It's a Wonderful Life (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

This bad take was already debunked five years ago.

The fact is that the film was only in the public domain from 1974-1993, and since then has only been aired 2-3 times per year -- and yet the film continues to get high ratings every year.

Also, there have been literally thousands of movies that were in the public domain. If that's all it took to manufacture a perennial classic, don't you think that the mass media companies would have generated few more of them by now?

Also, calling it a box office bomb is like chanting "Scoreboard!" in the first quarter. Do you even know the name of the top-grossing movie of 1947? Exactly. Nobody does. Because it was sanitized pablum trite, designed to appeal to a 1940s audience. It had no staying power. (For the record, the top grossing film of 1947 was "Welcome Stranger", a vehicle for a bunch of awful Bing Crosby songs. It has a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. You know how many times "Welcome Stranger" has been aired in 2021? Zero.)

IAWL was ahead of its time. The people of 1947 didn't know what they had.

Thank you. 

 

[Otis]

Oh and 94% TomatoMeter, 95% Audience Score. 

 

[AAABatteries]

The best part is some folks get so worked up. You'd think they own a piece of the rights.

Actually the best part is Gloria Grahame.  

 

[KarmaPolice]

Nonsense.  Not for me anyway. I’m 49 and just started watching it about 10 years ago.  I wanted to see what the hype was all about so I bought it on digital.  It’s great.  It’s now our Christmas Eve tradition as we wrap presents for our kids.  Always makes me tear up.  Easily my favorite Christmas movie of all time. 

Similar here.  46, and watched it for the first time a few years ago.   I wrote it off as usual Christmas sappy crap, but immediately loved it and was surprised at how dark it was in parts. 

 

[Cjw_55106]

Similar here.  46, and watched it for the first time a few years ago.   I wrote it off as usual Christmas sappy crap, but immediately loved it and was surprised at how dark it was in parts. 

I’m with you two. I was over 40 when I saw it for the first time

 

[KarmaPolice]

I also watched A Christmas Story for the first time a few years ago.  100% opposite reaction to that movie.    :X

 

[DocHolliday]

I’m with you two. I was over 40 when I saw it for the first time

Same.  Thought it looked stupid and never bothered to watch.  Watched it out of boredom one night and watch it at least once every December now.  It’s a damn fine move and Jimmy Stewart is amazing.  

 

[shuke]

Actually the best part is Gloria Grahame  Donna Reed.

Fixed your post for you.

 

[AAABatteries]

Fixed your post for you.

Thought about saying Reed losing her robe - she’s hot but I prefer blondes.

 

[Moonlight]

IAWL also has a ruthless and remarkable villain who does not receive his comeuppance at the movie's end. 

George will have to continue to fight the good fight but can take comfort that living a good life benefits not only himself but also his family and others.

 

[zamboni]

Actually the best part is Gloria Grahame.  

Way too high maintenance.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I also watched A Christmas Story for the first time a few years ago.  100% opposite reaction to that movie.    :X

This one has not aged well for me. I used to love it as a kid but now not so much. 
 

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Thought about saying Reed losing her robe - she’s hot but I prefer blondes.

Way too high maintenance.

Reed is the woman to marry. Violet wants to get hammered and get demolished.

 

[zamboni]

Reed is the woman to marry. Violet wants to get hammered and get demolished.

As long as she doesn't have to walk in the grass in her bare feet.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

As long as she doesn't have to walk in the grass in her bare feet.

That’s because she doesn’t want to do all that romantic and sentimental crap. She wants to hit the bar, drink, smoke and …..

Violet is the girl who teaches young, naive men lessons about not falling in love with the first chick you bed. She’ll break your heart if you let her. You can’t get attached and if you don’t, she’ll hang out again.

Reed is going to bust your balls for every mistake you made for the rest of your life. 
 

 

[zamboni]

Reed is going to bust your balls for every mistake you made for the rest of your life. 

If you can manage to make a rotisserie chicken out of a turntable, I think you'll be just fine. 

 

[wikkidpissah]

Reed is the woman to marry. Violet wants to get hammered and get demolished.

just the sight of Violet sends Bert the Cop home to try his chances at an apron nooner. pretty saucy for '46.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

George will have to continue to fight the good fight but can take comfort that living a good life benefits not only himself but also his family and others.

That's why his father started that penny-ante building and loan; George was just too self-centered to see that.

 

[zamboni]

just the sight of Violet sends Bert the Cop home to try his chances at an apron nooner. pretty saucy for '46.

Family man.

 

[massraider]

you probably prefer the alternate ending

The Dana Carvey WWE elbow drop. :chefkiss:

 

[Ilov80s]

Also it was nominated for Best Picture so it wasn’t exactly a total flop. It didn’t win but nothing was stopping The Best Years of Our Lives which is also one of the greatest films ever made.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

An adult theme park based on Pottersville would be cool to visit. Everyone would dress in shades of gray and you'd get to throw things at the town drunk.

 

[Navin Johnson]

A Christmas tradition. Me disinterested/nodding off 45 minutes in hoping there is an irrelevant bowl game I can watch instead. 

 

[Jayrod]

Watching it tonight while we decorate the tree.  It is the only movie we own on Amazon Prime (B&W version).

My kids haven't learned to love it yet, but they haven't haven't really lived yet either.  George's struggle is real and its one of the most related movies I've ever seen.

 

[AAABatteries]

Watching it tonight while we decorate the tree.  It is the only movie we own on Amazon Prime (B&W version).

My kids haven't learned to love it yet, but they haven't haven't really lived yet either.  George's struggle is real and its one of the most related movies I've ever seen.

Sacrifice for the family, working for something you believe in versus a paycheck, family driving you crazy, regret, thinking it’s not worth the trouble, greed, depression, delayed gratification - lots of good life lessons and teachable moments in the movie. 

 

[Gally]

Similar here.  46, and watched it for the first time a few years ago.   I wrote it off as usual Christmas sappy crap, but immediately loved it and was surprised at how dark it was in parts. 

I am in the same boat as to when I finally watched.  However, it was meh for me.  I saw it but I don't have to see it again.  

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I notice most fans only want the original black & white version. What if Frank Capra had done a Wizard of Oz type mashup? Bedford Falls could still be b&w, but Pottersville could be filmed in Vegas type neon colors.

 

[Ilov80s]

I notice most fans only want the original black & white version. What if Frank Capra had done a Wizard of Oz type mashup? Bedford Falls could still be b&w, but Pottersville could be filmed in Vegas type neon colors.

Would have been interesting though might have had the opposite effect of making Pottersville look cool (which it already kind of does). 

 

[zamboni]

I notice most fans only want the original black & white version. What if Frank Capra had done a Wizard of Oz type mashup? Bedford Falls could still be b&w, but Pottersville could be filmed in Vegas type neon colors.

Would also have to figure out which Pink Floyd album other than Dark Side to sync it to. 

 

[Otis]

This one has not aged well for me. I used to love it as a kid but now not so much. 
 

No way could I have understood nor appreciated this movie as a kid.

 

[Otis]

just the sight of Violet sends Bert the Cop home to try his chances at an apron nooner. pretty saucy for '46.

Exactly this.  Surprisingly racy when you pay attention.

 

[Tom Servo]

Obviously the "public domain" blitz of the 80s/early 90s exposed it to a big portion of the population who might have never seen it....but if it wasn't well received....it would have faded into holiday obscurity ala Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. 

* AHEM! * SCCTM is a yearly viewing staple at the Servo house.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

* AHEM! * SCCTM is a yearly viewing staple at the Servo house.

Pia Zadora was a role model for all Martian children.

 

[Tom Servo]

What was Sam Wainright thinking when he had Donna Reed, yet was fooling around with her?

He had @chet money before Chet.

 

[rockaction]

I was deterred by the notion of a Phil Collins cameo. 

Anybody know what I meant by this? I'm genuinely confused. I know Servo got a kick out of it just now. 

I have to watch this movie this year. This is the year, darn it. 

 

[Tom Servo]

If you love the movie and happen to be in upstate New York, swing by the town of Seneca Falls. Was there this summer.

The town was Capra’s inspiration for the film - among other things, the town has a bridge patterned after the one George was standing on, and a pretty cool museum.

Actually celebrating the 75th anniversary of the film this week.

Mrs. Servo is a HUG IAWL fan and we're about 4 hours away.  I may have to take her there sometime.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Sacrifice for the family, working for something you believe in versus a paycheck, family driving you crazy, regret, thinking it’s not worth the trouble, greed, depression, delayed gratification - lots of good life lessons and teachable moments in the movie. 

That's why George's dad died of a stroke and Uncle Billy was a simpleton who drank so much.

 

[rockaction]

If you love the movie and happen to be in upstate New York, swing by the town of Seneca Falls. Was there this summer.

The town was Capra’s inspiration for the film - among other things, the town has a bridge patterned after the one George was standing on, and a pretty cool museum.

Actually celebrating the 75th anniversary of the film this week.

I think Seneca Falls also shares the distinction of being the town that held a very famous suffragette and women's rights conference back in 1848. I know it through the song by the Distillers. 

Oh, back in 1848
In the crush of New York State
And the thing about destiny
Is that it never ever has to wait

 

[zamboni]

I think Seneca Falls also shares the distinction of being the town that held a very famous suffragette and women's rights conference back in 1848. I know it through the song by the Distillers. 

Oh, back in 1848
In the crush of New York State
And the thing about destiny
Is that it never ever has to wait

Correct - there is a women’s suffrage museum there as well. Was also very interesting.

 

[AAABatteries]

That's why George's dad died of a stroke and Uncle Billy was a simpleton who drank so much.

OMG - I’m Uncle Billy!

 

[wikkidpissah]

OMG - I’m Uncle Billy!

you can take that string off now...

 

[Charlie Steiner]

OMG - I’m Uncle Billy!

We are all Uncle Billy; some of us just don't know it yet.

 

[zamboni]

OMG - I’m Uncle Billy!

reaction

 

[Otis]

This thread also provides a helpful annual accounting of which posters here lack a soul. 

 

[BeTheMatch]

This thread also provides a helpful annual accounting of which posters here lack a soul. 

Otis is pretty much George Bailey. He disappeared for so long that it was like he was never born. But now I guess he's back and running up and down the board wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

The SWCer's "please come back thread" apparently served as the town collection plate being passed.

Good to have you back, buddy!

 

[leftcoastguy7]

An adult theme park based on Pottersville would be cool to visit. 

Be sure to stop by the Bert the Cop shooting gallery!

Fire live rounds at an electric POTTERSVILLE sign. Maybe you'll knock out a few letters!

 

[Moonlight]

Actually the best part is Gloria Grahame.  

Way too high maintenance.

But you're still OK with having her up on the hoist.

 

[[scooter]]

I was deterred by the notion of a Phil Collins cameo. 

Anybody know what I meant by this? I'm genuinely confused. I know Servo got a kick out of it just now. 

My first thought was that it was a reference to the South Park episode where the kids sled down a hill that looks like Phil Collins' face (see here).

But that episode aired three months AFTER your post. So, I have no idea what you meant.

 

[rockaction]

My first thought was that it was a reference to the South Park episode where the kids sled down a hill that looks like Phil Collins' face (see here).

But that episode aired three months AFTER your post. So, I have no idea what you meant.

He must have been on a channel. I think I was watching the movie while I was posting. It makes absolutely no sense. I don't think I was drinking then, either. 

Always odd to go back and look at my posts and realize why everyone was confused about what I was saying. Humbling. Lots of free association and experience-exclusive things that I posted about. 

 

[zamboni]

But you're still OK with having her up on the hoist.

Sure - she does like all the boys, so at least I stand a fighting chance.