It's a Wonderful Film

I am coming out of hibernation to contribute a post to Sally's annual 12 Days of Christmas Movies. This year I am going to be talking about Frank Capra's It's A Wonderful Life. This post isn't as detailed as I would like it to be, but I hope it reminds you to check out this film this holiday season. (For last year's contribution, here is my post on Christmas in Connecticut.)

I know a lot of people see this movie as sentimental schmuck, but on the other side of the spectrum are those who find the movie too dark (like the original 1946 audience).

Recently I've read a few posts that [humorously] expound the fact that the world would probably have been a lot better off if George Bailey had offed himself…or better yet, that he'd never been born in the first place. While I believe we all interpret films differently and each of us is entitled to our own opinions, I respectfully disagree. Sure, there are flaws with this film. I'm not saying that it is perfect and that I love every part of it, but I think the overall positive and powerful message overcomes any negative aspects.

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This is not something that I have talked about much on here (since it is, after all, a movie blog), but I know what it is like to be depressed, to feel like your life is worthless, that it would have been better if you had never been born. Having felt this way I can really relate to what George goes through.

I think the beauty of this film lies not in it's perfectly conceived plot or airtight characterizations. It lies in the enduring message that each of us has a place in this world, that no matter how difficult or trivial our lives seem, or how many mistakes we make, we still matter. We have a role that no one else can fill. That message has a lot to do with the hope of Christmas, too. For isn't it a tiny Savior that came over two millennia ago to save us from our shortcomings, and to raise us to new life?

By now you might be thinking, "Um, Audrey, aren't you taking this a little far?" Hey, never underestimate the power of film!

Have a very Merry Christmas and holiday season, everyone! May God bless you all!

Check out Flying Down to Hollywood for the full list of films featured!

Happy Independence Day!

Ava Gardner [source]

Claudette Colbert [source]

Susan Hayward and Virginia Dale, 1940. [source]

Debbie Reynolds, 1952. [source]

Anne Francis, 1955. [source]

Piper Laurie, 1950s. [source]

Vera-Ellen, 1950. [source]

Ann Miller, 1940s. [source]

Publicity still for the 1942 movie Yankee Doodle Dandy with Jeanne Cagney, James Cagney, Joan Leslie, Walter Huston, and Rosemary DeCamp. [source]

Joan Crawford. [source]

Gloria Shea, 1932. [source]

…and God Bless America!

Famous Fathers

In honor of Father’s Day, here are some images of classic Hollywood dads with their offspring.

Gary Cooper with daughter Maria Cooper Janis.

 
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Buster Keaton with sons Junior and Bob.

William Wyler and wife Judy Tallichet with daughters Catherine and Judy.

Dean Martin takes his brood for a ride.

Bing Crosby and his family do some cycling.

Andrew and Sheila McLaglen join their dad, Victor McLaglen, for a jog.

Director W.S. Van Dyke with his family.

Wallace Beery and his children.

Glenn Ford and son Peter.

Edward G. Robinson and his son Edward Jr.

David Niven and his children get some sun.

Ray Milland teaches his son Daniel David a few notes.

John Wayne and daughter Aissa on the set of The Alamo.

Conrad Nagel and daughter practice their fencing.

Dana Andrews plays with his kids on the beach.

Fred MacMurray with his twin daughters.

Jack Lemmon with son Chris.

Leslie Howard talks to his daughter.

Richard Burton with daughter Kate.

Frank Sinatra with daughter Nancy and son Frank Jr.

Kirk Douglas and son Eric.

Richard Widmark reads his daughter a story.

Van Johnson and daughter Schuyler

Pat O’Brien and daughter get ready to enjoy some cake.

Robert Young with daughter Carol Ann and wife Elizabeth.

William Holden and son.

Jack Benny shows off his cooking skills to daughter Joan.

Richard Arlen and Junior.

Vincente Minnelli with daughter Liza.

Charlton Heston and daughter Holly Ann.

John Mills with daughter Hayley.

Alan Ladd and son David.

Donald O’Connor and daughter.

Dennis Morgan shoots some pool with son Stanley.

Director Michael Powell shares some tricks-of-the-trade with son Columba.

Joel McCrea and son Jody on set.

Alfred Hitchcock talks with daughter Patricia.

 
Paul Newman with wife Joanne and daughter Nell.

~ HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!! ~