The Five Things I Learned from George Bailey 

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“Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

Those are the words of an Angel-Second Class named Clarence as he tries to distill for George Bailey one of life’s essential truths. Few movies resonate so powerfully after more than 60 years. But It’s a Wonderful Life is timeless, in large part due to its simplicity, and its universal gems of wisdom.

For me, the essence of this story is conveyed early in George’s dark night of the soul, at the bedside of tiny daughter Zuzu Bailey, who is sick with a fever. She shows her father the flower she won at school. So treasured is this delicate specimen that Zuzu walks home that December day with her coat open to protect her flower from the wind. A few petals fall away. She asks her father to make the flower whole, which he cannot. He places the loose petals in his pocket.

Later, when the angel Clarence gives George a glimpse of what might have been, the petals, and so much more than can be humanly reckoned, are gone. The story that follows is a parable about what matters and what doesn’t. Along the way, there are many lessons to be learned. And for that, George Bailey, we thank you.

There’s a strong theme of fatherhood throughout It’s a Wonderful Life that jumps into frame the first ten minutes of the film. Working his after-school job at Gower’s Pharmacy, young George is handed a rush delivery of diphtheria medicine. George discovers the grief-stricken and drunken Mr. Gower has mistakenly filled the capsules with poison. Distraught and confused, he sees an advertisement on the wall with the slogan “Ask Dad, He Knows.”

In a sense, George spends his whole life chasing after the ghost of his father, at first struggling against following the same path, but later trying to divine what the elder Bailey would do in his shoes.

Often, years and maturity are required to truly appreciate the wisdom of our fathers. My own dad, much like Peter Bailey, has never been one to push advice. But when asked, I have always found his words to be sound. As George confides to his father in what becomes their final conversation, “Pop, do you want a shock? I think you’re a great guy.”

Sometimes Something Special is Right Under Your Nose

Countless movies show us that point at which two people come to the realization that they care for one another. If there is one as genuine and sweet as the moment George Bailey and Mary Hatch come to such an understanding, I have not seen it. “Now you listen to me,” George insists as he fights the long-buried feelings that well up and overwhelm him. “I don’t want any ground floors. And I don’t want to get married ever to anyone! You understand that? I want to do what I want to do!” And they collapse into each other arms.

Mary knows they belong together. Ever since that day in Gower’s Pharmacy when she whispers, in the bad ear of the 12-year-old George, her undying love. Maybe George knows as well, but that knowledge would be among the things he has suppressed, for good or ill, for dreams of a life less ordinary.

Of course, seeing things hidden in plain sight is easier said than done. George is fortunate to have had Mary, the constant and bright moral center of the story, and maybe, the true hero of It’s a Wonderful Life.

There’s a lovely little scene that is rarely mentioned, but it touches me each time I see it. George and Mary help the Martinis move into their new home (including shuttling much of the Martini brood and the family goat in their car). Afterward, The Baileys offer three small gifts and and this simple toast: “Bread, that this house may never know hunger. Salt, that life may always have flavor. And wine, that joy and prosperity may reign forever.”

It reflects a sentiment woven throughout the story, that things of true worth are not measured in dollars, but in the currency of friendship and family, and the good karma one puts out into the world. Maybe best expressed by the motto in Peter Bailey’s office: “All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.”

The Calmest, Clearest Voice in the Room Usually Speaks the Truth

The corollary is The Loudest, Most Urgent Voice in the Room is Often Wrong. During a panic-fueled run on the banks, George is confronted by a frightened and angry mob demanding all of their holdings in cash. The money’s not here, George tells the madding crowd. “Your money’s in Joe’s house…and in the Kennedy house, and Mrs. Macklin’s house, and a hundred others…We’ve got to stick together. We’ve got to have faith in each other.”

It is also a crucial lesson about the corrosiveness of panic and those times when the smartest course is to do nothing. When I was teenager, I saved my paper route earnings to take flying lessons at the sod-covered, country airstrip near home. My instructor was a cantankerous and tantrum-prone retired Air Force major named Pete. He, like George, professed the first and most important thing to do when you’re lost: Stop. Think. No drastic moves. You’ll become more lost, maybe forever lost. Just as the Building and Loan shareholders surely would have been. I’ve found this bit of wisdom truly life-saving more than once, because sometimes the calm voice you need to hear is your own. Thanks, George (you, too, Major Pete).

I Really Do Have a Wonderful Life (And So Do You)

I know. That’s the whole point of the movie. But books and plays and films have been trying to tell us this for centuries. There’s a haunting moment in Thornton Wilder’s Our Town – the protagonist Emily Webb passes away in childbirth and joins spirits looking down on their loved ones going about the business of everyday life. Emily asks her mother, “Do any human beings realize life while they live it—every, every minute?” “No,” answers Mother. “The saints and poets, maybe they do, some.”

It’s a Wonderful Life deserves credit for not solving every problem with the tinkling of a bell. When George emerges from the nightmare of Pottersville, there’s still a Mr. Potter, no doubt with further designs on the Building and Loan. George will continue to struggle on $45 a week, the old Granville house remains in disrepair, and The Baileys may never venture beyond Bedford Falls. But it is George that is different, as he becomes the change he wishes for the world.

He does this by rediscovering the seemingly simple, commonplace things that are anything but. Like embracing an old friend, realizing that people do care. Or reaching into your pocket to find the petals of a rose a little girl tried to shelter from the cold. For that, George, we can never thank you enough.

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Ok – now you’ve made me cry! I love this movie and weep every time I watch it. If we all stop and think about how many lives we’ve touched along the way, we would realize that we really would leave an “awful hole” if we weren’t around.

I watch this movie every so often to give myself a wake up call. It truly IS a wonderful life.

This is one of the “richest” movies ever made–so many life-truths contained in it. Thanks for your post–it helped remind me why this is one of my all-time favorites.

My absolute favorite Christmas movie! I watch it every year on Christmas eve. It’s also one of my top movies of any genre. Thank you for sharing. Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings. Ring Ring Ring.

Agreed. It makes me cry every year. It is a very special movie. It doesn’t get any better than a bowl of popcorn, snuggled up with my family on a cold December night. You can’t buy that at a store. Happy Holidays!

Wow, Mark! What a fantastic article – thanks so much for posting it. It’s a Wonderful Life has been my favorite movie from the first moments I saw it. Viewing this movie should be a requirement!!

Thank you for this beautifully written piece on one of my all-time favorite movies. I always knew I loved it and you’ve put into words exactly why.

Broken Barn Industries On Tuesday, November 29 at 8:31 am

Every year I gotta be the voice crying in the wilderness when it comes to this movie. You know what’s sad about it? UNUSED BRAND NEW LUGGAGE. Run, George, run!

Some years I love this film for all those reasons you articulated so beautifully, and some years it just makes me sad and angry at all those selfish people screwing up George’s life. Yeah, it all works out well. I GUESS. But geez.

Great post. Great movie. It made me all weepy!

What a great post!! I love that movie so much and my husband has never sat down and watched the whole thing…this year I’m going to make him do it! You just reminded me of all the reasons why I love it so much!

Beautifully said! Love the message in this AMAZING movie!!

Oh, thank you for this wonderful post! I absolutely love this movie, and often find myself thinking about it or referring to it during the “off season”, because of the wisdom and grace of George and Mary. It never fails to restore my faith in humanity.

I have always HATED this movie, but you may have just made it stomach-able to me. lol It’s not the sentiment, I love that, its just something about Jimmy Stewart in this movie I guess, not exactly sure why…. I am more a Miracle on 34th St. girl.

lol But thank you for the wonderful review & letting me see it thru your eyes!!

Gosh Michelle…. I feel the same way. I thought I was the only person in the world who doesn’t like this movie and never watch it.

Like politics I have learned never say anything against this movie.

It is Jimmy Stewart acting in this movie, it drives me up the wall because the story is indeed wonderful.

I too liked your review and agree with your 5 things.

I love this movie! I look past the Jimmy Stewartishness because I am married to his embodiment.

and thank you for zuzu’s petals for bringing him back down to earth. best christmas film of all time.

This is one of my favourite movies. I watch it every year and it always lifts my spirit.

THE best movie ever. I know it is more popular around Christmas but it’s messages are for every day of the year. Especially with today’s economy and lack of employment. I actually sat down and watched this movie a few years ago when I lost my job after 27 years. Thank you so much for this article. I need to get my copy out and watch it tonight.

I will sadly admit that in my 37 years on this earth I have never sat down and watched this movie. I’ve seen clips here and there when it’s on TV at Christmastime or when film shows are talking about holiday movies, or just great movies, but Iv’e never taken the time to sit down and watch the whole thing. But, after reading your post, Ree, I’m going to make it a point to borrow my dad’s copy this weekend and sit down to watch. Thanks!

This movie is my #1 fave movie of all time. I identify so much with George Bailey. And kudos to you for mentioning the Housewarming scene. It warms my heart too!

MY ALL TIME EVER FAVORITE MOVIE!!! When my husband doesn’t remind me of Massachusett’s version of Marlboro Man, he is George Bailey! My oldest daughter was coming home from college a year or so ago and when she walked into our house she said, “Well it’s good to be back at the old building and loan.” Love, Love, Love this movie!

Ahhhhh, that made me tear up – how sweet!

Sorry, Mark, I mistakenly typed Ree in my comment. I meant after your post. Fingers too fast this morning.

You beautifully caught the essence of this movie – this movie that makes me weep like no other, perhaps because it is filled with truth. When George is tearfully muttering a prayer at the bar…gah, can’t go on.

Thanks so much for this article – I love It’s a Wonderful Life and I use quotes all the time. For instance – when I have been short of money – I take out two dollars and say – here is momma dollar and poppa dollar…

I just realized I have not watched the movie yet this year – so I better get busy.

One of the best movies ever! I think I need to get it out and watch it again. It grounds me.

AHHH that was great. This is my all time favorite movie. Second only to The Wizard of Oz. My teenage girls watch this every Christmas with me and we just cry all the way through. love it.

My very favorite movie! I give this movie out to friends at Christmas. Tell Ree this is one movie I could win a movie trivia quiz!

I just love your depth of writing, no matter what the subject. Thanks again!

My favorite movie ever, ever made! Truly the best! I have a sign that hangs over my living room windows that says “Bailey Brothers Building and Loan”! Thank you for this wonderful commentary!

Amen! Great takeaways from the GREATEST MOVIE every made!

I agree with Lauralee. You really know your stuff and your writing makes me want to sit down with you to talk about movies. George and Mary Baily have been my heroes since I was a young(er) woman. BEST MOVIE EVER MADE…PERIOD.

Have you ever read The Five People You Meet in Heaven?

It seemed like a lame effort to re-do It’s a Wonderful Life.

I’ve always thought it should’ve been called “It’s a Mediocre Life”

I never quite got it. But many, many others definitely did.

Wow, you have again touched my heart and made me teary-eyed. Thank you for a wonderful post. Now to find my copy of “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

What a great post! It made me tear up. I am forwarding it to my dad. It’s his all-time favorite movie and one of mine as well. Thanks for the reminder of the lessons learned from this film.

Mark, this post was so moving and inspirational. You have true talent. Thank you. What a great mindset to have going into the holiday season.

Best movie ever! I have always loved it and will always love it.

I absolutely ADORE “It’s a Wonderful Live”. I have watched it countless times and I will never get tired of it. Thank you for putting so eloquently why this movie is one of the greatest ever made.

This is my favorite movie at Christmas, but I have watched it at other times during the year as well. I simply adore everything about this movie and it brings me to tears every time. Your overview is the best I’ve ever read. You really hit on the main points that make it so moving. Just lovely, and such a gift. Thank you, Ree. *tear*

Hear hear! – After coming thru Tropical storms Irene & Lee, these are some of the most important things aren’t they.

My favorite holiday movie and you summed it up perfectly! Thank you so much. Merry Christmas!!!

I just watched this yesterday while decorating my home for Christmas. I was teary through so many moments – the housewarming scene being one of them.

Thank you for your depth of writing – the themes in this movie are timeless – one of those movies that was inspired and has made many a life better.

Another scene that touches me every time is when young George goes back to the pharmacy and faces Mr. Gower. His maturity in that moment is so moving – to raise such boys is my goal in motherhood.

It’s A Wonderful Life is a wonderful movie, not just a movie to watch at Christmas, but a movie about life. Everyone should definitely see this movie during their lives. It’s on this Sat. night on NBC!

There are so many wonderful lessons to learn from this movie, and so many wonderful lines.

Tearing up at the office over this one. You are a terrific writer. Thanks for the reminders. There are so many very important ones in this post

I watch this movie every December and cry each time…and now you’ve got me tearing up now! I’ve got to forward this post to my mother…

This is my husband’s favourite movie of all time. It gets watched every Christmas Eve. Last year we skipped church (first time in 20 years!) which was nice as we were not watching it until 1am As it started, dh, dd and I were in front of the TV and ds hollers up, “you aren’t starting it without me, are you?” That was a surprise as the 21 yr old is not known to watch sappy movies with his family! Apparently it has stuck with him as well!!!

I usually skip the entertainment section, but I’m glad I didn’t this time. I love this!

Beautiful article. This movie is a family favorite. I have been watching it since I was little and now my girls watch it with dh and me. It still makes me cry every single time.:)

Mrs. Drummond, thank you so much for this post.

This movie helped a good friend of mine, Kerry, get over the loss of another good friend who had fought breast cancer. Kerry was worried that her two very young daughters wouldn’t remember how much they had enjoyed being with their “Auntie Clare”.

I didn’t know what to say to that until I thought about one of my favorite movies – It’s A Wonderful Life. I told Kerry that people touch our lives in more ways than we think, and even though it might take a tragedy to remember that, we realize what an affect we can have on those around us. Her two girls are now in college, but they do remember the fun times they had with Clare.

We watch this movie every year with our kids, now 24,22 and 19 yrd old. I also love the blessing that Mary and George give the Martinis. This movie makes the Christmas season complete. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you! This is one of my most favorite movies! And not just at Christmas Time. Now I need to watch the movie!!

Thank you, Mark–that was lovely. More incentive then for listening in to ‘saints and poets.’

Love the movie.!! I Wouldn’t pass a quiz though.

Love this!! There’s SO much to learn from this movie! My church is doing a musical version of IAWL in December, and we’ve all learned to take these lessons to heart.

Watching the movie always lowers the level of cynicism I find creeping around my heart. From Uncle Billy to long suffering Mary, I find myself identifying with every character. Our Town is one of my favorite plays for the same reason. Every so often my husband turns to me and says, “Mary, what are we doing with all these kids!”

I love this. It’s a Wonderful Life is my all time favorite Christmas movie, I watch it every Christmas Eve without fail. Such a great movie and such poignant lessons. Thank you for this marvelous post!

I LOVE this movie, it is my most favorite movie of all time!

I even named my sweet lhasa apso ZuZu’s Petals..she is 9 and every

I love the toast too! We use that toast each time a friend moves into a home, because of that movie!

WONDERFUL post! Thank you! I especially like the part about the calmest voice in the room, mostly because I love that part that you have a picture of. Where that lady (who I believe went on to play Grandma on The Hillbillies, yes?) says she just wants a meager amount and George kisses her in gratitude – makes me tear up every time! Best, best movie!!

Actually, she was Grandma in The Waltons, a show so good it deserves it’s own post.

You’re thinking of Ellen Corby who played Grandma on The Waltons.

That actress actually went on to play the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz.

Another great post. “Inspires a little thought!”…Thank you

My parents just used that quote (and included the basket full of the items) to welcome my brother and his wife into their new home. It’s my brothers favorite movie, and it truly touched him. This movie is wonderful, and my favorite part of the Christmas season! THank you for this article

Mark Spearman, that is a lovely post. Thank you.

It is a gift to be able to put into words the feelings something evokes. You have hit the nail on the head about all that is good and universal about this movie. And the cool thing is you are “giving it away” to all of us. Now, I want to go spend time with my family and friends and “Give away” until it is all gone so I can ultimately take it with me. I love the truth in that. Happy, happy Christmas.

I LOVE this movie, watch every year in black and white. Every Thanksgiving after everyone is gone me and the kids watch “miracle on 34th. street” then me and my daughter watch “holiday inn”, she loves it.

This movie must be viewed in black and white .

So very glad that I took the time to read your words about one of the best movies ever. The movie always makes me cry and so did your words, and they couldn’t be any closer to the truth. Thanks for making my day!

What a beautiful movie…I think I have seen it about 40 times.and each time, I marvel at the casting..No one could have taken on the role of George Bailey but Jimmy Stewart. The rest of the cast shines as well. I long for a bit more gentleness in this nation as I watch the Dems and Republicans at each others throats…can we get George Bailey to talk to them?

Remember Jimmy Stewart’s movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington…another awesome performance by the best actor of all time. When you watch that movie you realize there is no hope for Washington DC and its corruptness.

One of my favorite movies of all time. Thanks for the insightful recap!

Beautifully said, Ree! This is my favorite Christmas movie. I have to go watch it now.

Lovely!! It has always been our Christmas tradition to watch this movie together as a family. I love that you mention the housewarming toast. I love that scene too! This is really one of my favorite movies no matter what time of year, though it is nice to be reminded during Christmastime of what really matters in life.

There will never, ever, be a better movie. Timeless truths.

My family watches this film each year on Christmas Eve. Makes me cry every time. I’ve learned what it truly means to be “the richest man in town” from this movie. All that glitters is not gold!

I too love the housewarming scene–it’s long been one of my favorites.

This is my must see movie every Christmas season. Now I really need to watch it sooner, rather than later

Amen. And Thank you. I love this movie.

Okay, now I’m sitting in my office crying, hoping my co-workers don’t come in and catch me. It’s not Christmas until I’ve watched It’s A Wonderful Life, thanks for giving me the warm fuzzies.

I’ve always loved the Martini’s housewarming toast, as well. Heartfelt, poignant, lovely lovely lovely.

“A toast to my big brother George, the richest man in town!”

Great movie, and interesting lessons you’ve noted. I’d never really thought much about the heavy theme of fatherhood, but I agree with you, I really like what it teaches about that. Thanks for a heartwarming post!

This is my favorite movie of all time. We had the joy of sharing it with a couple from Germany who are here for Missionary training. They had never seen it. What an exciting thing to see this movie through the eyes of someone who was watching it for the first time.

I agree with previous posters — this movie is much better in black and white! And the lessons are timeless. Thank you for reminding me.

George Bailey is a great character study, because he is not a pious, goody two shoes, with a saintly attitude. George grumbles, complains and contemplates suicide. His dreams and plans are dashed over and over, and yet when push comes to shove he chooses to make the sacrifices and do the right thing. The very humanness of George is what makes this work.

You made a great point. We all have something to grumble about. It’s what we do after we grumble that shows who we really are. Again, great post !

It isn’t Christmas unless I watch this movie, my very favorite movie.

Thank you so much for posting this! It’s A Wonderful Life is my father’s all time favorite movie, and as such it is ingrained in me as a part of my childhood. It is now also a part of my adulthood as I now share it with my own children. As many times as I have seen it over the years, you still managed to make me cry while reading it. I can’t wait to share this article with my dad!

I love this movie. Thanks for reminding me how much! I have to watch it with my daughter because she has not watched it!

“The richest man in town.” I forget about true riches some time between Decembers, but am thankfully reminded by this film. Thank you for the beautiful article.

Thank you for writing this. I love this movie and watch it every year. You write beautifully, this little piece brought tears to my eyes thinking about my favorite scenes.

By far my favorite movie of ALL TIME!! Favorite line in the movie…….(and frequently heard in our home whenever a loud noise gives others the idea something is wrong)…..”I’m alright, I’m alright!”

Thank you. Can’t wait to watch this again with my family. We do every year, it has become a Christmas tradition.

Thank you for the write up of this classic, best movie ever. It is a yearly tradition in our house to watch It’s A Wonderful Life. Usually after we have decorated the tree. We turn all the lights off except for the tree, pop some corn and watch.

Thank you, Mark, for your perceptive, moving comments about the movie which has been dear to my heart since I was a small child.

Can I hug you, Mark Spearman??? Thank you for this post. You brightened my life today and touched my heart. I loved your insights into this movie. As with all your posts you prove to be a thoughtful and sensitive person and I am always excited to see what you have to say when you post. Thx again!!

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