Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD. Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
@@melissacooper4282No, he did mean it. That's what makes this film so good because it's so true. Parents will never admit it, but a lot of people secretly regret having kids when they realize that they're nothing but burdens.
I agree. I remember one of the times I saw my Dad lose it, the day before his Mom died, who we had been caring for at her home. That was scary when that happened! He did hug my brother and me both, though, and apologize to us afterwards.
It took me 20 years to be able to get through watching this scene without having a panic attack. My dad did that at least once a month. Only George Bailey immediately apologizes. At my house, he would hug us and kiss us and buy us ice cream while lovingly explaining how his explosion was really our fault, if we'd only learn to be good he wouldn't be forced to get so mad. We had a secret signal: If Mom plays with her hair, we were to go upstairs because one of his fits were coming. But we had to be discreet or he'd catch on and then he'd REALLY lose it. I learned to pretend I had to pee first, or pretend I'm looking for something before I disappear.
As a kid the worst part of my day was when my dad came home. If he had a bad day, he would take it out on everyone in the house and never apologise. I was afraid of my father up until I moved out of my parents' house at 18.
One of the best acting performances ever. Every time I see George Bailey breakdown while holding his son, I am moved to tears. I heard that Jimmy Stewart was going through PTSD from serving in the war while filming this. It comes through in the performance.
Precisely why he gave such intense performances after his war time service and on a related subject, I find it a damn shame that many have forgotten his collaborations with Anthony Mann. As a matter of fact, the general public did not think Jimmy Stewart was capable of a playing rugged guy prior to his performance in Winchester '73.
Yup that's the part that got me. And Mary's stricken look when seeing him squeeze Tommy. She saw the look in his eyes. Something was deeply wrong and it just hits you so hard. No music no sound track just acting.
Can I just point out how good of a wife, friend, and mother Mary is to her husband and children? As soon as her husband came home she greeted him warmly, chatted brightly to him about her day and the kid’s days and the holidays, and showed concern for him when it was quite obvious he was deeply upset about something. This is how every partner should treat their significant other.
Mary is an unsung hero in this movie. And I love the actress too. She may not have been the most quotable, but she really pulls off being young, faithful, concerned, happy, etc. Not as much as Jimmy Stewart, but she's believable in most of her key scenes.
This is such a brilliant depiction of what happens when men try to deal with extreme pressure alone. I have never been in a situation as dire as him but can picture myself acting exactly like this. He wants to make his family angry at him so he can play victim, but his family is so loving towards him that he eventually has to give up and admit he's being an ass. Mary is just about the best wife one could ask for - not insisting, giving him space, but drawing the line when he attacks her children. This is what cinema looked like when filmmakers had actual life experience to draw on.
Not only that but it wasn't in the original script, when they were shooting this scene actor Jimmy Stewart started to have a PTSD attack, and the director loved that that little attack of PTSD made George feel like someone the audience could connect with even more so, that they kept it in.
I noticed when I watched this scene last night. When George knocks over the items after yelling at his kids, I noticed they were models of architecture. Along with his predicament, George is releasing the frustration of never fulfilling his dreams.
Jimmy Stewart's acting here is beyond amazing. The way he breaks down silently when he holds his son always gets to me. U feel the weight, fear, and frustration of everything he's going through and completely understand why. Easily one of the greatest acting performances of all time!
6:55 This where I start to get tears in my eyes. To see a man who was a beacon of light for so many people, a man who is so selfless, a real hero, become undone in such a way. Really hits hard. A legendary movie, nigh untoucable.
@@bobm7250 Things happen though. We're only human, which is why this movie is so good. Understanding how this can happen to someone, and which can happen to anyone, including you, is also something that makes us human. I've been in that kind of desperate state a number of times in my life, but thank god I didn't take it out on my family, at least too much; I mainly would be depressed and despondent. But I guess you're such a perfect person that you can judge, right? Have a good day.
@@Project_-jq7jw December 24 is always been my favorite day for a time for renewal, as well as the birth of the Christ Child over 2 thousand years ago, and for YT marathons to look forward to as well.
What a great picture of how absolute despair breaks a person down: the lashing out, his attempts to recollect himself only to break down all over again, and his immediate regret following his actions all capture the feeling perfectly.
@7:13 woah! Look how everyone looks at this man. You can feel the sadness in the faces and the scene! The energy they are giving off! That was a real sad scene
It was. 😢 George SHOULD HAVE told Mary and his kids that he was really frustrated at Uncle Billy for not being careful with the money instead of taking his frustration out on _them._ Because it's so *true* what everyone says: Just because you're really frustrated over a problem, doesn't mean you have to treat everyone else the same, too.
When I was a kid watching this I thought "man George needs to cool it!" But as a father now, I realize the stress of fatherhood of providing for the people you love and sacrificing what you love and want to do takes a toll on you.
This scene is amazing. The performance turned in by Jimmy Stewart is extraordinary. He quite effectively draws many viewers into the deep turmoil his character is experiencing. Also, kudos to Donna Reed. Her nuanced responses to the hopeless and explosive temperament of her husband at that moment are masterful. This movie and this scene legitimately endure the test of time.
@5:46 and I love how the wife is acting like a wife. She helps him and loves George even if he is not loving himself she knows he is in a bad mood. But how she just looks at him like she doesn’t want to see him so upset shows her acting from the heart also. She knows what he’s doing and knows something is obviously wrong and is trying to stop him from being stupid and get him to talk.
Mary's expression when she realises George is in despair just floors me ,oh to have a woman like her. For those of us who grew up in this kind of family trauma I'm with you .......
She played this part so magnificently. There are many scenes where just the look on her face expresses such deep pain, or adoration, or understanding of the man she loves. She comes across as smart, strong, comforting, sexy, hurt, ... all in the perfect amount, all with such believability. Donna Reed really was an A+ actress here.
2:12 always gets to me. When Mary turns and looks at her husband she can immediately sense that something is wrong. The closeup on Reed’s face with the juxtaposition of the music in the background is so powerful. Such simple yet wonderful filmmaking.
As the oldest of five and my mother going through it. There are a few times I recall my dad getting to this point. Now I understand why my Dad loves It's A Wonderful Life ❤️
Very clever scene, beautifully acted and directed. I probably watched this originally as a 10 year old, and it makes me feel the same way now as it did back then. The sadness you feel at George's despair and how it affects his family creates great sympathy for the character and ire for Potter's machinations.
Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD. Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
Realizing now that Jimmy Stewart was going through PTSD at the time this was filmed makes this scene all the more touching. You can see that anger in him in several scenes in this movie, but probably here and the bridge scene. As a family member of a veteran with PTSD, I can appreciate this film -- and Jimmy Stewart -- much more now.
Anyone who is not where they'd hoped to be over the age of 30 can relate to George's anger. He wanted to see the world and instead he has a family and is wanted by the authorities.
Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD. Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
@@RedPandaGirl002 unfortunately, the mind is everything in every sense of the word. No matter what, we all endure something extremely taxing that will lead us to be self-destructive, one way or another. It’s the way we adapt to such devastation to improve ourselves and become kinder. That’s better than yearning to find “the cure,” which is equally burdensome.
George sinking into despair, depression, and misery all at the cunning of a greedy old man is heartbreaking to watch It''s a shame Mr Potter never had a comeuppance
Actually, he does. It wasn’t included in the film, but the producers were interviewed and they told what was cut from the film. Potter angrily finds out that the town comes to George’s aid WELL OVER what he needs, and suddenly Clarence shows up to give him a vision of what’s awaiting him beyond this world for his ruthless deeds . . . because it’s known he will NEVER change (although he could if he wanted). Potter gets that glimpse and becomes so horrifically terrified and shocked that he immediately dies of a stroke or heart attack . . . ending his evil once and for all. The producers left it out because they wanted the focus to be on George realizing his life was wonderful and it didn’t matter what others did because he blessed so many good people in need.
Back then it didn't really matter. Being still on your feet and then some with the whole town with you may be enough defeat for lonely, senile Potter whose mind had deteriorated from polio into dementia, narcissism and psychopathy.
This is a brilliantly constructed sequence of scenes. First with Uncle Billy, and then at home, as he gradually increases in rage and desperation as the impending disaster from the missing money weighs on him. Bit by bit, all the frustrations about money, the house, the obligations of being tied down with a big family, the Building and Loan, all the missed opportunities he gave up... You can see how he is blinded to all of wonderful things in his life: his brother who just won the Congressional Medal, his beautiful, dedicated, hard-working, adoring wife, his children - who positively light UP when he comes home because they can't wait to see him. Even Zuzu, who is sick, but is going to be fine. It's like the whole message of the movie, about him not realizing how wonderful a life he has, comes to a head in this scene. And the dialog is masterful. Even the cruelty of, "Why do we have to have all these kids!", perfectly placed. He doesn't mean it, but for a moment here, he just can't take anymore. Simply brilliant.
It’s horrible to see even a good man like George take his anger out on his family. Also, seeing a phenomenal human being like Jimmy Stewart upset and in tears like that is heartbreaking. Everyone’s reactions here are gut wrenching.
Just because you're really upset about something, doesn't mean you should treat everyone else around you upset as well. George was incredibly *blinded* about wanting to receive all the money he could get and that was all because of that nasty chair monster, Potter
Just because he was mad at his uncle, doesn't give him the absolute right to be angry at his family, it's his *FAULT.* He needs to take responsibility for his own actions... And not only that, if I was acting like that, I would spend the night at a hotel so I wouldn't ruin Christmas for everyone.
@@bobm7250he does? He apologizes immediately. He was having a mental breakdown, his impulses were greatly reduced. Yes, he was wrong, and yes it was his fault that he upset them, and yes, he shouldn’t have taken it out in his family. He recognizes that immediately after the fog passes, but the damage is done and it only reinforces his destructive spiral. Have compassion.
A good hearted ambitious man who faces so many tough times throughout his life, yet still trying to make everyone around him happy by sacrificing his own wants and needs. While making these sacrifices for others, he watches others around him succeed while he trapped in a life that he never wanted or asked for. He finally reaches his breaking point in this scene and takes it out on the people he loves the most - his very own family. This is one of the most moving scenes in film history. A true timeless masterpiece.
Wowww! This scene you learn so many lessons. He cares but is bottled up with experiences yet to be talked about and things on his mind yet to share his feelings to. at least that’s what he thinks because everyone still loves him but he is so down on himself and in such a negative state of mind he doesn’t see the good anymore
3:48 I think I finally understand why George would say such an awful thing about his family, it’s just like when he shouted at Mary that he was gonna get out of Bedford Falls before melting in her arms. It’s all just a part of his mental breakdown, he’s looking for things to blame for his unhappiness instead of just accepting things as it is. Of course he would never want to give up his beautiful family, as evidenced by his little vacation in Pottersville. He probably just hates feeling like he could never take control over his own life and starts to grow the idea that his own family is driving him up the wall along with everyone else in Bedford Falls
YES!! Very good analysis!!! I wish more people would dive into the psychology of these scenes more, so many people refuses to use that effort. Because I agree it took me a while to get over the kneejerk reaction to him saying that- and I wondered what would drive him to it even if he didn’t mean it. Now I know!!
I remember my mom and dad crying at 530 in the morning cause they couldn’t afford the house anymore but they woke us up it was 1993. But my grandma helped us out with my grandpa who was a ww2 vet I miss him greatly he lived right next to us he taught me a lot.
I think anyone who’s owned a business knows the kind of pressure you can be under when things are tight. You feel like you’re sacrificing so much for your family, sacrificed some of your dreams and comforts in life. And to see it all just go up in flames because of one little mistake would be extremely difficult. George feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders and that no one understands or appreciates him. It’s very sad that he even contemplated suicide.
WOAH. That scene in his daughters bed was REAL. You know kids have to like being around you to actually want to be and you can see who either hates or loves the kids. In that scene he shows his cars and softness with her and it seems so real with the zen the kid is in by not thinking of anything much but just being her kid self dreaming and just infatuated with the flower @5:10 she is staring at it! Look at the eyes just admiring the flower you’ll see what I mean. George is so worried about his daughter and the energy in this whole incident is heart warming because it was real! It was from the heart!
Should be noted that this was the first film for James Stewart after he came from WW2 who was a bomber pilot, a very traumatic experience for him and did not want to return to making films but did so reluctantly to make this. He was still suffering from PTSD, and may have been suicidal as well. But that is debated.
I bet it is somewhere already in the commentary, but here´s my 2 cents: George, during his anger really insulted everything Mary did for him. The "drafty old house", the house she fixed up to make it a nice place for them to live. "Why do we have all these children...", the children she gave him and cared for all the time. The "measley crummy old town", the town, Mary came back to because she liked it there.
My god. I didn’t expect to tear up like this rewatching this scene in 2023. It affected me more now that I’m 60 than in years past. I don’t have kids, but I was once a kid.
@5:46 George taking his anger out literally! On a woman he doesn’t even know! Just thinking of something he’s mad about and just putting it all out there on here making her the problem or the dumpster or negativity
Shall I pray for him? What if this was the default response in families with one another when someone was upset? It takes real love & respect to react this way in tough times..families that pray together, stay together. Fight against the problem, not each other..
I’m 31, still living with my parents and I would be scared if either one was in George’s shoes. Some days I feel like George. Anyway, every few years I come back to this movie around the fall/winter.
Mr. Bailey loves his little daughter ZuZu and he goes to see how she’s feeling:) And when the flower petals fall of his daughters flower he puts the petals in his pocket. And God meets Mrs. Baileys wife right there on the spot when she sees her husband walk out of the house!!! She asked her kids to pray hard for their dad:)
Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD. Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
This scene kind of hits me hard as someone who has anger issues and does the same thing George did in this scene. No joke I cry every time watching this scene.
I really felt his pain. Losing your money, facing jail time and dealing with 4 nagging kids, I would have a mental breakdown too. But, it's better to just go outside or go upstairs to your room and throw a fit there. Don't trip out in front of the kids.
Yep. Just because you're in a bad mood, doesn't mean you have to take your frustration out on everyone else. Tell your family about how you're feeling and that your upset about something that made you upset, instead of taking your frustration out on _them._
He’s so mad 😂. This movie is hilarious and complex and sweet at the same time. George and Mary are so good to each other too. Mary is so patient and George apologizes right after the outburst despite how stressed and scared he is.
Coming home from work, worrying about money and not wanting to tell me wife. Greeted by my kids, trying to seem like everything is fine. I can relate to this scene
Keep in mind though. Just because you're frustrated, doesn't mean you should treat everyone else around you frustrated too. It would be a lot wiser to ask and have your family all sit down and have a talk about how you're feeling and how you should handle a situation that is truly making you upset about.
You need to tell her. WTF IS THE WORDS "THROUGH SICKNESS AND HEALTH" FOR IF YOU DO NOT HONOR IT. She is your wife. She has every right to know, to help solve it. Two heads are better than one
It's so funny how I've watched this movie since being a little girl in the late 70's, & probably 100,000 times, now, that I see things that I didn't lock in on until now. I've been obsessing over that rollaway stove of Mary's, and really love the look of it. I would love to have one. Probably would pay a pretty penny for an antique like that. 💰 🤑
"Why do we have to have all these kids?"
Sounds cruel, but brilliantly expresses his frustration.
Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD.
Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
He didn't mean it when he said that. He was just angry and frustrated.
Yes indeed. And the fact that his frustration comes from knowing the pain his kids will be caused if he goes to jail or whatever... Sad stuff!
@@melissacooper4282No, he did mean it. That's what makes this film so good because it's so true. Parents will never admit it, but a lot of people secretly regret having kids when they realize that they're nothing but burdens.
@@SomethingSomethingg He was angry and frustrated with his uncle, and he took it out on his loved ones. *SHAME ON HIM.*
There's almost nothing scarier as a kid than seeing your father lose it. The older I get, the more I empathize.
I agree. I remember one of the times I saw my Dad lose it, the day before his Mom died, who we had been caring for at her home. That was scary when that happened! He did hug my brother and me both, though, and apologize to us afterwards.
@@crweewrc1388 Thank you! We are doing well.
It took me 20 years to be able to get through watching this scene without having a panic attack. My dad did that at least once a month. Only George Bailey immediately apologizes. At my house, he would hug us and kiss us and buy us ice cream while lovingly explaining how his explosion was really our fault, if we'd only learn to be good he wouldn't be forced to get so mad.
We had a secret signal: If Mom plays with her hair, we were to go upstairs because one of his fits were coming. But we had to be discreet or he'd catch on and then he'd REALLY lose it. I learned to pretend I had to pee first, or pretend I'm looking for something before I disappear.
Couldn't agree more.
As a kid the worst part of my day was when my dad came home. If he had a bad day, he would take it out on everyone in the house and never apologise.
I was afraid of my father up until I moved out of my parents' house at 18.
One of the best acting performances ever. Every time I see George Bailey breakdown while holding his son, I am moved to tears. I heard that Jimmy Stewart was going through PTSD from serving in the war while filming this. It comes through in the performance.
Precisely why he gave such intense performances after his war time service and on a related subject, I find it a damn shame that many have forgotten his collaborations with Anthony Mann. As a matter of fact, the general public did not think Jimmy Stewart was capable of a playing rugged guy prior to his performance in Winchester '73.
Yup that's the part that got me. And Mary's stricken look when seeing him squeeze Tommy. She saw the look in his eyes. Something was deeply wrong and it just hits you so hard. No music no sound track just acting.
I also heard the set was over 100 degrees 😬
YES!
Gets me. Every single time. Even now!
Can I just point out how good of a wife, friend, and mother Mary is to her husband and children? As soon as her husband came home she greeted him warmly, chatted brightly to him about her day and the kid’s days and the holidays, and showed concern for him when it was quite obvious he was deeply upset about something. This is how every partner should treat their significant other.
And then as the scene ends, she calls up Uncle Billy and winds up saving the day.
Delusional movie. Reality is more grim: no family and no friends.
Hahaha, in what world.
Mary is an unsung hero in this movie.
And I love the actress too. She may not have been the most quotable, but she really pulls off being young, faithful, concerned, happy, etc.
Not as much as Jimmy Stewart, but she's believable in most of her key scenes.
@gordoncameron8222 Less and less.
“Shall I pray for him?” That was so sweet of her to say
This is such a brilliant depiction of what happens when men try to deal with extreme pressure alone. I have never been in a situation as dire as him but can picture myself acting exactly like this. He wants to make his family angry at him so he can play victim, but his family is so loving towards him that he eventually has to give up and admit he's being an ass. Mary is just about the best wife one could ask for - not insisting, giving him space, but drawing the line when he attacks her children. This is what cinema looked like when filmmakers had actual life experience to draw on.
So true ❤
Not only that but it wasn't in the original script, when they were shooting this scene actor Jimmy Stewart started to have a PTSD attack, and the director loved that that little attack of PTSD made George feel like someone the audience could connect with even more so, that they kept it in.
I noticed when I watched this scene last night. When George knocks over the items after yelling at his kids, I noticed they were models of architecture. Along with his predicament, George is releasing the frustration of never fulfilling his dreams.
When George hugs his boy...Damn man...
I was at that part and it made me tear up.
Gets me every time.
Seeing Janie sobbing and Mary comforting her must’ve absolutely crushed George, it’s gotta be awful to see the people you love afraid of you
I love how tender and sweet he is with Zuzu in spite of his shaky mental state. It shows what a great father he is.
Jimmy Stewart's acting here is beyond amazing. The way he breaks down silently when he holds his son always gets to me. U feel the weight, fear, and frustration of everything he's going through and completely understand why. Easily one of the greatest acting performances of all time!
Even back then they knew about dysfunctional family behavior- captured masterfully ...
Knowing that he channeled his PTSD for this makes it so much more impactful.
I wonder if he actually did frighten the child actors while working on this scene
@@joewhitehead3They definitely looked really scared here. Or they were collectively the greatest child actors ever.
1:53 always makes me cry. When George hugs his son and Mary looks at him sensing something is wrong 😭😭
The look on Mary’s face. Priceless camera shot and Capra held the camera on her just long enough to capture the intensity of the moment. Brilliant.
6:55
This where I start to get tears in my eyes. To see a man who was a beacon of light for so many people, a man who is so selfless, a real hero, become undone in such a way. Really hits hard. A legendary movie, nigh untoucable.
Just because George is angry, doesn't mean that he does not love his family.
Just because he was angry at his uncle didn't mean that he had to take it out on his family.
@@bobm7250 Things happen though. We're only human, which is why this movie is so good. Understanding how this can happen to someone, and which can happen to anyone, including you, is also something that makes us human. I've been in that kind of desperate state a number of times in my life, but thank god I didn't take it out on my family, at least too much; I mainly would be depressed and despondent. But I guess you're such a perfect person that you can judge, right? Have a good day.
@@Project_-jq7jw December 24 is always been my favorite day for a time for renewal, as well as the birth of the Christ Child over 2 thousand years ago, and for YT marathons to look forward to as well.
I love Christmas Vacation, Elf, Rudolph, all of them. But this movie is just absolute gold!
I like all of those including Home Alone, The Polar Express, A Christmas Story etc.
"Oh MISTER Welch. Okay that's fine, Mr. Welch. Give me a chance to tell you what I REALLY think of your wife!"
😂😂😂😂
What a great picture of how absolute despair breaks a person down: the lashing out, his attempts to recollect himself only to break down all over again, and his immediate regret following his actions all capture the feeling perfectly.
A Powerful Scene by Jimmy Stewart: You can just feel the utter dispair of George Baiily
@7:13 woah! Look how everyone looks at this man. You can feel the sadness in the faces and the scene! The energy they are giving off! That was a real sad scene
It was. 😢 George SHOULD HAVE told Mary and his kids that he was really frustrated at Uncle Billy for not being careful with the money instead of taking his frustration out on _them._
Because it's so *true* what everyone says:
Just because you're really frustrated over a problem, doesn't mean you have to treat everyone else the same, too.
At 6:49, I can understand that George’s PTSD took him completely over and he had no control over his frustration. He deserves support. Not hatred.
When I was a kid watching this I thought "man George needs to cool it!" But as a father now, I realize the stress of fatherhood of providing for the people you love and sacrificing what you love and want to do takes a toll on you.
Boomer
I have an outburst like this every day lol. Trick is, don't do it where people are around and don't hit things that break/make noise.
My life is somehow even more frustrating than when I wrote that.
Even GOOD people can only take so much!
This scene is amazing. The performance turned in by Jimmy Stewart is extraordinary. He quite effectively draws many viewers into the deep turmoil his character is experiencing. Also, kudos to Donna Reed. Her nuanced responses to the hopeless and explosive temperament of her husband at that moment are masterful. This movie and this scene legitimately endure the test of time.
@5:46 and I love how the wife is acting like a wife. She helps him and loves George even if he is not loving himself she knows he is in a bad mood. But how she just looks at him like she doesn’t want to see him so upset shows her acting from the heart also. She knows what he’s doing and knows something is obviously wrong and is trying to stop him from being stupid and get him to talk.
Mary's expression when she realises George is in despair just floors me ,oh to have a woman like her. For those of us who grew up in this kind of family trauma I'm with you .......
She played this part so magnificently. There are many scenes where just the look on her face expresses such deep pain, or adoration, or understanding of the man she loves. She comes across as smart, strong, comforting, sexy, hurt, ... all in the perfect amount, all with such believability. Donna Reed really was an A+ actress here.
I've heard this movie changed the minds of many who considered suicide as an option.
Fonsworth Higgenbothim It’s amazing how much of an impact this movie made
I don’t want to say I’m suicidal but after watching this movie half an hour ago, this has helped me with my problems!
Hasn’t changed my mind
@@gfunk63901 Why is that??
@@Izaan2810 what's that the % that stories will have a good ending like his?
2:12 always gets to me. When Mary turns and looks at her husband she can immediately sense that something is wrong. The closeup on Reed’s face with the juxtaposition of the music in the background is so powerful. Such simple yet wonderful filmmaking.
As the oldest of five and my mother going through it. There are a few times I recall my dad getting to this point.
Now I understand why my Dad loves It's A Wonderful Life ❤️
Very clever scene, beautifully acted and directed. I probably watched this originally as a 10 year old, and it makes me feel the same way now as it did back then. The sadness you feel at George's despair and how it affects his family creates great sympathy for the character and ire for Potter's machinations.
Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD.
Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
I discovered the movie at age 17 as a high school junior
Realizing now that Jimmy Stewart was going through PTSD at the time this was filmed makes this scene all the more touching. You can see that anger in him in several scenes in this movie, but probably here and the bridge scene. As a family member of a veteran with PTSD, I can appreciate this film -- and Jimmy Stewart -- much more now.
With the crucial time the movie came out in, I don’t blame him. People needed Its A Wonderful Life for a reason. And they still do to this day.
I love this movie so much but I like to think of it as a comedy sometimes and it’s hilarious. “I’ll hang her up” is such a great line
Look at that beautiful tree. I wish they still had Icycle like that. Heavy tinsel
Anyone who is not where they'd hoped to be over the age of 30 can relate to George's anger. He wanted to see the world and instead he has a family and is wanted by the authorities.
"Instead he has a family?" Well there was a solution to that.
I’m 31, still living with my parents and don’t have a job/career. Hopefully one day it will change
I love how the squirrel comes up and comforts Uncle Billy at 0:55. 🐿🥺 Was that squirrel trained somehow?
It was probably CGI
@@jonathanburger7777 that technology didn't exist in 1946.
@@jonathanburger7777 In the '40s??? Please tell me that you're just being humorous.
@Christian DeNault Yeah, it's definitely a real squirrel
That was a professional acting squirrel.
Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD.
Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
I really wish there was a cure for people who have PTSD but I feel that is EXTREMELY *impossible* don't you agree?
@@RedPandaGirl002 unfortunately, the mind is everything in every sense of the word. No matter what, we all endure something extremely taxing that will lead us to be self-destructive, one way or another. It’s the way we adapt to such devastation to improve ourselves and become kinder. That’s better than yearning to find “the cure,” which is equally burdensome.
@@exempligratia101 I see your point there
That’s very sad but also intelligent method! I guess I now know one reason why this movie was his favorite to make.
George sinking into despair, depression, and misery all at the cunning of a greedy old man is heartbreaking to watch
It''s a shame Mr Potter never had a comeuppance
He gets one in heaven. Like marleys ghost.
You should try to find the "lost ending" from a Sat Night Live skit during the late 80s, I think. Purty funny.
Actually, he does. It wasn’t included in the film, but the producers were interviewed and they told what was cut from the film.
Potter angrily finds out that the town comes to George’s aid WELL OVER what he needs, and suddenly Clarence shows up to give him a vision of what’s awaiting him beyond this world for his ruthless deeds . . . because it’s known he will NEVER change (although he could if he wanted). Potter gets that glimpse and becomes so horrifically terrified and shocked that he immediately dies of a stroke or heart attack . . . ending his evil once and for all.
The producers left it out because they wanted the focus to be on George realizing his life was wonderful and it didn’t matter what others did because he blessed so many good people in need.
Back then it didn't really matter. Being still on your feet and then some with the whole town with you may be enough defeat for lonely, senile Potter whose mind had deteriorated from polio into dementia, narcissism and psychopathy.
Potter was a Grabbler.
This might be the best acting I’ve ever seen
This is a brilliantly constructed sequence of scenes. First with Uncle Billy, and then at home, as he gradually increases in rage and desperation as the impending disaster from the missing money weighs on him. Bit by bit, all the frustrations about money, the house, the obligations of being tied down with a big family, the Building and Loan, all the missed opportunities he gave up... You can see how he is blinded to all of wonderful things in his life: his brother who just won the Congressional Medal, his beautiful, dedicated, hard-working, adoring wife, his children - who positively light UP when he comes home because they can't wait to see him. Even Zuzu, who is sick, but is going to be fine. It's like the whole message of the movie, about him not realizing how wonderful a life he has, comes to a head in this scene. And the dialog is masterful. Even the cruelty of, "Why do we have to have all these kids!", perfectly placed. He doesn't mean it, but for a moment here, he just can't take anymore. Simply brilliant.
It’s horrible to see even a good man like George take his anger out on his family. Also, seeing a phenomenal human being like Jimmy Stewart upset and in tears like that is heartbreaking. Everyone’s reactions here are gut wrenching.
Just because you're really upset about something, doesn't mean you should treat everyone else around you upset as well.
George was incredibly *blinded* about wanting to receive all the money he could get and that was all because of that nasty chair monster, Potter
0:55 now Uncle Billy is thinking "it's all my fault, how could I lose that much money? I'm such a fool, I've let George down, it's all my fault"
It’s really hard to not cry while watching this
God this is the perfect movie. I love it so much. Not just for the nostalgia.
Just an absolutely terrifying scene. When George turns to face his family after his violent outburst, he's practically unrecognisable.
Just because he was mad at his uncle, doesn't give him the absolute right to be angry at his family, it's his *FAULT.* He needs to take responsibility for his own actions...
And not only that, if I was acting like that, I would spend the night at a hotel so I wouldn't ruin Christmas for everyone.
@@bobm7250he does? He apologizes immediately. He was having a mental breakdown, his impulses were greatly reduced. Yes, he was wrong, and yes it was his fault that he upset them, and yes, he shouldn’t have taken it out in his family. He recognizes that immediately after the fog passes, but the damage is done and it only reinforces his destructive spiral. Have compassion.
A good hearted ambitious man who faces so many tough times throughout his life, yet still trying to make everyone around him happy by sacrificing his own wants and needs. While making these sacrifices for others, he watches others around him succeed while he trapped in a life that he never wanted or asked for. He finally reaches his breaking point in this scene and takes it out on the people he loves the most - his very own family. This is one of the most moving scenes in film history. A true timeless masterpiece.
Wowww! This scene you learn so many lessons. He cares but is bottled up with experiences yet to be talked about and things on his mind yet to share his feelings to. at least that’s what he thinks because everyone still loves him but he is so down on himself and in such a negative state of mind he doesn’t see the good anymore
3:48 I think I finally understand why George would say such an awful thing about his family, it’s just like when he shouted at Mary that he was gonna get out of Bedford Falls before melting in her arms. It’s all just a part of his mental breakdown, he’s looking for things to blame for his unhappiness instead of just accepting things as it is. Of course he would never want to give up his beautiful family, as evidenced by his little vacation in Pottersville. He probably just hates feeling like he could never take control over his own life and starts to grow the idea that his own family is driving him up the wall along with everyone else in Bedford Falls
YES!! Very good analysis!!! I wish more people would dive into the psychology of these scenes more, so many people refuses to use that effort. Because I agree it took me a while to get over the kneejerk reaction to him saying that- and I wondered what would drive him to it even if he didn’t mean it. Now I know!!
I remember my mom and dad crying at 530 in the morning cause they couldn’t afford the house anymore but they woke us up it was 1993. But my grandma helped us out with my grandpa who was a ww2 vet I miss him greatly he lived right next to us he taught me a lot.
bless
5:49 Home Alone 2 in Spanish.
The way Mary said "Hello, darling" to George makes me say the same thing as her 😍
I think anyone who’s owned a business knows the kind of pressure you can be under when things are tight. You feel like you’re sacrificing so much for your family, sacrificed some of your dreams and comforts in life. And to see it all just go up in flames because of one little mistake would be extremely difficult. George feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders and that no one understands or appreciates him. It’s very sad that he even contemplated suicide.
My dad owned a family business that started with my grandpa. And yet I always imagined a life away from it. Now my cousin is in charge.
That part kills me everytime his despair is so palpable. I cry everytime. The acting is just spectacular
My favorite Christmas movie ever!
WOAH. That scene in his daughters bed was REAL. You know kids have to like being around you to actually want to be and you can see who either hates or loves the kids. In that scene he shows his cars and softness with her and it seems so real with the zen the kid is in by not thinking of anything much but just being her kid self dreaming and just infatuated with the flower @5:10 she is staring at it! Look at the eyes just admiring the flower you’ll see what I mean. George is so worried about his daughter and the energy in this whole incident is heart warming because it was real! It was from the heart!
"...Come on out in the kitchen,,,," -What a good lady!
She just wanted to soothe him. She even "knew" she could, you can see it how Donna Reed shows her as confident leading him that way.
James Stewart. What a good actor. He had so much integrity. Since I have become older,I really have loved this movie even more
My favorite movies with him are You Can’t Take It With You and The Philadelphia Story
Should be noted that this was the first film for James Stewart after he came from WW2 who was a bomber pilot, a very traumatic experience for him and did not want to return to making films but did so reluctantly to make this. He was still suffering from PTSD, and may have been suicidal as well. But that is debated.
If you’re a father and this scene doesn’t bring tears to your eyes something is wrong with you.
I don't even have any kids and this scene makes me cry! 😥💔
Jimmy Stewart wasn’t acting;that was his PTSD.
I bet it is somewhere already in the commentary, but here´s my 2 cents:
George, during his anger really insulted everything Mary did for him.
The "drafty old house", the house she fixed up to make it a nice place for them to live.
"Why do we have all these children...", the children she gave him and cared for all the time.
The "measley crummy old town", the town, Mary came back to because she liked it there.
My god. I didn’t expect to tear up like this rewatching this scene in 2023. It affected me more now that I’m 60 than in years past. I don’t have kids, but I was once a kid.
Ahh she loves him so much. That's really beautiful.
This is a great movie, I watch it every Christmas 😃
James Stewart was a great actor. A great film. A true masterpiece.
"Give me a chance to tell you what I really think of your wife." Classic.
6:52 is exactly me when my relatives on my mom's side (who live in Florida) come over!
You're lucky. It's me on both sides of my family. Try throwing Irish and Sicilians together.
If that happens to you once in a lifetime it's too many times. I have never watched this movie all the way through, but I will now.
@5:46 George taking his anger out literally! On a woman he doesn’t even know! Just thinking of something he’s mad about and just putting it all out there on here making her the problem or the dumpster or negativity
If you live long enough you will experience a day like this also.
7:00 to 7:10..Such a great acted scene..Mary and the shot of boys face..the look of fear..nothing worse than kids being afraid of there father :(
I agree. The brief shot of Tommy here, thunderstruck, hits me hard.
that was cult epic how he chewed out zuzu's teacher on the phone
0:51 I'll bet that's the last time George ever trusts Uncle Billy to carry that much money again
Some masterful acting in this movie.
The scene where he grabs his son and cries terrors me apart.
Shall I pray for him? What if this was the default response in families with one another when someone was upset? It takes real love & respect to react this way in tough times..families that pray together, stay together. Fight against the problem, not each other..
This whole segment breaks my mom without fail when we watch it together. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
I’m 31, still living with my parents and I would be scared if either one was in George’s shoes. Some days I feel like George. Anyway, every few years I come back to this movie around the fall/winter.
No shame in that these days. Life's a marathon man. I'm sure your parents feel blessed to have you in their lives
@ In some ways despite the age difference we still make it work
Mr. Bailey loves his little daughter ZuZu and he goes to see how she’s feeling:) And when the flower petals fall of his daughters flower he puts the petals in his pocket. And God meets Mrs. Baileys wife right there on the spot when she sees her husband walk out of the house!!! She asked her kids to pray hard for their dad:)
This is heartwrenching 😢
the acting is class
5:50 the scene played in the motel from home alone 2
Man oh man this scene really hits damn hard. 💔
Mary Bailey reminds me of my grandmother 🥲
'Another big red letter day for the Baileys' Who doesn't feel like this after a bad day at office?
Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD.
Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
It's of topic but I have to say it, the actor who plays the eldest son, is the most beautiful boy, I have ever seen. 😍😂
Every role he took on he made completely relatable
5:16 Kids: Telephone!
George’s face at 1:50. Good god, has acting ever been better?
Are you saying the acting was “stiff” in THIS scene? This scene is as real as it gets. This is humanity stripped to the bone. “Stiff”?
@gordoncameron8222 Brando can't hold a candle to Jimmy Stewart.
Lincoln's picture in the piano scene. Hark the Herald Angels
This was probably my most favorite part of the movie
When he said "One Of Us Is Going To Jail, and it sure isn't going to be me" he was referring to himself.
The original Christmas movie freak out. Idk I’d have to give it Chevy in Xmas vacation though
Really sad when the squirrel cuddles him
5:30 - Is this the scene where the Mccalister's family watching but in Spanish dub in Home Alone 2?
This scene kind of hits me hard as someone who has anger issues and does the same thing George did in this scene. No joke I cry every time watching this scene.
Agree. And worst part is realizing what you said after
@@7Yearsmarty yup it is devastating.
@@artisticalex1206 can only reflect and improve
Talk behavioral therapy. GET SOME
I really felt his pain. Losing your money, facing jail time and dealing with 4 nagging kids, I would have a mental breakdown too. But, it's better to just go outside or go upstairs to your room and throw a fit there. Don't trip out in front of the kids.
Yep. Just because you're in a bad mood, doesn't mean you have to take your frustration out on everyone else.
Tell your family about how you're feeling and that your upset about something that made you upset, instead of taking your frustration out on _them._
He’s so mad 😂. This movie is hilarious and complex and sweet at the same time. George and Mary are so good to each other too. Mary is so patient and George apologizes right after the outburst despite how stressed and scared he is.
Coming home from work, worrying about money and not wanting to tell me wife. Greeted by my kids, trying to seem like everything is fine. I can relate to this scene
Keep in mind though. Just because you're frustrated, doesn't mean you should treat everyone else around you frustrated too.
It would be a lot wiser to ask and have your family all sit down and have a talk about how you're feeling and how you should handle a situation that is truly making you upset about.
@@RedPandaGirl002 as easy as 1 2 3 eeh...
@@tarzan.CB. What do you mean by that?
You need to tell her. WTF IS THE WORDS "THROUGH SICKNESS AND HEALTH" FOR IF YOU DO NOT HONOR IT. She is your wife. She has every right to know, to help solve it. Two heads are better than one
@@tarzan.CB. YES. JUST OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND TALK
It's so funny how I've watched this movie since being a little girl in the late 70's, & probably 100,000 times, now, that I see things that I didn't lock in on until now. I've been obsessing over that rollaway stove of Mary's, and really love the look of it. I would love to have one. Probably would pay a pretty penny for an antique like that. 💰 🤑