this movie every year for over 30 years and I still get choked up at the end!

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Honestly, how could you not. It goes to some very dark places to prove a point. Absolutely wonderful.

The main character, George Bailey, is played by Jimmy Stewart. My stepfather was a fighter pilot in WWII(flew a P 51 Mustang). He was out in Oxnard, CA for flight training. He met Jimmy Stewart and said he was "a prince of a man." He also met another very popular movie star, who's name I can't remember, who was a total prick. But Jimmy Stewart was so nice and a genuine person.

@charlieeckert4321

Жыл бұрын

Jimmy Stewart rose to the rank of Colonel and commanded a bomber squadron. After the war, he served as a Brigadier General in the Reserves, the highest ranking Hollywood actor.

@dianetaylor841

Жыл бұрын

@@charlieeckert4321 thank you. I did not know that. So he was a bomber pilot? My stepfather was a fighter pilot. Fighter pilots flew escort with the bomber pilots and kept them from getting shot down before they got to their target. I wonder if his fighter group ever escorted Stewart's group.

Just a point of interest -- The actress who played Ruth, Harry's wife, passed away a few months ago; Zuzu is still alive; Carl Switzer, the boy who opened the pool during the dance, was most famous for playing Alfalfa in the Little Rascals...

13:09 Jimmy Stewart did do a noir film in 1948, "Call Northside 777." It's about an old immigrant woman who is trying to get her son out of prison because she thinks he didn't commit the murder he was convicted. Jimmy is a newspaper reporter that takes up her cause, but needs lot of convincing that the man isn't guilty. Outstanding performances by everyone, based on an actual event.

I got to see this movie in the theater for the first time this year (the week before Christmas). I had seen it many times over the years on TV but it was a real treat to see it on the big screen. I actually noticed things I had never noticed. Thanks for the reaction.

George visiting Mary isn't feeling defeated by being shut down by Violet, he's feeling defeated by life by not being able to travel and see the world. The frustration is nearly soul-killing, but he's too decent a person to tread on others' opportunities to achieve his own; he wouldn't be able to live with himself; he's too principled. The guy at the toll bridge helping George and Clarence dry out isn't fearful because Clarence is an angel, he's fearful because he thinks Clarence is crazy.

Jimmy Stewart was a great actor and was awarded the Distinguish two Flying Crosses and the Croix de Guerre for his service in the American Army Air Corps during WWII; he flew 20 combat missions over Germany, led a squadron of B-24's, retired as a colonel and returned to acting.

When drunk Uncle Billy crashed into the garbage cans, the actor actually walked into shelving full of film cannisters. The director kept it in as it sounded perfect for the scene

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

I love those happy accidents. 😂

He's been in several Hitchcock films, "rope", "rear window","vertigo", "bell, book and candle." I know there's another... The man who knew too much? Maybe 😊

Yes, you are correct. Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street are named after Bert the cop and Ernie the taxi driver.

Truly one of the great films of all-time, let alone Christmas time... Wonderful reaction to this classic. Since you loved this one, here's a couple of other excellent Jimmy Stewart films: "THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER" (which was remade a bunch of times, but the original is the best), and "MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON" (also directed by Frank Capra... who did "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE")... ....and here's a few films that you'll never forget if you watch them: "PLEASANTVILLE," "STRANGER THAN FICTION," and "CHILDREN OF MEN." All are brilliant films with amazing stories, acting, direction, special effects... You'll love 'em. All the best!

There is a word for people who sacrifice their needs for others. They're usually called Mom.

Such a deeply wonderful movie. ❤️ Thanks for reacting. It's Christmas Eve and I'm alone and was just scrolling through YT feeling pretty hopeless. This just cheered me right up and brought some nice tears too. Even if you don't believe in angels, seeing such goodness from friends really matters. And this movie is like a big Christmas hug from Hollywood.

@michellesimms4824

Жыл бұрын

@GrahamPilato Happy New Year, sir. Thank you for taking the time to encourage others here on KZread.

@moeball740

Жыл бұрын

"Remember - no man is a failure who has friends." - Clarence Oddbody, -AS2- AS1 (Thanks for the wings!)

Also, Bert and Ernie became characters on The Sesame Street tv show. Jim Henson has denied the characters were inspired by It's a Wonderful Life.

If you’re interested in someone show them this movie. If they’re not crying at the end - stay away from them. Great reaction.

It was not in the script for George Bailey to cry in the “prayer scene” at the bar director Frank Capra was surprised when Stewart broke down but didn’t do another take because it was so real. This is what J. Stewart said about that scene… “I remember when I read the first draft of the script, and that scene, the little prayer, affected me. When I did it in the movie it did, and it did the same to me right now. This is a theory that I’ve always had; creating moments in movies, this I think is the important thing. Nobody knows exactly how it happens. What you should do is to prepare yourself as best as you can to make these moments happen. Because in a movie it’s really not so much the performance, there are moments.”

It actually isn't a Christmas movie--it just happened to have a winter and Christmas scene. Easily one of the best movies ever made.

@TennesseeMelanie

4 ай бұрын

And you really must learn more about James Stewart...he was not only a brilliant actor, he was a war hero and retired as a Brigadier General. My favorite actor ever.

This masterpiece encapsulates the TRUE MEANING OF LIFE ...

~ James Stewart, my all time favorite actor in just about every genre, on & off screen ✅

I think that a lot of Christmas Classics are categorized as such due primarily to nostalgia rather than actual quality. Because of that, "It's a Wonderful Life" is one I didn't see until somewhat recently and once I finished watching it, I realized the absolute gem I had been missing out on this whole time. Lovely movie - great reaction vid!

When uncle Billie is leaving the house, drunk (12:07) in your video and there’s the loud crashing noise off camera, that was a fluke. A crewmember accidentally knocked over a rack that had a bunch of props on it, and it made a bunch of noise, the actor who played uncle Billy adlibbed the line “I’m all right, I’m all right “

In those days children worked when capable. I think he's 12 and working. No child labor laws either. Although this is a movie made in the late 40's it's depiction is in the earlier part of the 20th Century. The wall street crash, the great depression and then WWII. It's a very, very well done movie. Probably one of the greatest on film ever!! Film makers can learn a great deal about movie making from just this one movie. It's probably an educational requirement to watch and dissect it at film making school.

No. Potter's hand wasn't sweaty. George was initially blinded by Potter's offer of everything George had ever wanted. Shaking hands with Potter broke the spell. It triggered a visceral reaction of repulsion, like shaking hands with the devil.

If you watch the movie Aresenic and old lace it's as awesome and cool as this movie, except it has Cary Grant in it instead of Jimmy Stewart and it's a Halloween movie. it's a real classic just like this one with a few good laughs though. :) Stay Hip Jay Dude. : )

That crow was probably the same one in wizard of oz that lands on the scarecrow and takes a piece of straw from him. The actress that played Mary she's gorgeous

@moeball740

Жыл бұрын

Confirming for you - yes "Jimmy" the crow was a trained bird used by Hollywood in several films including The Wizard of Oz.

Theres 3 movies I watch EVERY year. IITSVA WONERFUL LIFE, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS. For me, its not Christmas till I see all 3 of these movies.

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

That's a great lineup! Merry Christmas!

I love this movie, it shows that we all have an impact on the people around us, even if we lead ordinary lives.

Merry Christmas to you and yours Jay, and thank you for all of the entertainment.👍

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

James Stewart, the consummate actor (and great human being...and war hero) is superb in this film. Many other performances are excellent, too. Read a bit about him, Jay (and I hope the film influences your vote, come November).

This movie actually bombed at the box office and didn't become popular until the seventies when it fell into public domain due to an accidental clerical error. Then every TV station in North America was able to air it for free for nearly 20 years. It was also investigated by the FBI as possibly being un-American, due to the disparaging portrayal of bankers.

@moeball740

Жыл бұрын

Disparaging portrayal of bankers? Unamerican? Why it's the most realistically American movie ever made! Potter, a person who's already rich, steals $8000 and tries to bankrupt George's company and have George thrown in prison at the same time. Yet there are no consequences whatsoever for the thief, he completely gets away with it! The moral to this story is that crime pays, in fact it pays really well if you're rich, and you never have to face consequences for your actions! Sound familiar in 2022? There is nothing more American than this.

@DavidB-2268

Жыл бұрын

@@moeball740 un-American as in what would later give rise to Joe McCarthy and his special brand of "Red Menace" accusations.

@moeball740

Жыл бұрын

@@DavidB-2268 Tail Gunner Joe mostly went after people who pissed him off, very little of it had to do with actual Communist subversive activities. That's one of the things that was uncovered by Murrow that eventually led to Joe's censure when he was finally shut up.

You're the first, first time watcher I've heard who got the Sesame Street association, that the Bert and Ernie muppets were named after these Bert & Ernie characters!👍🏻

Greeting Jay Since you and most of your viewers may not know, the actor talking to Mary at the dance that later opens the floor to the pool is the same actor that played 'Alfalfa' in the original "Little Rascals". His photo is also used in "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby as the brother of the 2 leading ladies in the film. Mr. Potter is played by Lionel Barrymore. He is the grandfather of another famous actor known as Drew Barrymore. ("E.T.", "The Wedding Singer", "50 First Dates", "The Drew Barrymore Show") Have a Merry Xmas. Have a Great 2023.

@randyseay4855

Жыл бұрын

Actually Lionel Barrymore was Drew’s great uncle. His famous actor brother John was Drew’s grandfather.

@silverlobo2135

Жыл бұрын

@@randyseay4855 Yes you are correct, it is sometimes confusing to keep the Barrymore lineage straight. ))

I\ve seen this move several times an there was an actor in it |I always thought looked familiar but I never been able to place until this watching. The guy who played Mary's date at the gym. That was Carl Switzer who was a famous child actor who played Alfalfa in the original Little Rascals.

I loved the pool scene. That was destined to be a story that everyone there would tell over and over again as one of the most epic parties of all time.

That ending gets me every time.

The black and white movies were very good at shadow and contrast. Showing one side of his face in bright light and the other in darkness. And notice some of the closeups where he walks into the closeup instead of zooming in. These movies were masterpieces of light and shadow to great dramatic effect.

Fun Fact: The boy who opens the floor during the dance scene is Alfalfa from the Little Rascals.

@JayBondReacts

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I can't believe I didn't call that one. It's so evident after the fact. 😂

Seen this film a hundred times and I cry every time…has to be the best ever Christmas movie…great reaction mate 👍

Amazing masterpiece very classic It's a Wonderful Life directed by Frank Capra starring by James Stewart and Donna Reed. Thank you Jay for reacting this beautiful film with one of the greatest ending ever just epic👍👍👍

Also the kid at the dance that jealous of George is Alfalfa from the Little Rascals

Hooray!!@you're the first person that caught the Burt and Erney reference. And I've seen about seven different reactions 😅

The actor who played Potter is actually the great uncle of Drew Barrymore. She is from one of the oldest acting families in this country. Her roots go back to the 1800's

@JayBondReacts

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Oh cool! I saw the last name and thought that to myself and figured "Nah, couldn't be related". Thanks for the heads up!

I had forgotten that George as a kid says he's going to get a "couple of harems." That must have been raunchy for 1946. One of the best Christmas movies. Most people's lives are like George's up until the Clarence part. I've always seen a lot of Jimmy Stewart in Jim Carrey, even in the 90s when he did stuff like The Majestic and The Truman Show. They both have that kind of wholesome everyman quality.

@JayBondReacts

Жыл бұрын

Very well put. I never saw The Majestic but growing up with Jim Carrey, Truman Show showed me that side I didn't expect to see.

I've seen a lot of reviewers confused about him asking if the baby was a boy or a girl, and Mary saying, "mmhhhmmm" Science had not yet learned to tell the sex of an unborn child.

In the bar scene when George is praying, the closeup on Stewart's face is noticeably grainy. That's because it wasn't shot as a closeup, but Capra was so impressed with Stewart's performance that he had those frames of the film enlarged.

A Christmas classic. James Stewart was in "Rear Window" - a Hitchcock film. He was also in "Rope", "The Man who Knew Too Much" and "Vertigo". In the category of "they don't build them like they used to" - George runs into a tree with his car...and they worry about the TREE! Bottom line - do not trust Billy with the company funds and have him make deposits by himself

Seen it so many times, and yet, still hits hard at the end, even watching this reaction! Definitely a classic for a reason.

ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE MOVIES OF ALL TIME!!

Look closely at Mr Potter's face then think of 50 First Dates. Her grandfather is Lionel Barrymore, the actor playing Mr.Potter.

Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite actors, just like this is one of my favorite movies. Stewart has been in many other great films well worth watching, several with Hitchcock, several Westerns and several more with Frank Capra who directed this film. Stewart and Capra had both served in WWII. Stewart was thinking he didn't want to return to acting after his military service, but Capra convinced him to make this film, which saved him. I also love the Japanese director Akira Kurosawa and one of my favorite films of his is Iki Ru (To Live). This movie is about a small town gov't official everyone hates because he denies their loans and their business plans. Then he dies and the people find out about all of the kind things he did to help them without them having any knowledge of, and also acquiring no debt. I just realized the similarity to It's A Wonderful Life recently. Interesting. Also,, there was a 90's band called Zusu's Petals.

You are correct is was Rear Window. Mr. Potter is Grandfather to Drew Barrymoore .

Loved your reaction-you called it very well. I'm 67 and I've watched this every year. It reminds me to be kind and to be grateful for what I have. Lovely movie! For a funny Christmas movie, I recommend A Christmas Story-set in the 40s. It brings back childhood memories from the 50s for me. Parents were still the same then and a lot tougher than today! LOL