It’s a Wonderful Life can feel a bit like a painkiller or a comforting hand on your shoulder right now. It’s not that it’s a preachy movie, it’s an uplifting movie that is also smart. Here are six quotes and moments from It’s a Wonderful Life that will lift your spirits, no matter how tough this year has been. There are numerous romantic lines in It’s a Wonderful Life, most of them delivered by either James Stewart or Donna Reed, who shared remarkable chemistry in the film as George and Mary. But we’ll go with this particular bit of dialogue because Mary says it out of unprovoked adoration, whereas other such lines result from realizations of how good the Baileys have had it or what was at risk if George didn’t come to his senses. Really, who wouldn’t want to hear such a beautiful thing from a loved one? Even a pissed-off George couldn’t bring himself to say it, so we will. Go to h*ll, Mr. Potter. All George wants is for the good folks in Bedford Falls to get a fair shake, to have their shot at living the American Dream. Good for you, George. Who among us hasn’t contemplated what the world might be like were we not in it? At once starkly and sappily, It’s a Wonderful Life lets George glimpse that for himself. And it’s not a pretty picture. Just by being a good man, one who doesn’t realize how good he is, George impacts everything and everyone around him. We can still do that in 2020, and without calling attention to it. Send a holiday card to the World War II veteran stuck in a nursing home and seeking a pen pal. Drop off some dog food, kitty litter, wipes, and paper towels at the house of that 13-year-old girl in town trying to support the staff and animals at the local shelter for no other reason than she thought it’d be a nice thing to do. Check-in on your neighbors. Order that book or cake from the local mom and pop shop. You’d be surprised by the difference even the smallest gesture can make. This was true in 1946, it’s true now – and it will always be true. If you can, gather your friends and loved ones around the fire pit, social distancing, of course. If it’s too cold or your pals are too far away geographically, you can always call, text or Zoom call. Feel free to do it right now. Really. This article will still be here when you’re done. Some things never change. There’s always someone with deep pockets who not only wants more money and ever more power but who will stop at nothing – including cheating – to stomp on the little guy while he’s down. And worse, such people take genuine pleasure in mocking the little guy along the way. This is THE line from It’s a Wonderful Life. It holds up perfectly, as does “Attaboy, Clarence,” even after all these years. And just to put the span of time in perspective, Karolyn Grimes – whose delivery of Zuzu’s all-important line was impeccable – celebrated her sixth birthday during the production of the film. Grimes turned 80 in July.
