It's a Wonderful Life

[Chaplin]

While you are correct that it didn't go over too well based on box office reception, the main reason for that is actually that The Best Years of Our Lives opened a week earlier--and that film, of course, is the one that won Best Picture. Regardless of whether or not people vilified Capra for this film, he consistently said that this was his favorite of all his films. (I personally prefer Mr. Smith Goes to Washington)

We see that sort of thing over and over. In 1998, Babe: Pig in the City came out either the week before or the week after A Bug's Life, and it was just killed, even though it's a rather good movie. So it was labeled a "failure".

 

[AzStevenCal]

While you are correct that it didn't go over too well based on box office reception, the main reason for that is actually that The Best Years of Our Lives opened a week earlier--and that film, of course, is the one that won Best Picture. Regardless of whether or not people vilified Capra for this film, he consistently said that this was his favorite of all his films. (I personally prefer Mr. Smith Goes to Washington)

We see that sort of thing over and over. In 1998, Babe: Pig in the City came out either the week before or the week after A Bug's Life, and it was just killed, even though it's a rather good movie. So it was labeled a "failure".

Not a bad choice but I'm more of a "It Happened One Night" kind of guy even though I've never been a Gable fan. I don't know that he was ever vilified for Wonderful Life but it never enjoyed the popularity of many of his films. At least not until the late 70's I believe when it started gaining immense popularity every Christmas. I'm not sure about the 70's part but it did take a while to get the recognition it deserved despite some critical acclaim.

Steve

 

[Chaplin]

Not a bad choice but I'm more of a "It Happened One Night" kind of guy even though I've never been a Gable fan. I don't know that he was ever vilified for Wonderful Life but it never enjoyed the popularity of many of his films. At least not until the late 70's I believe when it started gaining immense popularity every Christmas. I'm not sure about the 70's part but it did take a while to get the recognition it deserved despite some critical acclaim.

Steve

It certainly took some time to be a tradition. Unlike The Wizard of Oz, for example. A Christmas Story wasn't a must-watch when it first came out, but now they show it over and over on Christmas Day on TBS.

 

[TheHopToad]

IMO, The Five Best Frank Capra Films:

1. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
2. It's A Wonderful Life
3. Arsenic and Old Lace
4. Meet John Doe
5. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town

 

[Chaplin]

No It Happened One Night? It's the first of his two Best Picture wins--later he won with You Can't Take It With You.

 

[NJCardFan]

It's a good movie with a good message. What I get a kick out of is that Alfalfa from The Little Rascals is in it. He's the guy who opens the gym floor. The chaperon I recognize as one of the guy who try to reform the Stooges as gentlemen in Hoi Polloi. The bouncer in the alternate timeline at Nick's was a regular on the Stooges as well.

 

[Jersey Girl]

It's a good movie with a good message. What I get a kick out of is that Alfalfa from The Little Rascals is in it. He's the guy who opens the gym floor. The chaperon I recognize as one of the guy who try to reform the Stooges as gentlemen in Hoi Polloi. The bouncer in the alternate timeline at Nick's was a regular on the Stooges as well.

Interesting. I can see the Alfalfa resemblance now that you mention it.

 

[Bada0Bing]

Interesting. I can see the Alfalfa resemblance now that you mention it.

Interesting indeed. Great, something new to watch for next xmas during our annual viewing.

wow...killed at 31

Shot to death by an acquaintance in Mission Hills, California, during an argument over $50 that Switzer felt the acquaintance owed him. The acquaintance pleaded self-defense, and the judge ruled the death "justifiable homicide." [Source: "The Hollywood Death Book," James Robert Parish, 1992.].

 

[Bert]

Seen it or no?

I watch it every Christmas Eve. It's on now, actually.

Say Brainless, don't you know where coconuts come from?

Bah humbug!

 

[Jersey Girl]

Bah humbug!

Don't try to fool me. You voted for "like it."

 

[Bert]

Don't try to fool me. You voted for "like it."

 

[Jersey Girl]

Watching this movie tonight. Need some inspiration. Bad day, other than the Larry signing.

BIM ... I am guessing you STILL have not watched it.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

Watching this movie tonight. Need some inspiration. Bad day, other than the Larry signing.

BIM ... I am guessing you STILL have not watched it.

Still have not watched it.

 

[Jersey Girl]

Clarence: Oh, we don't have money in heaven.

George Bailey: Well, it comes in pretty handy down here, bub.

One of the best lines ever.

 

[Bert]

Clarence: Oh, we don't have money in heaven.

George Bailey: Well, it comes in pretty handy down here, bub.

One of the best lines ever.

Yeah, Clerence was such a jerk. Pops to Bailey for putting his smug ass in his place!

 

[NJCardFan]

The only thing that bothered me about IAWL is when George is going around in the alternate timeline and he finds out that his brother died when he fell through the ice. The reason it bother's me? Because they were with George's friends. Harry was only brought along because of George. Had there been no George, Harry would have never fallen through the ice on that day.