It's a Wonderful Life

I am sure that most of you are aware of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life". It is one of the most iconic Christmas films since the beginning of the movie industry. It is truly a heartwarming and forever cherished film that will never be forgotten. No matter who you are or what type of movies you like to view, you can never go wrong with "It's a Wonderful Life". This movie stars the actor James Stewart who plays the character George Bailey. It also stars Lionel Barrymore who plays the notorious character named Mr. Potter. "It's a Wonderful Life" is a classic black and white filmed Christmas story made in 1946. It was directed by  Frank Capra who based the story on a book written by Philip Van Doren Stern which is called "The Greatest Gift". This movie has helped me and many others learn the true meaning of Christmas. We all need to be thankful for everything that we have in our lives, and most importantly the people we get to share it with. I have came to realize how fortunate I am to also have a wonderful life. Sometimes you just have to understand that we all have a purpose in this world, no matter what that may be. It seems that the world would just not be the same without the existence of anyone of us; we all have an impact.

George Bailey is a well-known modest owner of a private building and loan company (bank) in his town. His efforts as the owner have helped to keep his local town alive, preventing it from being taken over by Mr. Potter, a wealthy man known for his infamy. One day, George leaves his Uncle Billy to watch the bank while he is out as his brothers wedding. As he is gone, a large number of customers decide to withdraw all their money fearing that the bank may soon be unable to pay back their investments. This is formally known as a bank run. When George comes back he finds out that they have just lost $8000 threatening bankruptcy. George refuses Mr. Potters offer to buy the bank at half its value. After taking his frustration out on the rest of his family, George goes out on a long walk at night contemplating his situation and even considers suicide at one point. He begins to think that his wife and children would be better off without him. However, he soon runs into an angel sent from heaven named Clarence (Henry Travers).  He shows George what things would have been like if he had never been born. George finds out that the town would have been controlled by Potter and that most of the people he loves would have been miserable, ruined, and even dead. George soon realizes that he does have a purpose in this world, touching the lives of many people. At that moment he knows that he can not desert all the people that love him. When George returns home as a revitalized man, he is greeted by his loving family, friends, and towns people who all chip in to save his bank's financial ruin. George is stunned by their generosity, realizing that he truly has "a wonderful life". "Its a Wonderful Life" has always been a tradition in my family to watch during the Christmas season.  It is by far one of my favorite movies, in which I will be sure to pass onto my own family around Christmas time. Here is a preview of the movie: "It a Wonderful Life". Hopefully this movie means as much to you as it does to me. I wish you all a merry Christmas!