He would also screen it for his own family every Christmas season, a seasonal tradition that continues with viewers everywhere.
It's a wonderful life cast movie#
But considering the tough road to success that this movie found over time, it warms to heart to know that Frank Capra came around and cherished his own (eventually) beloved film. While this flop didn't earn the most loving reception upon release, and eventually found its success almost by accident, he believes his finest hour was in this adored Christmas classic.Ĭertainly, in the years to follow, Wonderful Life would be beloved by many. But Capra later claimed that It's A Wonderful Life was ultimately his favorite film of his. Smith Goes to Washington, You Can't Take It With You, Mr. Certainly, Stewart's sweaty face as he stares down the water, trying to decide whether or not to end his life was actually pretty fitting - even as snow falls beside his sweat.įrank Capra Considered It’s A Wonderful Life To Be His Favorite Film Of His Own FilmographyĪn esteemed filmmaker behind some of the most celebrated movies of the 1930s and 1940s, Frank Capra certainly left a great legacy behind, notably as the director behind It Happened One Night, Mr. The reason is that the set was nearly 100 degrees and the actor was wearing a snug coat, which made it very hot. That was certainly the case for one pivotal scene, though it actually worked in its favor.ĭuring George Bailey's suicide attempt, you made notice beads of sweat dripping down Jimmy Stewart's worried face. In fact, at times, the set would be nearly 90 degrees, which is why you can sometimes see characters sweating amid the snow. Filmed during the summertime, production for this Christmas movie was actually super warm. While Bedford Falls is presented as a winter wonderland - of sorts - throughout It's A Wonderful Life's narrative, the truth is that the set for this Christmas favorite was a balmy affair. The Set Was Sometimes 90 Degrees, Which Is Why Jimmy Stewart Sweats During George Bailey’s Suicide Attempt
He grabbed me and hugged me, and he meant it. At the end, when it was all over, he was very lovable. My ear was beat up, and my face was red and I was in tears. Warner was so sad about it that he hugged the boy after filming was over. Therefore, his tears during that moment were sadly real. As Anderson admitted late in life in an interview, he was actually slapped, and it was so intense that his ear started to bleed. Anderson) wherein the child gets smacked, it was unfortunately not a fake incident. Warner) and a young George Bailey (Robert J. But when it comes to the scene in It's A Wonderful Life where Mr. Hopefully, nobody gets hurt and any danger is reserved solely for the characters portrayed in the film.
More often than not, when you see violence portrayed in a film, it's all make-believe. Anderson, Who Played Young George Bailey, Was Actually Slapped, Resulting In His Ear Bleeding The screenplay was retooled with these notes in mind, though the standards of what was considered taboo in this era were certainly different than what we consider inappropriate now. And yet, when the script came to pass back in the mid-1940s, it was considered a bit controversial as it was deemed too "racy."Īccording to a letter unearthed by The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, as it was reported by The Huffington Post, some of the language used in the original screenplay was considered inappropriate, including a few phrases that said the Lord's name in vain. While it's a mature film, it's one that teaches the foundations of an honest living, and it's a story that can resonate with audiences both young and old. While the movie deals with dark themes related to indecency, suicidal idealization, and financial instability, It's A Wonderful Life is a broadly accessible movie, one that has become a staple of holiday watches for a reason.
The Script Was Initially Considered Too ‘Racy’