One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!!!***
77. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Directed by Frank Capra
The Movie: George Bailey (James Stewart) alone on Chirstmas Eve is contemplating suicide. Friends and family say a prayer for George, they are answered and an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) is given the assignment to save George and earn his wings.
Clarence is shown events in George’s life. As a 12-year-old boy, George saves his younger brother from drowning. That event leaves George deaf in his left ear. Not discouraged, George also saves the life of a person whom the pharmacist nearly gave poison.
Fast forward to 1928, and George wants to tour the world before college. Before he leaves, he reconnects with the lovely Mary Hatch (Donna Reed), who has been in love with him for a long time. George’s father soon dies of a stroke, forcing George to postpone his world tour and run the family business, Bailey Brothers Building and Loan. George meets Henry Potter (Lionel Berrymore), a board member hell-bent on dissolving the company.
George decides to work alongside his Uncle Billy (Henry Travers), and he gives his tuition to his younger brother Harry (Todd Karns). George, still wanting to leave Bedford Falls, is under the impression that Harry will take over the company when he returns from college.
Harry indeed returns from college. But he is married and has a job offer from his father-in-law. George realizes that he now must stay and run Bailey Brothers and Loan. George and Mary soon fall in love and marry, but must use the money he earmarked for their honeymoon to once again save his company.
George continues to work hard and establishes a new housing development. It catches the eye of Henry Potter, who promises George a high-paying job. George, ever wise, rejects Potter’s offer when he learns that Potter intends to close Bailey Brothers still.
As time continues to pass, Harry returns from war a hero. As the town prepares for his arrival, Uncle Billy, with $8,000 of the Bailey Brothers’ money, gives Potter a piece of his mind. In doing this, Billy accidently placed the money in Potter’s newspaper. Potter, of course, keeps the money as Billy frets over what he did with it. George attempts to get a loan from Potter, who tells him that he is worth more dead than he is alive.
George becomes bitter and gets drunk at a bar, and contemplates suicide as he believes that being trapped in Bedford Falls is the reason for his misery. George goes to a bridge to jump but finds Clarence there. Clarence dives into the river before George can jump, prompting George to rescue him. George tells Clarence that he wishes that he had never been born. Clarence grants this wish and shows George what would have happened if he hadn’t been born.
George learns that Bedford Falls is now Potterville, and the pharmacist that George helped is now in jail for manslaughter. George also finds that his mother does not know him, and his Uncle Billy is placed in an institute. George’s crowning achievement, Bailey Park is now a cemetery. George finds Harry’s grave, who died in the pond due to George not being there. George also learns that Mary has become an “old maid” and screams when he tries to tell her that they were married.
After learning what would happen if he were never born, George returns to the bridge and prays to God and Clarence for his life back. George’s wish is granted. Geroge returns home to find that Mary and Billy have asked the people of Bedford Falls for help, which they did, giving George the money Billy had lost. Harry toasts to George as “the richest man in town!” George locates a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in the donations. It’s a gift from Clarence, who writes in the book, “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings”
George picks up his daughter Zuzu who tells him, “every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings”.
Why I Love It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): Some movies are so iconic that even if you’ve never seen them, you know all about them. It’s a Wonderful Life is one of those films.
I do remember the first time I saw It’s a Wonderful Life, it was at my Grandpa’s home. He had Turner Classic Movies, and he would have it on usually after a Denver Nuggets basketball game. I remember lying on the floor, hypnotized by James Stewart and the struggles of George Bailey. I remember falling in love with Donna Reed.
As I got older, I appreciated the film on a whole new level. I grew to love Frank Capra and his films. I fell in love with the cinematography, the story, the classic moments, and the classic lines.
I realized in the years since I saw It’s a Wonderful Life that the film’s life lessons were applicable to everyday life. I think that’s why it resonates not only with me, but also continues to endure nearly 80 years after its release.
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