It's a Wonderful Life film on t.v. this afternoon

[WinterBerry40]

I've never watched it . It's on most years so will record to my satellite box and give it ago sometime over the next few days .
Made in 1946 , and in b&w with James Stewart starring.
Is it worth watching ? Also whilst I've your attention what other classics usually on this time of year are worth considering ?
How about White Christmas if it's on ?
I have even watched Jason and the Argonauts a few times over the years . Yes I know that's not christmassy but in my defence it's usually on at this time of year.

If you have Prime, IAWL is available for streaming.

I like it but you have to be in the right mood. I also love The Bishop's Wife and Miracle on 34th Street. All schmaltzy but, as a PP suggested, ideal background for present wrapping or food preparation.

Its utter shite.

I hate it due to James Stuart's hammy acting.

Apparently IAWL wasn’t meant to be a Christmas film as such because of the subject matter but because it finishes at Christmas, has lots of snow and a happy outcome it developed into one.
Personally I love it and it’s a tradition to watch each year along with White Christmas. I love the music. As you haven’t seen them I’d give them a go then decide if they’re worth adding to your Christmas traditions or a one off.

So I was made to watch it last night because it's my new partners favorite Christmas film and I have to admit to falling asleep in certain parts although he didn't notice thank goodness 😅

I thought it was OK but overrated and these old films always make me interested to see how the women's roles are just as a support really to the much more important man.

Not sure I would be rushing to see it again.

I was going to say something about women's roles, or lack thereof.

Did Mary Hatch Bailey have any dreams which she had to sacrifice? Or was being a wife and mother enough for her? Did she ever want to travel the world? Did she have any regrets about what might have been? We don't know because, as you say, she and the other women are basically just props for George Bailey. Her inner life is of no importance. I know that's standard for the time, not particular to this film. But it still grates a bit.

Oh it’s on right now! Started at 1.45 on ITV1+1. No Prime, and I have to go out shortly. Sadface. I’ll have to record it on Xmas Day.

Oh gosh High Society is a fantastic film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Try it, you might enjoy it. It's one of the very few films that never seems to dull with age.

IAWL is very much told from the man's point of view but that isn't true of all "old" films.

There were more women in strong roles in the 1940s than there were for the next few decades - Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Barbara Stanwyck etc.
One of my favourites is His Girl Friday (1940) - Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell are both sparky and equally matched.

I LOVE High Society!

I must admit, I really don’t like It’s a Wonderful Life’.

Watched it once, never had the desire to see it again.

My husband’s favourite film but I find it so depressing. Have to leave the room when it comes on.

I went in with your expectations OP, but this is the only correct response.

Im binge watching westream.

Im currently watching the hit man.
Then on to the hitmans bodyguard, then rush hour 1-2&3.
And finish up with heated rivalry.
If i have time will squeeze in tomb raider 1 and red white and royal blue.

To me it's abit bland boring and cringe.
But some would say that about what I watch.

His Girl Friday is an excellent film.

I have my feet up, heated blanket on , snacks to hand and IAWL on. I am very happy to have checked the TV schedule earlier as I generally dont watch TV during the daytime.

Had to switch over from High society though but it doesnt matter since I have watched both several times.

Shame , I had to go out and missed it . There is always next year ( or probably before that ! )

iPlayer?!

I'm not letting you off the hook that easily 😁

I'm 38 and I love it's a wonderful life. My dad passed away last year and he really reminded me of James Stewart's character 💗 it's my favourite Christmas film followed closely by home alone!

I wonder if you’re at our local cinema on Christmas Eve?

I love IAWL, I watch it every Christmas Eve without fail and have done for about 25 years, through all the phases of my life. It’s a kaleidoscope, what it’s about changes depending on where you are in life.
I’d like to defend it on a few points;
Mary being a supporting character; well, she is. The film is about George’s hopes and dreams. You aren’t shown Harry or Sam or Violet’s or Mrs Bailey’s dreams. George is absolutely the central character, he’s in almost every scene. And I say this as a spinster who would absolutely love to work at the library!
George Bailey needing a slap; again, I agree with this, he’s a brat. Mr Potter wasn’t wrong when he called him a warped and frustrated young man. It’s the point though; he’s so preoccupied with what he’s lost at times, he struggles to see what he’s gained.

As a side note, I’m sure I read somewhere that Mary was an art/design major, hence the moon drawing and the sketch table in their house, but her dreams must have been lost on the cutting room floor 🫠.

I love ISWL and watch it every year, and cry every year.
“George Bailey I will love you ‘til the day I die”.

I saw it at the cinema last Christmas. I don't think I'd seen it before properly all the way through. I thought it was great.

I watched it for the third time this afternoon and still thought it was great. Was thinking how different to Trump’s vision of the U.S. I didn’t think it looked so bad for Mary if George hadn’t been born though - being a single woman and running a library seemed fairly ideal - even if you have to wear glasses and slightly more frumpy clothes!