by Cynthia Ruff

Created on: December 21, 2009

In order to understand this movie’s psychology, an overview must be drawn that will assist in establishing this analysis of Frank Capra’s 1947 film It’s a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, and Donna Reed.

Main character George Bailey is an ambitious young man who dreams of leaving Bedford Falls for adventure and excitement.  However, on the eve of his departure, his father dies, and George is appointed company president of the family’s financially-shaky savings and loan company.  George carries on the business, puts his younger brother through college, and eventually marries.  He and Mary move into a ramshackle old house and begin a family.  George continues his father’s legacy of loaning money to families so they can build and own their own homes.  George’s good deeds, like his father’s before him, anger the town’s wealthiest land owner Mr. Potter.

However, George’s real problems begin when his Uncle Billy accidentally misplaces an $8,000 bank deposit.  In desperation to meet the shortage, George realizes he is worth more dead than alive (i.e., $15,000 insurance policy) and considers taking his life.  An angel who is trying to earn his wings is assigned the task of helping George.  Clarence (i.e., the wingless angel) shows George what life would have been like if he had never been born.

After witnessing what the town, its people, and his family’s lives would have been like without him, he realizes that he wants to live.  Meanwhile Mary has called together everyone George has ever helped and told them of his troubles.  People from far and near come forward to assist George.

Reasoning and Understanding the Concept

George is a man with a conscience and a legitimate sense of what is right and what is wrong.  He knows that if he sells the S&L and leaves town Mr. Potter will eventually own everything and everyone.  No one will ever have the opportunity again to own their own home or business.  They will no longer have control of their own destiny.

This movie showcases the human condition and how every life affects many lives.  Many ideas and thoughts come to mind to enhance this concept.  For example, never underestimate the power of each decision and choice in this life because it will have a domino effect on many other lives.  Consider that one person’s generosity can enable many people to live out their dreams and allow them to soar to greater heights.

There is fluidness to every moment and event, small and large in this movie.  There is a feeling of hope as everyone gathers around George and his family at movie’s end to rejoice and sing at midnight on Christmas day.  The feeling (i.e., psychology) is that everything will be well for everyone because of the many solid and faithful relationships that have been honed over the years.  The community has stuck together and remained faithful to George and the S&L as he has to them.  Now they are all being rewarded with the blessing of these relationships.

 Grand Finale

There are times when everyone is called to rise above their own interests and desires and consider what is best for the common good because in the end this is all that really matters.  At each turn in the movie when George makes the decision to change his plans and stay in Bedford Falls, the audience watches as his good deeds get returned to him in spades.  It may seem, at times, subtle, but it is endearing, and it is constant.  It is the true and real stuff of life and relationships in any century and in any time.

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