It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) is a film about a good man, George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), living in a modern world of greed and corruption. George has big dreams for his life, but one thing after another prevents him from leaving his quaint hometown of Bedford Falls, where he lives an honest life with his wife (Donna Reed) and children and often puts the needs of others above his own. Things go from bad to worse for George, and when the town’s ruthless tycoon (Lionel Barrymore) sets out to destroy him his thoughts turn to suicide. However, that’s when an angel from Heaven intervenes to help George, and also hopefully earn a pair of wings… Michael Wright, CEO of Amblin Partners and former president and head of programming for TCM (Turner Classic Movies), is our Audience of One as James and Lara discuss this beloved Christmas classic. But how did a film with some very dark themes end up as a holiday favorite? Is it true that Cary Grant almost played George? Why is Jimmy Stewart sweating throughout the film? And what about that $50 bet between Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore that involved a cow? Join us and go deeper with IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE and its timeless message that no man who has friends is a failure, life is a gift, and we all have an impact on those around us.