It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, dear Father.

Joseph, Jesus, and Mary, help my friend, Mr. Bailey.

Help my son, George, tonight.

He never thinks about himself, God; that’s why he is in trouble.

George is a good guy. Give him a break, God.

I love him, dear Lord. Watch over him tonight.

Please, God. Something’s the matter with Daddy.

Please bring daddy back.

Hello, Joseph. Trouble?

Looks like we’ll have to send someone down. A lot of people asking for help for a man named George Bailey.

George Bailey. Yes. Tonight’s his crucial night. You’re right. We’ll have to send someone down immediately. Whose turn is it?

That’s why I came to see you, sir. It’s that clockmaker’s turn again.

Oh, Clarence hasn’t got his wings yet, has he?

We’ve patched him up right along because you know, sir, he’s got the IQ of a rabbit.

Yes, but he’s got the faith of a child. Simple. Joseph, send for Clarence.

You sent for me, sir?

Yes, Clarence. A man down on earth needs our health.

Splendid. Is he sick?

No worse. He’s discouraged. At exactly 10:45 P.M. Earth time. That man will be thinking, man will be thinking seriously of throwing away God’s greatest gift.

Oh, dear, dear. His life then I’ve only an hour to dress. What are they wearing now?

You’ll spend that hour getting acquainted with George Bailey.

Sir, if I should accomplish this mission, I mean, might I perhaps win my wings? I’ve been waiting for over 200 years now. Certain people are beginning to talk.

What’s that book you’ve got there?

Oh, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”.

Clarence, you do a good job with George Bailey and you’ll get your wings.

Oh, thank you sir. Thank you.

Poor, George. Sit down.

Sit down. What are we-

If you’re going to help a man, you want to know something about him, don’t you?

Well, naturally, of course. I-

Well, keep your eyes open. See the town?

Where? I don’t see a thing.

Oh, I forgot. You haven’t got your wings yet. Now look, I’ll help you out. Concentrate. Begin to see something?

Why, yes. This is amazing.

If you ever get your wings, you’ll see all by yourself.

Oh, wonderful.

Yippee! Okay, boys. Let’s go!

Hey, who’s that?

That’s your problem, George Bailey.

A boy?

That’s him when he was 12 back in 1919. Something happens here you’ll have to remember later on.

Come on Marty, let’s go, Marty. That a boy, Marty. Let’s go, Sammy. Oh, Sammy. And here comes the scare-baby. My kid, brother, Harry Bailey.

I’m not scared!

Come on, Harry! Come on, Harry!

Help, George, help! Help!

Hold on, Harry. I’m coming!

Help!

Hang on, Harry! Make a chain.

George saved his brother’s life that day, but he caught a bad cold, which infected his left ear. Cost him his hearing in that ear. It was weeks before he was able to go back to his after-school job at Old Man Gower’s Drugstore.

Mr. Potter.

Who’s that? A king?

That’s Henry F. Potter. The richest and meanest man in the county.

I wish I had a million dollars. Hot dog! It’s me. Mr. Gower, George Bailey.

You’re late.

Yes, sir.

Hello, George. Hello, Mary.

Hello, Violet.

Two cents worth of shoelaces?

She was here first.

I’m still thinking.

Shoelaces?

Please, Georgie. I like him.

You like every boy?

What’s wrong with that?

Here you are.

Help me down?

Help you down. Made up your mind yet.

I’ll take chocolate.

With coconuts?

I don’t like coconuts.

You don’t like coconuts? Say brainless. Don’t you know where coconuts come from? Look at here. From Tahiti. The Fiji Islands. The Coral Sea.

A new magazine. I never saw it before.

Of course you never. Only us explorers can get it. I’ve been nominated for membership in the National Geographic Society.

Is this the ear you can’t hear on? George Bailey, I’ll love you till the day I die.

I’m going out exploring some day you watch and I’m going to have a couple of harems and maybe three or four wives. Wait and see.

George. George!

Yes, sir?

You’re not paid to be a canary.

No, sir. Mr. Gower, do you want something? Anything?

No.

Anything I can do back here?

No.

I’ll get them, sir.

Take those capsules over to Mrs. Blaine. She’s waiting for them.

Yes, sir.

(08:00)
They have the diptheria there, haven’t they, sir?

Yeah.

Is it a charge, sir?

Yes, charge.

Mr. Gower, I think-

Oh, get going.

Yes, sir.

Shh, shh, shh. Avast there, Captain Cook. Where are you heading?

Got to pop, Uncle Billy.

Some other time, George.

It’s important.

There’s a squall in there. It’s shaping up into a storm.

Uncle Billy, telephone.

Who is it?

Bank Examiner.

Bank Examiner. I should have called him yesterday. Switch it inside.

I’m not crying, Mr. Potter.

You’re begging. That’s a whole lot worse.

Well, all I’m asking for is 30 days more.

Pop?

Just a minute, son. Just 30 short days. I’ll dig up that $5,000 somehow.

Shove me up. Shove me up.

Pop.

Just a minute.

Have you put any real pressure on these people of yours to pay those mortgages?

Times are bad, Mr. Potter. A lot of these people are out of work.

Then, foreclose.

I can’t do that. These families have children.

They’re not my children.

But there’s somebody’s children. Mr. Potter.

Are you running a business or a charity ward?

Well-

Not with my money?

Mr. Potter. What makes you such a hard-skulled character? You have no family, no children. You can’t begin to spend all the money you’ve got.

Oh, I suppose I should give it to miserable failures like you and that idiot brother of yours to spend for me.

He’s not a failure. You can’t say that about my father.

George, George.

You’re not. You’re the biggest man in town.

Run along, son.

Bigger than him. Bigger than everybody.

Run along.

Gives you an idea of the Baileys.

Don’t let him say that about you, pop.

All right, son. All right. Thanks. I’ll talk to you tonight.

Well, what’s the answer?

Mr. Potter, you just humiliated me in front of my son.

What? Why that medicine should have been there an hour ago. It’ll be over in five minutes, Mrs. Blaine. Where’s Mrs. Blaine’s box of capsules? Didn’t you hear what I said?

yes, sir.

What kind of tricks you playing away? Why didn’t you deliver them right away? Don’t you know that boy’s been sick?

You’re hurting my sore ear.

You lazy loafer.

Mr. Gower. You don’t know what you’re doing. You put something wrong in those capsules. I know you’re unhappy. You got the telegram and you’re upset. You put something bad in those capsules. It wasn’t your fault, Mr. Gower. Just look and see what you did. Look at the bottle you took the powder from. It’s poison, I tell you. It’s poison. I know you feel bad.

Oh.

Don’t hurt my sore ear again! Don’t hurt my sore ear again!

Oh, no, no, no. Oh, George. George.

Oh, Mr. Gower. I wouldn’t ever tell anyone. I know what you feeling. I won’t ever tell a soul. Hope to die, I won’t.

An overnight pack. Genuine English cowhide, combination lock. Fit it up with brushes, combs.

Nope. Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope. Now look, Joe, Now look. I want a big one.

What’d you stop it for?

I want you to take a good look at that face.

Who is it?

George Bailey.

Oh, you mean the kid that had his ears slapped back by the druggist?

That’s the kid.

Ah. It’s a good face. I like it. I like George Bailey. Tell me, did he ever tell anyone about the pills?

Not a soul.

Did he ever marry the girl? Did he ever go exploring?

Well, wait and see.

Big. See, I don’t want one for one night. I want some for 1,001 nights with plenty of room here for labels from Italy and Baghdad, Samarkand. Great big set. About-

I see. A flying carpet, huh?

Yeah.

I don’t suppose you’d like this old secondhand job, would you?

Now you’re talking. Gee whiz. I could use that as a raft in case the boat sunk. How much this cost?

No charge.

That’s my trick ear, Joe. Sounded like you said no charge.

That’s right.

What’s my name doing on it here?

Little present from old man Gower. Came down and picked it out himself.

He did? What do you know about that. My old boss. Isn’t that nice.

What boat are you sailing on?

Well, I’m working across on a cattle boat.

A cattle boat?

Okay. I like cows. Hello Mr. Gower. Oh, thanks ever so much for the bag. It’s exactly what I wanted.

Oh, forget it.

It’s wonderful of you to think of me.

Hope you enjoy it.

Uh-oh, uh-oh. I wish I had a million dollars. Hot dog!

Avast there, Captain Cook. You got your sea legs yet?

Parlez-vous Francais, mister. Hey, send you some of those picture postcards, will you George?

Hey, George, don’t take any plugged nickels.

Hey, George, your suitcase is leaking.

Hey Ernie! Hi, Ernie.

Hiya, George.

Hiya, George.

Hey. Hey, I’m a rich tourist today. How about driving me home in style?

Why, yes sir.

Hop in, your highness. Hop in. And for the carriage trade, I put on my hat.

Good afternoon, Mr. Bailey.

Hello, Violet. Hey, you look good. That’s some dress you got on there.

This old thing? Well, I only wear it when I don’t care how I look.

How would you like to take-

Yes.

Want to come along, Bert? We’ll show you the town.

No, thanks. I got to go home and see what the wife’s doing.

Family man.

George, Harry! You’re shaking the house down. Stop it.

Oh, let them alone. I wish I was up there with them.

But Harry’ll tear his dinner suit. George!

That’s why all children should be girls.

Well, if they weren’t all girls, there wouldn’t be any… Oh, never mind. George, Harry, come down to dinner this minute. Everything’s getting cold and you know how long we’ve been waiting for you.

Okay, ma!

Okay, ma!

We got a present for you! Here you are.

Oh, you two idiots. George, sit down and have dinner.

I’ve eaten.

Well, aren’t you going to finish dressing for your graduating party? Look at you.

I don’t care. It’s George’s tux. Annie, my sweet, have you got those pies?

You lay a hand on me I’ll hit you with this broom.

Annie, I’m in love with you. There’s a moon out tonight.

Ah!

Boy, boy, boy, my last meal in the old Bailey boarding house.

Oh, my land, my blood pressure.

Pop. Can I have the car? I’m going to take over a lot of plates and things.

What plates?

Well, mom, I’m chairman of the eats committee. We only need a couple of dozen.

Oh no you don’t, Harry. Now not my best Haviland.

Oh, let him have the plates, mother.

Hope you have a good trip. George. Uncle Billy and I are going to miss you.

Miss you too, Pop. What’s the matter? You look tired.

Oh, I had another tussle with Potter today. I thought when we put him on the board of directors, he’d ease up on us a little bit.

Oh, what’s eating that old money-grubbing buzzard anyway?

Oh, he’s a sick man. Frustrated. Sick in his mind. Sick in his soul if he has one. He hates everybody that has anything that he can’t have. He hates us mostly, I guess.

Yeah.

Gangway! Gangway! So long, pop.

So long.

Oh, you got a match?

Very funny. Very funny.

Put those things in the car and I’ll get your tie and studs ready for you. Now hurry up.

Okay, mom. You coming later?

Now, don’t drop one of those.

You coming later, George?

What do you mean, and be bored to death?

Wouldn’t want a better death. Lots of pretty girls. We’re going to use that new floor tonight too.

Oh, I hope it works.

No gin tonight, son.

Oh, pop. Just a little?

No, son. Not one drop.

Aw.

Boys and girls and music. Why do they need gin?

Did I act like that when I graduated from high school.

Pretty much. You know, George, I wish we could send Harry to college with you. Your mother and I talked it over half the night.

We have that all figured out. See Harry’ll take my job at the Building and Loan, work there for four years. Then he’ll go.

Pretty young for that job.

No younger than I was.

Well, you were born older, George.

How’s that?

I said you were born older. I suppose you’ve decided what you want to do when you get out of college.

Oh, well, you know what I’ve always talked about; build things, design new buildings, plan modern cities, all that stuff I’ve been talking about.

Still after that first million before your 30th, huh?

I’ll settle for half of that in cash.

Of course. It’s just a hope, but you wouldn’t consider coming back to the Building and Loan, would you?

Well… Well, Annie, why don’t you draw up a chair? Then you’d be more comfortable and you could hear everything that’s going on.

I would if I thought I’d hear anything worth listening to you.

You would, eh?

I know it’s soon to talk about it.

No, I’m not. Pop, I couldn’t. I couldn’t face being cooped up for the rest of my life in a shabby little office. I’m sorry, pop. I didn’t mean that. But it’s this business in nickels and dimes and spending all your life trying to figure out how to save three cents on a length of pipe I’d go crazy. I want to do something big, and something important.

You know, George, I feel that in a small way we are doing something important. It’s satisfying a fundamental urge. It’s deep in the race for man to want his own roof, and walls, and fireplace, and we are helping him get those things in our shabby little office.

I know, pop. I know that. I wish I felt it. I’ve been hoarding pennies like a miser here in order to… Most of my friends have already finished college. I just feel like if I didn’t get away, I’d bust.

Mm-hmm. Yes. Yes. You’re right, son.

You see what I mean don’t you, pop?

This town is no place for any man unless he’s willing to crawl to Potter. Now you’ve got talent, son. I’ve seen it. You get yourself an education and get out of here.

Pop, you want a shock? I think you’re a great guy. Well, did you hear that Annie?

I heard it. It’s about time one of you lunkheads said it.

I’m going to miss old Annie. Pop, I think I’ll get dressed to go over to Harry’s party.

Have a good time, son.

There you are.

George, hello.

You know my kid brother, George. I’m going to put him through college.

Hello, George.

Yee-haw!

Uh-oh. Sam Wainwright. How are you? When’d you get here?

Oh, this afternoon. I thought I’d give the kids a treat.

Old college graduate now.

Yeah. Old Joe College Wainwright they call me. Well, freshman looks like you’re going to make it after all, huh? Hey. Harry, you are the guy I want to see.

Hello, Sam.

The coach has heard all about you.

He has?

Yeah. He’s followed every game and his mouth’s watering. He wants me to find out if you’re going to come along with us.

Well, I got to make some dough first.

Well, you better make it fast. We need great ends like you. Not broken down old guys like this one, huh? Hee-haw!

George! Welcome back.

Hello, Mr. Partridge. How are you?

Putting a pool under this floor is a great idea. Saved us another building now. Now, Harry, Sam, have a lot of fun. There’s a lot of stuff to eat. Lot of pretty girls around.

Hello, Violet.

Hello. What am I bid?

George.

Marty! Well, it’s all home week.

Marty!

Sam, Harry. Do me a favor, will you, George?

What’s that? Well, you remember my kid sister, Mary?

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

“Momma wants you, Marty” Remember?

Dance with her, will you?

Oh me. Oh, I feel funny enough already with all these kids.

Oh, come on. Be a sport. Just dance with her one time and you’ll give her the thrill of her life. Hey, sis!

And don’t be long, Marty. I’m not being a wet nurse…

Next thing I knew, some guy came up and tripped me. That’s the reason why I came in forth. If it hadn’t have been for that, that race had been a cinch. I tried to find out who it was later, but I couldn’t find out. Nobody’d ever tell you whoever it was, because they’d be scared. They know what kind of a guy I am.

You remember George. This is Mary. Well, I’ll be seeing you.

Well, well, well.

Now to get back to my story, see. Hey, this is my dame!

Oh, why don’t you stop annoying people.

Well, I’m sorry. Hey.

Well, hello.

Hello. You look at me as if you didn’t know me.

Well, I don’t.

You pass me on the street almost every day.

Me?

Mm-hmm.

Ah, that was a little girl named Mary Hatch. That wasn’t you.

Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes. The big Charleston contest. The prize? A genuine loving cup. Those not tapped by the judges will remain on the floor. Let’s go.

I’m not very good at this.

Neither am I.

Okay, what can we lose? Hey, you’re wonderful!

What’s the matter fellow, jealous? Did you know there’s a swimming pool under this floor? And did you know that button behind you causes this floor to open up? And did you further know that George Bailey is dancing right over that crack. And I’ve got the key.

They’re cheering us. We must be good.

(22:37)
(singing).

(singing)

Oh, hot dog. Just like an organ.

Beautiful.

I told Harry I thought I’d be bored today. You should have seen the commotion in that locker room. I had to knock down three people to get this stuff we’re wearing here. Let me hold that old wet dress of yours.

Do I look as funny as you do?

I guess I’m not quite the football type. You look wonderful. You know, if it wasn’t me talking, I’d say you were the prettiest girl in town.

Well, why don’t you say it?

Well, I don’t know. Maybe I will say it. How old are you anyway?

18.

18? It was only last year you were 17.

Too young or too old?

Oh, no, no. Just right. Your age fits you. Yes, sir. You look a little older without your clothes on. I mean, without a dress you look older. I mean younger. You look… Uh-oh.

Uh-oh.

Hold on one minute. Wait here.

Sir, my train, please.

A pox upon me for a clumsy lout. Your caboose, me lady.

You make kiss my hand.

Hey. Hey, Mary.

(singing)

Okay, then I’ll throw a rock at the old Granville house.

Oh, no, don’t. I love that old house.

No, you see, you make a wish and then try and break some glass in. You got to be a pretty good shot nowadays, too.

Oh no, George, don’t. It’s full of romance, that old place. I’d like to live in it.

In that place?

Mm-hmm.

I wouldn’t live in it as a ghost. Now watch, right on the second floor there. See?

What’d you wish, George?

Well, not just one wish. A whole hatful. Mary, I know what I’m going to do tomorrow, and the next day, and next year, and a year after that. I’m shaking the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I’m going to see the world. Italy, Greece, the Parthenon, the Colosseum. Then I’m coming back here and go to college and see what they know, and then I’m going to build things. I’m going to build airfields. I’m going to build skyscrapers. A hundred stories high. I’m going to build bridges a mile long. What, are you going to throw a rock? Hey, that’s pretty good. What’d you wish, Mary?

(singing)

(Singing) What’d you wish when you threw that rock?

Oh, no. No.

Come on, tell me.

If I told you, it might not come true.

What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around and pull it down. Hey, that’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon, Mary.

I’ll take it. Then what?

Well, then you could swallow it and it’ll dissolve, see? And the moonbeams that shoot out of your fingers, and your toes, and the ends of your hair… Am I talking too much?

Yes. Why don’t you kiss her instead of talking her to death?

How’s that?

Why don’t you kiss her instead of talking her to death?

Want me to kiss her, huh?

Oh, youth is wasted on the wrong people.

Hey, hey. Hold on! Hey mister, come on back out here. I’ll show you some kissing that’ll put hair back on your head, What are you… Mary? Okay, I give up. Where are you?

Over here in the hydrangea bushes.

There you are. Catch. Wait a minute. What am I doing? This is a very interesting situation.

Please give me my robe.

Hm. Man doesn’t get in a situation like this every day.

I’d like to have my robe.

Not in Bedford Falls, anyway.

Ouch! Oh!

Gesundheit. This requires a little thought here.

Give me my robe.

I’ve read about things like this, but I never…

Shame on you! I’ve got to tell your mother on you.

Well, my mother’s way up the corner there.

I’ll call the police

They’re way downtown. They’d be on my side too.

Then I’m going to scream!

Maybe I could sell tickets. Let’s see. The point is, in order to get this robe… I’ve got it. I’ll make a deal with you Mary…

George! George! George, come on home quick. Your father’s had a stroke.

Mary, Mary, I’m sorry. I’ve got to go.

Come on, George. Let’s hurry.

You got a doctor?

Yeah.

Campbell’s there now.

I think that’s all we need you for, George. I know you’re anxious to make a train.

I have a taxi waiting downstairs.

I want the board to know that George gave up his trip to Europe to help straighten things out here these past few months. Good luck to you at school, George. Now we come to the real purpose of this meeting, to appoint a successor to our dear friend, Peter Bailey.

Mr. Chairman. I’d like to get to my real purpose.

Wait just a minute now.

Wait for what? I claim this institution is not necessary to this town. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I make a motion to dissolve this institution and turn its assets and liabilities over to the receiver.

Potter, you dirty [inaudible 00:30:25]. George, did you hear what that buzzard…

It’s too soon after Peter Bailey’s death to talk about chloroforming the Building and Loan.

Peter Bailey died three months ago. I second Mr. Potter’s motion.

Very well. In that case, I’ll ask the two executive officers to withdraw, but before you go, I’m sure the whole board wishes to express its deep sorrow at the passing of Peter Bailey.

Thank you very much.

It was his faith and devotion that are responsible for this organization.

I’ll go further than that. I’ll say that to the public. Peter Bailey was the Building and Loan.

Oh, that’s fine, Potter coming from you, considering that you probably drove him to his grave.

Peter Bailey was not a businessman. That’s what killed him. Oh, I don’t mean any disrespect to him. God rest his soul. He was a man of high ideals so called, but ideals without common sense can ruin this town. Now you take this loan here to Ernie Bishop, that fellow that sits around all day on his brains in his taxi. I happen to know the bank turned down this loan, but he comes here and we’re building him a house worth $5,000. Why?

Well, I handled that, Mr. Potter. You have all the papers there. His salary, insurance. I can personally vouch for his character.

Friend of yours?

Yes, sir.

You see, if you shoot pool with some employee here, you can come and borrow money. What does that get us? A discontented, lazy rabble instead of a thrifty working class and all because a few starry-eyed dreamers like Peter Bailey stir them up and fill their head with a lot of impossible ideas. Now I say-

Just a minute. Just a minute. Now, hold on, Mr. Potter. Just a minute. Now you were right when you say my father was no businessman. I know that. Why he ever started this cheap penny-ante Building and Loan I’ll never know, but neither you nor or anybody else can say anything against his character because his whole life was… Why in the 25 years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. Isn’t that right Uncle Billy? He didn’t save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me, but he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter. And what’s wrong with that?

(32:39)
Here, you’re all businessmen here. Doesn’t make them better citizens, doesn’t make them better customers. You said that… What’d you say just a minute ago? They had to wait and save their money before they even thought of a decent home? Wait! Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them until they’re so old and broken down that… Do you know how long it takes a working man to save $5,000? Just remember this,

… $5,000? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you’re talking about, they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn’t think so. People were human beings to him, but to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they’re cattle. Well, in my book, he died a much richer man than you’ll ever be.

I’m not interested in your book. I’m talking about the Building and Loan.

I know very well what you’re talking about. You’re talking about something you can’t get your fingers on, and that’s galling you. That’s what you’re talking about, I know. Well, I’ve said too much. You’re the board here, you do what you want with this thing. There’s just one thing more, though. This town needs this measly one-horse institution if only to have someplace where people can come without crawling to Potter. Come on.

Sentimental hogwash. I want my motion acted upon.

Boy, oh boy, that was telling him, George, old boy. You shut his big mouth. You should have heard him.

What happened? We heard a lot of yelling.

Well, we’re being voted out of business after 25 years. Easy come, easy go.

Here it is, help wanted, female.

You still want me to hang around, George?

Yeah. I’ll be right down.

Hey, you’ll miss your train. You’re a week late for school already, go on.

I wonder what’s going on in there.

Oh, never mind. Don’t worry about that. They’re putting us out of business. So what? I can get another job. I’m only 55.

56.

Go on. Hey, look, you gave up your boat trip now. Now, you don’t want to miss college, too, do you?

George, they voted Potter down. They want to keep it going.

Hooray.

You did it, George, you did it. They got one condition, only one condition.

What’s that?

And that’s the best part of it. They’ve appointed George here as executive secretary to take his father’s place.

Well, no, but Uncle Billy is-

You can keep him on, that’s all right. As secretary, you can hire anyone you like.

Dr. Campbell, now, let’s get this thing straight. I’m leaving. I’m leaving right now. I’m going to school. This is my last chance. Uncle Billy here, he’s your man.

But George, they’ll vote with Potter otherwise.

I know, I know, he didn’t go.

That’s right. Not only that, but he gave his school money to his brother Harry, and sent him to college. Harry became a football star, made second team All-American.

Yeah, but what happened to George?

George got four years older waiting for Harry to come back and take over the Building and Loan.

Now, there are plenty of jobs around for somebody who likes to travel. Look at this here. Venezuela oil fields. Wanted, man with construction experience. Here it’s a Yukon one right here. Wanted, man with engineering experience. There she blows. You know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are?

Uh-huh, breakfast is served, lunch is served, dinner-

Oh, no, no, no. Anchor chains, plane motors, and train whistles.

Peanut.

There’s the professor now. Old professor [inaudible 00:35:51]-

Old George, geographic explorer, Bailey.

All-American Bailey.

[inaudible 00:35:55] dogs, no sled. Uncle Billy, you haven’t changed a bit.

Nobody ever changes here, you know that.

Oh, boy, am I glad to see you.

Say, where’s mother?

She’s home cooking the fatted calf. Come on, let’s go.

Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait a minute. George, Uncle Billy, I want you to meet Ruth.

Hello.

How do you do?

Ruth Dakin.

Ruth Dakin-Bailey, if you don’t mind.

That’s right.

Huh?

Well, I wired you I had a surprise. Here she is. Meet the wife.

Well, what do you know, a wife?

How do you do? Congratulations.

How do you do?

What am I doing? Congratulations.

Goodness, Harry. You certainly can pick them.

They’re married, these two. Why don’t you tell somebody about it?

I can’t wait to see everybody’s eyes. Are you really married?

Why, yeah [inaudible 00:36:35]-

What’s a pretty girl like you don’t marrying this two-headed brother of mine?

Well, I’ll tell you, it’s purely mercenary. My father offered him a job.

Oh, he got you on the job. Well, Harry’s cop run is over.

George, about that job. Ruth spoke out of turn. I never said I’d take it. You’ve been holding the bag here for four years and well, I won’t let you down, George. I would like to… Wait a minute, I forgot the bags. I’ll be right back.

This is a surprise to me. This is the new Mrs. Bailey, my nephew’s wife [inaudible 00:37:03]. Friends of the Baileys. I want tell you that we are going to give the biggest party this town ever saw.

Would you like some popcorn. George, George, George, that’s all Harry ever talks about.

Ruth, what about this job?

Oh, well, my father owns a glass factory in Buffalo. He wants to get Harry started in the research business.

Well, is it a good job?

Oh, yes, very. Not much money, but a good future, you know? Harry’s a genius of research. My father just fell in love with him.

You did, too.

Hold, hold it, hold it [inaudible 00:37:48]. That’s it. Hey, Joe, Joe, bring the light in.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. I feel so good. I could spit in Potter’s eye. I think I will. What’d you say? Huh? Oh, maybe I better go home. Where’s my hat? Where’s my hat? Oh, thank you, George. Which is mine?

The middle one.

Oh, thank you George. Oh boy, oh boy, now look, if you’ll point me in the right direction. Would you do that George?

Pipe down.

Old Building and Loan, pal.

Now, you just turn this way on that right straight down there.

Oh, that way, huh? (singing). I’m all right, I’m all right, (singing).

Hello, ma.

That’s for nothing.

For nothing?

How do you like her?

Well, she’s swell, isn’t she?

It looks like she can keep Harry on his toes.

Keep him out of Bedford Falls anyway.

Did you know that Mary Hatch is back from school?

Mm-hmm.

Came back three days ago.

Mm-hmm.

Nice girl, Mary.

Mm-hmm.

The kind that’ll help you find the answers, George.

Mm-hmm.

Stop that grunting.

Mm-hmm.

Can you give me one good reason why you shouldn’t call on Mary?

Sure, Sam Wainwright.

[inaudible 00:40:08].

Yeah, Sam’s crazy about Mary.

Well, she’s not crazy about him.

Well, how do you know now? What, she discussed it with you?

No.

Well, then how do you know?

Well, I’ve got eyes, haven’t I? She lights up like a firefly whenever you’re around.

Oh.

Besides, Sam Wainwright’s away in New York and you’re here in Bedford Falls.

And all’s fair and love and war.

Well, I don’t know about war.

When in mind, I can see right through you, right to your back collar button. You’re trying to get rid of, huh?

Mm-hmm.

Well, here’s your hat. What’s your hurry? All right, mother, old Building and Loan, pal. I think I’ll go out and find a girl and do a little passionate necking.

OH, George.

Now, if you’ll just point me in the right direction. This direction. Good night, Mrs. Bailey.

Excuse me.

Oh, wait a minute.

I think I got a date, but stick around, fellas, just in case, huh?

We’ll wait for you, baby.

Hello, Georgie-Porgie

Violet?

Yeah. What gives?

Nothing.

Where are you going?

Oh, I’ll probably end up down at the library.

Georgie, don’t you ever get tired of just reading about things?

Yes. What are you doing tonight?

Not a thing.

Are you game, Vi? Let’s make a night of it.

Oh, I’d love it, Georgie. What do we do?

Let’s go out in the fields and take off our shoes and walk through the grass, then we can go up to the falls. It’s beautiful up there in the moonlight, and there’s a green pool up there and we can swim in it. Then, we can climb Mountain Bedford and smell the pines and watch the sunrise against the peaks, and we’ll stay up there the whole night and everybody will be talking. There’ll be a terrific scam. What about it?

Georgie, have you gone crazy? Walk in the grass in my bare feet? It’s 10 miles up to Mount Bedford.

Okay, just forget about the whole thing.

What are you doing? Picketing?

Hello, Mary. I just happened to be passing by.

Yes, so I noticed. Have you made up your mind?

How’s that?

Have you made up your mind

About what?

About coming in. Your mother just phoned and said you were on your way over to pay me a visit.

My mother just called you? Well, how’d she know?

Didn’t you tell her?

I didn’t tell anybody. I just went for a walk. I happened to be passing by. I went for a walk, that’s all.

I’ll be downstairs, mother.

All right, dear.

Well, are you coming in or aren’t you?

Well, I’ll come in for a minute. I didn’t tell anybody I was coming over here, you know. When did you get back?

Tuesday.

Where’d you get that dress?

Do you like it?

It’s all right. I thought you would go back to New York like Sam and Angie and the rest of them.

Oh, I worked there a couple of vacations, but I don’t know, I guess I was homesick.

Homesick? For Bedford Falls?

Yes, my family, and everything. Would you like to sit down?

All right, for a minute. I still can’t understand it, though. I didn’t tell I was coming here.

Would you rather leave?

No, I don’t want to be rude.

Well, then sit down.

What’s that? Some joke, huh? Well, see, it still smells like pine needles around here.

Thank you. (singing).

What’s the matter? Oh, yeah.

Nice about your brother Harry and Ruth, isn’t it?

Oh, yeah. That’s all right.

Don’t you like her?

Well, of course I like her. She’s a peach.

Oh, just marriage in general you’re not enthusiastic about, right?

No, marriage is all right for Harry, and Marty, and Sam, and you.

Mary, Mary, who’s down there with you?

It’s George Bailey, mother.

George Bailey? What’s he want?

I don’t know. What do you want?

Me? Not a thing. I just came in to get warm.

He’s making violent love to me, mother.

You tell him to go right back home and don’t you leave the house either. Sam Wainwright promised to call you from New York tonight.

What’s your mother mean? I didn’t come here to-

What did you come here for then?

I don’t know, you tell me. You’re supposed to be the one that has all the answers, you tell me.

Why don’t you go home?

That’s where I’m going. I don’t know why I came here in the first place, goodnight.

Goodnight.

Mary, Mary. The telephone, it’s Sam.

I’ll get it.

Whatever were you doing? [inaudible 00:46:43]. Mary, he’s waiting.

Hello?

I forgot my hat.

Hee-haw, hello, Sam. How are you?

Oh, I’m great. Gee, it’s good to hear your voice again.

Oh, well, that’s awfully sweet of you, Sam. There’s an old friend of yours here, George Bailey.

You mean old Mossbag George?

Yes, old Mossbag George.

Hee-haw, put him on.

Well, just a minute. I’ll call him. George.

He doesn’t want to speak to George, you idiot.

He does so. He asked for him. George, Sam wants to speak to you.

Hi, Sam.

Well, George Baileyovsky. Hey, a fine pal you are. What are you trying to do, steal my girl?

What do you mean? Nobody’s trying to steal anybody’s girl. Here’s Mary.

Now, wait a minute, wait a minute. I want to talk to both of you.

Here, you-

Tell Mary to get on the extension.

Mother’s on the extension.

I am not.

We can both hear, come here. We’re listening, Sam.

Well, look, I have a big deal coming up that’s going to make us all rich. George, do you remember that night in Martini’s Bar when you told me you’d read some place about making plastics out of soybeans?

Chili beans.

Shut up, will you? You remember, out of soybeans?

Yeah, soybeans.

Well, listen, dad snapped up the idea and he’s going to build a factory outside of Rochester. How do you like that?

Rochester? Well, why Rochester?

Well, why not? Can you think of anything better?

Well, I don’t know. Why not right here? You remember that old tool and machinery works? Well, you tell your father you can get that for a song and all the labor he wants, too. Half the time was thrown out of work when they closed down.

Is that so? Well, I’ll tell him. Hey, that sounds great. Oh baby, I knew you’d come through. Now, here’s the point. Mary, you’re in on this, too. Now, listen, have you got any money?

Money? Yeah, well, a little.

Well, now listen, I want you to put every cent you’ve got into our stock, do you hear? And George, I may have a job for you. That is, unless you’re still married to that broken-down Building and Loan. Well, this is the biggest thing since radio and I’m letting you in on the ground floor. Oh, Mary, Mary?

I’m here.

Will you tell that guy I’m giving him the chance of a lifetime? Do you hear me? The chance of a lifetime.

He says it’s the chance of a lifetime.

Now, you listen to me. I don’t want any plastics, I don’t want any ground floors, and I don’t want to get married ever to anyone. You understand that? I want to do what I want to do. And you’re… Mary, Mary.

George, George, George.

Mary.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

Here they come.

First Harry, now George. Annie, we’re just too old maids now.

You speak for yourself, Miss B.

If either you two see a stranger around here, it’s me.

Hey, look, there’s somebody driving this cab.

Bert the cop sent this over. He said to float away to Happyland on the bubbles.

Oh, look at this. Old Bert, champagne, huh?

By the way, where are you two going on this here now honeymoon?

Where are we going? Look at this. There’s the kitty, Ernie. Here, count it, Mary.

Oh, I feel like a bootlegger’s wife, look.

You know what we’re going to do? We’re going to shoot the works, a whole week in New York, a whole week in Bermuda, the highest hotels, the oldest champagne, the richest caviar, the hottest music, and the prettiest wife.

That does it. Then what?

Then what, honey.

After that, who cares?

Come here, come here, come here.

Don’t look now, but there’s something funny going on over there at the bank, George. I’ve never really seen one, but that’s got all the earmarks of being a run.

Hey, Ernie, if you got any money in the bank, you better hurry.

George, let’s not stop. Let’s go.

Just a minute, dear. Uh-oh.

Please, let’s not stop, George.

I’ll be back a minute, Mary. Well, hello, everybody. Ms. Thompson, how are you? What’s the matter here? Can’t you get in? What is this, Uncle Billy, a holiday?

George.

Come on in, everybody. That’s right. Let’s come on in. Look out, Jimmy. Now, look, why don’t you all sit down? Here, there are a lot of seats over there. Make yourselves at home.

George, can I see you a minute?

Why didn’t you call me?

I just did, but they said you left. This is a pickle, George. This is a pickle.

All right, now what happened? How did it start?

How does a thing like this ever start? All I know is the bank called our loan.

When?

About an hour ago. I handed over all our cash.

All of it?

Every cent of it and it still was less than we owed.

Holy mackerel.

And then I got scared George and closed the doors.

The whole town’s gone crazy.

Hello? George, it’s Potter.

Hello?

George, there is a rumor around town that you’ve closed your doors. Is that true? Oh, well, I’m very glad to hear that. George, are you all right? Do you need any police?

Police? What for?

Well, mobs get pretty ugly sometimes, you know. George, I am going all out to help in this crisis. I have just guaranteed the bank sufficient funds to meet their needs. They will close up for a week and then reopen.

He just took over the bank.

I may lose a fortune, but I am willing to guarantee your people, too. Just tell them to bring their shares over here and I will pay 50 cents on the dollar.

Oh, you never miss a trick do you, Potter? Well, you’re going to miss this one.

If you close your doors before 6:00 PM, you will never reopen.

George, was it a nice wedding? Gosh, I wanted to be there.

Yeah, you can take this one off now. Now, just remember that this thing isn’t as black as it appears. I have some news for you, folks. I was just talking to old man Potter and he’s guaranteed cash payments for the bank. The bank’s going to reopen next week.

But George, I got my money here.

Did he guarantee this place?

Well, no, Charlie, I didn’t even ask him. We don’t need Potter over here.

I’ll take mine now.

No, but you’re thinking of this place all wrong as if I had the money back in a safe. The money’s not here. Well, your money’s in Joe’s house. That’s right next to yours, and in the Kennedy house and Mrs. Maclin’s house, and 100 others. You’re lending them the money to build and then they’re going to pay it back to you as best they can. Now, what are you going to do, foreclose on them?

I got $242 in here and $242 isn’t going to break anybody.

Okay, Tom. All right, here you are. You sign this, you get your money in 60 days.

In 60 days?

Well, now, that’s what you agreed to when you bought your shares.

Tom, did you get your money?

No.

Well, I did. Old man Potter will pay 50 cents on the dollar for every share you’ve got.

50 cents on the dollar?

Yes, cash.

Well, what do you say?

No, Tom, you have to stick to your original agreement. Now, give us 60 days on this thing.

Okay, Randall.

Are you going to Potter’s?

Better to get half than nothing.

Tom, Tom, Now, Randall, wait, wait. Now, listen to me. I beg of you not to do this thing. If Potter gets ahold of this Building and Loan, there’ll never be another decent house built in this town. He’s already got charge of the bank, he’s got the bus line, he got the department stores, and now he’s after us. Why? Well, it’s very simple, because we’re cutting in on his business, that’s why, and because he wants to keep you living in his slums and paying the kind of rent he decides.

(57:05)
Joe, you had one of those Potter houses, didn’t you? Well, have you forgotten what he charged you for that broken-down shack? Here, Ed, you know, you remember last year when things weren’t going so well and you couldn’t make your payments? Well, you didn’t lose your house, did you? Do you think Potter would’ve let you keep it? Can’t you understand what’s happening here? Don’t you see what’s happening? Potter isn’t selling, Potter’s buying. And why? Because we’re panicking and he’s not, that’s why. He’s picking up some bargain. Now, we can get through this thing all right. We’ve got to stick together though. We’ve got to have faith in each other.

But my husband hasn’t worked in over a year and I need money.

How am I going to live until the bank opens?

I got doctor bills to pay.

I need cash.

I can’t feed my kids on faith.

How much do you need?

Hey, I got $2,000. Here’s $2,000. This will tide us over till the bank reopens. All right, Tom, how much do you need?

$242.

No, Tom, just enough to tide you over till the bank reopens.

I’ll take $242.

There you are.

That’ll close my account.

Your account’s still here, that’s a loan. All right, Ed.

Well, I got $300 here, George.

All right, know, Ed, what’ll it take until the bank opens? What do you need?

Well, I suppose $20.

$20, now you’re talking. Thanks, Ed. That’s fine. All right, now Mrs. Thompson, how much do you want?

But it’s your own money, George.

Don’t mind about that. How much do you want now?

I can get along with 20, all right.

$20, fine.

And I’ll sign the paper.

You don’t have to sign anything. I know, you pay when you can. That’s okay. All right, Ms. Davis.

Could I have 17.50?

Bless, your heart. Of course you can have… Have you got 50 cents? There we are. Seven-

We’re going to make it, George.

Six-

They’ll never close this up today.

Five, four three, two, one, bingo. We made it. Close the door, Hugh, since we made it. Look, we’re still in business. We still got two bucks left. Well, look, let’s have some of that. Let’s celebrate, get some glasses, Tilly. Well, a couple of financial wizards, huh, Uncle Billy?

Those Rockefellers.

Get a tray for these two great, big important simoleons here.

We’ll save them for seed.

A toast, a toast, a toast to mama dollar and to papa dollar, and if you want to keep this old Building and Loan in business, you better have a family real quick.

I wish they were rabbits.

I wish there were, too. Okay, let’s put them in the safe and see what happens.

Folks, folks, wedding cigars.

Uh- oh, wedding. Holy mackerel, I’m married. Where’s Mary? Mary? Oh, poor Mary. Look, I got a train to catch. The train’s gone. Well, I wonder if Ernie’s still here with his taxi cab.

George, I got a call for you.

Look, will you get my wife on the phone? She’s probably over at her mother’s.

Mrs. Bailey is on the phone.

I don’t want Mrs. Bailey. I want my wife. Mrs. Bailey, oh, that’s my wife. Here, I’ll take it in here. Mary, hello. Listen, dear. I’m sorry. Huh? Come home? What home? 320 Sycamore? Well, whose home’s that? The Waldorf Hotel, huh?

Hey, this is the company’s posters and the company won’t like this.

How would you like to get a ticket next week? You got any romance in you?

Sure, I have it, but I get rid of it.

Liver pills. Who wants to see liver pills on their honeymoon? What we want us romantic places, beautiful places, places George wants to go.

Hey, Bert, here he comes.

Come on, we got to get this up. He’s coming.

Who?

The groom, idiot. This is their honeymoon. Come on, get that ladder.

What are they, ducks?

Get that ladder.

All right, all right.

Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up.

I’m hurrying.

Good evening, sir. [foreign language 01:01:09].

Welcome home, Mr. Bailey.

Well, I’ll be… Mary, where did you…

(Singing).

Oh, Mary.

Remember the night we broke the windows in this old house? This is what I wished for.

You’re wonderful. You’re wonderful.

(Singing).

Martini.

[foreign language 01:03:51]?

You rented a new house.

Rent? You hear what he said, Mr. Bailey?

What’s that?

I own the house. Me, Giuseppe Martini, I own my own house. No more we live like pigs in this Potter’s Field. Maria, Maria.

Mary, come on, take the baby. I’ll take the kids in the car.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Bailey.

All right, kids. Get in here. One at a time, get right up on the seat there.

Sit down [inaudible 01:04:58].

Get the dog [inaudible 01:04:58]. An old goat. Hold it. [inaudible 01:04:58] fine.

Bye-bye, bye-bye.

All in? Mr. And Mrs. Martini, welcome home.

Good old George. He’s always making a speech. Hee-haw.

Sam Wainwright.

Oh, who cares? Bread, that this house may never know hunger, salt, that life may always have flavor.

And wine, that joy and prosperity may reign forever. Enter the Martini Castle.

Look, Mr. Potter, it’s no skin off my nose. I’m just your little rent collector, but you can’t laugh off this Bailey Park anymore. Look at it.

Congressman Blatt is here to see you, sir.

Oh, tell the congressman to wait. Go on.

15 years ago, a half a dozen houses stuck here and there. There’s the old cemeteries, squirrels, buttercups. I used to hunt rabbits there myself. Look at it today. Dozens of the prettiest little homes you ever saw. 90% owned by suckers who used to pay rent to you, your Potter’s Field, my dear Mr. Employer is becoming just that, and are the local yokels making

… making with those David and Goliath wisecracks!

Oh, they are, are they? Even though they know the Baileys haven’t made a dime out of it.

You know very well why. The Baileys were all chumps. Every one of these homes is worth twice what it cost the Building and Loan to build. If I were you, Mr. Potter-

Well, you are not me.

As I say, it’s no skin off my nose. But one of these days this bright young man is going to be asking George Bailey for a job.

The Bailey family has been a boil on my neck long enough.

Yes, sir.

Come in here.

We just stopped in town to take a look at the new factory, and then we’re going to drive on down to Florida.

Oh-

Why don’t you have your friends join us?

Why, sure. Hey, why don’t you kids drive down with us, huh?

Oh, I’m afraid I couldn’t get away, Sam.

Still got the nose to the old grindstone, eh? Jane, I offered to let George in on the ground floor in plastics, and he turned me down cold.

Oh, now, don’t rub it in.

I’m not rubbing it in. Well, I guess we better run along.

Awfully happy to have met you, Mary.

Nice meeting you too.

Goodbye. Jane, glad to see you.

Goodbye, George.

So long, George. See you in the funny papers. So long, Mary.

Goodbye, Sam.

Bye, Sam. Have fun.

Thanks for dropping around.

To Florida! Hee-haw!

Hee-haw. Thank you, sir. Quite a cigar, Mr. Potter.

You like it? I’ll send you a box

Well, I suppose I’ll find out sooner or later, but just what exactly did you want to see me about?

George, now that’s just what I like so much about you. George, I’m an old man, and most people hate me. But I don’t like them either, so that makes it all even. You know just as well as I do, that I run practically everything in this town, but the Bailey Building and Loan. You know, also, that for a number of years I’ve been trying to get control of it… or kill it. But I haven’t been able to do it. You have been stopping me. In fact, you have beaten me, George, and as anyone in this county can tell you, that takes some doing. Now, take during the depression, for instance. You and I were the only ones that kept our heads. You saved the Building and Loan, and I saved all the rest.

Yes. Well, most people say you stole all the rest.

The envious ones say that, George. The suckers. Now, I have stated my side very frankly. Now, let’s look at your side. Young man, 27, 28, married, making, say 40 a week.

45!

45. 45. Out of which, after supporting your mother, and paying your bills, you’re able to keep, say, 10, if you skimp. A child or two comes along, and you won’t even be able to save the 10. Now, if this young man of twenty-eight was a common, ordinary yokel, I’d say he was doing fine. But George Bailey is not a common, ordinary yokel. He’s an intelligent, smart, ambitious young man, who hates his job, who hates the Building and Loan almost as much as I do.

(01:09:49)
A young man who’s been dying to get out on his own ever since he was born. The smartest one of the crowd, mind you, a young man who has to sit by and watch his friends go places, because he’s trapped. Yes, sir, trapped into frittering his life away playing nursemaid to a lot of garlic-eaters. Do I paint a correct picture, or do I exaggerate?

Now what’s your point, Mr. Potter?

My point? My point is, I want to hire you.

Hire me?

I want you to manage my affairs, run my properties. George, I’ll start you out at $20, 000 a year.

$20,000 year?

You wouldn’t mind living in the nicest house in town, buying your wife a lot of fine clothes, a couple of business trips to New York a year, maybe once in a while Europe. You wouldn’t mind that, would you, George?

Would I? You’re not talking to somebody else around here, are you? You know, this is me, you remember me? George Bailey.

Oh, yes, George Bailey. Whose ship has just come in, providing he has brains enough to climb aboard.

Holly mackerel. Well, what about the Building and Loan?

Oh, confound it, man, are you afraid of success? I’m offering you a three-year contract at $20,000 a year, starting today. Is it a deal or isn’t it?

Well, Mr. Potter, I know I ought to jump at the chance, but I wonder if it would be possible for you to give me 24 hours to think it over?

Sure, sure, sure. You go on home and talk about it to your wife.

I’d like to do that.

In the meantime, I’ll draw up the papers.

All right, sir.

Okay, George?

Okay, Mr. Potter.

(01:11:58)
No. No, no, now wait a minute, here. I don’t need 24 hours. I don’t have to talk to anybody! I know right now, and the answer is no! No! Doggone it! You sit around here and you spin your little webs and you think the whole world revolves around you and your money. Well, it doesn’t, Mr. Potter! In the whole vast configuration of things, I’d say you were nothing but a scurvy little spider. You… And that goes for you too! And it goes for you too!

You wouldn’t mind living in the nicest house in town. Buying your wife a lot of fine clothes, going to New York on a business trip a couple of times a year. Maybe to Europe once in a while.

I know what I’m going to do tomorrow and the next day and next year and the year after that. I’m shaking the dust of this crummy little town off my feet, and I’m going to see the world. And I’m going to build things. I’m going to build air fields. I’m going to build skyscrapers a hundred stories high. I’m going to build a bridge a mile long. What is it you want, Mary? You want the moon? If you do, just say the word; I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down for you.

( singing) Buffalo Gals, won’t you come out tonight, won’t you come out tonight, won’t you come out tonight. Buffalo Gal, won’t you come out tonight…

Hi.

Hi.

Mary Hatch, why in the world did you ever marry a guy like me?

To keep from being an old maid.

You could have married Sam Wainwright or anybody else in town.

I didn’t want to marry anybody else in town. I want my baby to look like you.

You didn’t even have a honeymoon. I promised you… Your what?

My baby.

You mean… Mary, you on the nest?

George Bailey lassos stork.

Lassos the stork! You mean you… What is it, a boy or a girl?

Now, you’ve probably already guessed that George never leaves Bedford Falls.

No!

Mary had her baby, a boy. Then she had another one. A girl. Day after day, she worked away remaking the old Granville house into a home. Night after night, George came back late from the office. Potter was bearing down hard.

(01:15:16)
Then came a war. Ma Bailey and Mrs. Hatch joined the Red Cross and sewed. Mary had two more babies but still found time to run the USO. Sam Wainwright made a fortune in plastic hoods for planes. Potter became head of the draft board.

One-A. One-A. One-A.

Gower and Uncle Billy sold war bonds, Bert the cop was wounded in North Africa. Got the Silver Star. Ernie, the taxi driver, parachuted into France. Marty helped capture the Remagen Bridge. Harry… Harry Bailey topped them all. A Navy flier, he shot down fifteen planes, two of them as they were about to crash into a transport full of soldiers.

Yes, but George.

George? Four-F on account of his ear, George fought the battle of Bedford Falls.

Right now, hold on, hold on, hold on now. Don’t you know there’s a war on?

Air raid warden. Paper drives, scrap drives, rubber drives. Like everybody else, on VE Day, he wept and prayed. On VJ Day he wept and prayed again.

Joseph, now show him what happened today.

Yes, sir. This morning, day before Christmas, about 10:00 AM, Bedford Falls time.

Hi, Ernie, look at that.

Going to snow again.

What do you mean, it’s gonna snow? Look at the headlines. The President Decorates Harry Bailey.

I know, I know, George. It is marvelous. Commander Harry Bailey.

Hey, look, Mr. Gower. Look at this. The second page. Now look, this is for you. This is for you, that’s for you.

Right. Right. See you again.

Hey. Be sure you spell the name right.

[inaudible 01:17:25] how are you?

(01:17:17)
(singing).

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

George! George! It’s Harry now on long distance from Washington!

Harry! What do you know about that?

Hey, he reversed the charges. It’s okay, isn’t it?

Reverse the charges? Of course, it is. Of a hero? Harry! Oh, you old seven kinds of a son of a gun. Congratulations! How’s Mother standing it? She did? What do you know… Mother had lunch with the President’s wife!

Wait till Martha hears about this.

What did they have to eat?

What did they have to eat? Harry, you should see what they’re cooking up in the town for you. Oh, they are? The Navy’s going to fly Mother home this afternoon.

In a plane?

What? Uncle Billy? Has Uncle Billy come in yet?

No, he stopped at the bank first.

He’s not here right now, Harry.

George. George. George-

Gut look, now tell me about it.

George.

What?

That man’s here again.

What man?

Bank examiner.

Oh. Harry, talk to Eustace a minute, will you? I’ll be right back. Well…

Harry.

Good morning, sir.

Carter. Bank examiner.

Mr. Carter, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

We’re all excited around here. My brother just got the Congressional Medal of Honor. The President just decorated him.

Well, I guess they do those things. Well, I trust you had a good year.

Good year? Well, between you and me, Mr. Carter, we’re broke.

Yeah, very funny.

Well, come right in here, Mr. Carter.

Although I shouldn’t wonder when you okay reverse charges on personal long distance calls.

George, shall we hang up?

No, no. He wants to talk to Uncle Billy. You just hold on.

Now, if you’ll cooperate, I’d like to finish with you by tonight. I want to spend Christmas in Elmira with my family.

I don’t blame you at all, Mr. Carter, Just step right in here. We’ll fix you up.

December 24th. 8,000.

Merry Christmas Mr. Potter. Merry Christmas.

Well, good morning, Mr. Potter. What’s the news? Well, well, well, Harry Bailey wins Congressional Medal. That couldn’t be one of the Bailey boys? You just can’t keep those Baileys down, now, can you, Mr. Potter?

How does slacker George feel about that?

Very jealous, very jealous. He only lost three buttons off his vest. Of course, Slacker George would have gotten two of those medals if he had gone.

Bad ear.

Yes. After all, Potter, some people like George had to stay home. Not every heel was in Germany and Japan!

Ah, good morning Mr. Bailey.

Good morning, Horace.

I guess you forgot something.

Huh?

You forgot something.

What?

Well, aren’t you going to make a deposit?

Sure, sure I am.

Well, then… it’s usually customary to bring the money with you.

Oh, shucks. I know I had…

How about that one there?

Hmm? Well, I…

Bailey!

(01:20:27)
Take me back there. Hurry up. Come on, look sharp.

(01:20:27)
Take me back.

Just make yourself at home, Mr. Carter. I’ll get those books for you.

(01:21:16)
Oh, hello, Vi.

George, can I see you for a second?

Why, of course you can. Come on in the office here. Uncle Billy, talk to Harry. He’s on the telephone.

Hurry up, Uncle Billy, hurry. Long distance, Washington.

Hey, here’s Harry on the phone.

You know, your nephew? Remember? Harry.

Here he is.

Hurry up.

Hello? Yes, Harry. Yes… everything… everything’s fine. I should have my head examined. $8,000. It’s got to be somewhere.

Here you are.

Character? If I had any character, I’d-

It takes a lot of character to leave your home town and start all over again.

No, George, don’t.

Here. No, here. You’re broke, aren’t you?

I know, but…

What do you want to do, hock your furs, and that hat? Want to walk to New York? You know, they charge for meals and rent up there just the same as they do in Bedford Falls.

Yeah. Sure.

It’s a loan. That’s my business. Building and Loan. Besides, you’ll get a job. Good luck to you.

I’m glad I know you, George Bailey.

Say hello to New York for me.

Yeah. Yeah, sure I will.

Now, let’s hear from you. What’s the matter? Merry Christmas, Vi.

Merry Christmas, George.

Mr. Bailey.

Oh, Mr. Carter, I’m sorry. I’ll be right with you. Uncle Billy in?

Yeah, he’s in his office.

Unc… What’s going on? The bank examiner’s here, and I…

He’s here?

Yeah, yeah. He wants the accounts payable… What’s the matter with you? Eustace.

Yeah?

Come here a minute. Did you see Uncle Billy with any cash last night?

He had it on his desk counting it before he closed up.

Now look, did you buy anything?

Nothing. Not even a stick of gum.

All right. All right. Now we’ll go over every step you took since you left the house.

This way.

And did you put the envelope in your pocket?

Yeah, no, no. Maybe… maybe.

Maybe? Maybe! I don’t want any maybe. Uncle Billy, we’ve got to find that money!

I’m no good to you, George. I-

Listen to me. Do you have any secret hiding place here in the house? Someplace you could have put it? Someplace to hide the money?

I’ve been over the whole house, even in rooms that have been locked ever since I lost Laura.

Listen to me! Listen to me! Think! Think!

I can’t think any more, George. I can’t think any more. It hurts.

Where’s that money, you stupid, silly old fool? Where’s the money? Do you realize what this means? It means bankruptcy and scandal, and prison! That’s what it means! One of us is going to jail! Well, it’s not going to be me!

Hello, darling.

Hello, Daddy.

How do you like it?

Bless you!

Bless you. Did you bring the wreath?

Did you bring the Christmas wreath?

What? What wreath?

The Merry Christmas wreath for the window.

No. I left it at the office.

Is it snowing?

Yeah, just started.

Where’s your coat and hat?

(01:25:15)
What’s the matter?

Nothing’s the matter. Everything’s all right.

Go on, Pete, you’re a big boy. You can put the star up. Way up at the top. That’s it. Fill in that little bare spot right there. That’s it. Isn’t it wonderful about Harry? We’re famous, George. I’ll bet I had 50 calls today about the parade, the banquet. Your mother’s so excited, she…

Must you keep playing that?

I have to practice for the party tonight, Daddy.

Mommy says we can stay up till midnight and sing Christmas carols.

Can you sing, Daddy?

Better hurry and shave. The families will be here soon.

Families! I don’t want the families over here!

Come on out in the kitchen with me while I finish dinner.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

Have a hectic day?

Oh, yeah, another big red letter day for the Baileys.

Daddy, the Browns next door have a new car. You should see it.

Well, what’s the matter with our car? Isn’t it good enough for you?

Yes, Daddy. Excuse me.

Excuse you for what?

I burped!

All right, darling, you’re excused. Now go upstairs and see what little Zuzu wants.

Zuzu! What’s the matter with Zuzu?

Oh, she’s got a cold. She’s in bed. Caught it coming home from school. They gave her a flower for a prize and she didn’t want to crush it so she didn’t button up her coat.

What is it, a sore throat or what?

Just a cold. The doctor says it’s nothing serious.

The doctor? Was the doctor here?

Yes, I called him right away. He says it’s nothing to worry about.

Is she running a temperature? What is it?

Just a teensie one. 99.6. She’ll be all right.

Gosh, it’s this old house. I don’t know why we don’t all have pneumonia. This drafty old barn! Might as well be living in a refrigerator. Why did we have to live here in the first place and stay around this measly, crummy old town?

George, what’s wrong?

Wrong? Everything’s wrong! You call this a happy family? Why did we have to have all these kids?

Dad, how do you spell “frankincense”?

I don’t know. Ask your mother.

Where are you going?

Going up to see Zuzu.

He told me to write a play for tomorrow.

F-R-A-N- K-I-N…

Hi, Daddy.

Well, what happened to you?

I won a flower.

Wait now. Where do you think you’re going?

Want to give my flower a drink.

All right, all right. Here, give Daddy the flower. I’ll give it a drink.

Look, Daddy, paste it.

Yeah, all right. Now, I’ll paste this together.

(01:28:13)
There it is, good as new. Give the flower a drink. Now, will you do something for me?

What?

Will you try to get some sleep?

I’m not sleepy. I want to look at my flower.

I know, I know, but you just go to sleep, and then you can dream about it, and it’ll be a whole garden.

It will?

Uh-huh.

Telephone.

I’ll get it. Hello. Yes, this is Mrs. Bailey. Oh, thank you, Mrs. Welch. I’m sure she’ll be all right. The doctor says that she ought to be out of bed in time to have her Christmas dinner.

Is that Zuzu’s teacher?

Yes.

Let me speak to her.

(01:29:20)
Hello. Hello, Mrs. Welch? This is George Bailey. I’m Zuzu’s father. Say, what kind of a teacher are you anyway? What do you mean sending her home like that, halfnaked? Do you realize she’ll probably end up with pneumonia on account of you?

George!

Is this the sort of thing we pay taxes for, to have teachers like you? Silly, stupid, careless people who send our kids home without any clothes on? You know, maybe my kids aren’t the best-dressed kids; maybe they don’t have any decent clothes…

(01:29:44)
Aw, that stupid…

Hello, Mrs. Welch. I want to apologize… hello? Hello? She’s hung up.

I’ll hang her up!

[inaudible 01:29:56].

Wait a minute. Hello? Who is this? Oh, Mr. Welch? Okay, that’s fine, Mr. Welch. Gives me a chance to tell you what I really think of your wife.

George-

Will you get out and let me handle this? Hello? Hello? What? Oh, you will, huh? Okay, Mr. Welch, any time you think you’re man enough… Hello? Any… Oh…

Daddy, how do you spell “Hallelujah”?

How should I know? What do you think I am, a dictionary?

(01:30:27)
Tommy, stop that! Stop it! Janie, haven’t you learned that silly tune yet? You’ve played it over and over again. Now stop it! Stop it! I’m sorry, Mary. Janie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… you go on and practice. Pete, I owe you an apology, too. I’m sorry. What do you want to know?

Nothing, Daddy.

What’s the matter with everybody? Janie, go on. I told you to practice. Now, go on, play!

Oh, Daddy!

George, why must you torture the children? Why don’t you…

Mary…

Bedford, 247, please.

Is Daddy in trouble?

Yes, Pete.

Shall I pray for him?

Yes, Janie, pray very hard.

Me, too?

You too, Tommy. Hello, Uncle Billy?

I’m in trouble, Mr. Potter. I need help. Through some sort of an accident my company’s short in their accounts. The bank examiner’s up there today. I’ve got to raise $8,000 immediately.

Oh, so that’s what the reporters wanted to talk to you about?

The reporters?

Yes. They called me up from your Building and Loan. Oh, there’s a man over there from the D.A.’s office, too. He’s looking for you.

Please help me, Mr. Potter. Help me, won’t you please? Can’t you see what it means to my family? I’ll pay you any sort of a bonus on the loan, any interest. If you still want the Building and Loan, why I-

George, could it possibly be there’s a slight discrepancy in the books?

No, sir. There’s nothing wrong with the books. I’ve just misplaced $8,000. I can’t find it anywhere.

You misplaced $8,000?

Yes, sir.

Have you notified the police?

No, sir. I didn’t want the publicity. Harry’s homecoming tomorrow.

They’re going to believe that one. What’ve you been doing, George? Playing the market with the company’s money?

No, sir. No, sir. I haven’t.

What is it, a woman, then? You know, it’s all over town that you’ve been giving money to Violet Bick.

What?

Not that it makes any difference to me, but why did you come to me? Why don’t you go to Sam Wainwright and ask him for the money?

I can’t get hold of him. He’s in Europe.

Well, what about all your other friends?

They don’t have that kind of money, Mr. Potter. You know that. You’re the only one in town that can help me.

I see. I’ve suddenly become quite important. What kind of security would I have, George? Have you got any stocks?

No, sir.

Bonds? Real estate? Collateral of any kind?

I have some life insurance, a $15,000 policy.

Yes. How much is your equity in it?

$500.

$500! And you ask me to lend you $8,000. Look at you. You used to be so cocky! You were going to go out and conquer the world! You once called me a warped, frustrated old man. What are you but a warped, frustrated young man? A miserable little clerk crawling in here on your hands and knees and begging for help. No securities, no stocks, no bonds, nothing but a miserable little $500 equity in a life insurance policy. You’re worth more dead than alive.

(01:34:45)
Why don’t you go to the riff-raff you love so much and ask them to let you have $8,000? You know why? Because they’d run you out of town on a rail. But I’ll tell you what I’m going to do for you, George. Since the state examiner is still here, as a stockholder of the Building and Loan, I’m going to swear out a warrant for your arrest. Misappropriation of funds. Manipulation. malfeasance. All right, George, go ahead. You can’t hide in a little town like this. Bill? This is Potter.

Oh, Merry Christmas. Glad you come. Glad you…

Same to you. How about some of that good spaghetti?

We got everything.

God. God. Dear Father in Heaven, I’m not a praying man, but if You’re up there and You can hear me, show me the way. I’m at the end of my rope. Show me the way, God.

Are you all right, George? Want someone to take you home?

Why you drink so much, my friend? Please go home, Mr. Bailey. This is Christmas Eve.

Bailey? Which Bailey?

This is Mr. George Bailey.

And the next time you talk to my wife like that you’ll get worse. She cried for an hour. It isn’t enough she slaves teaching your stupid kids how to read and write, and you have to bawl her out.

You get out of here, Mr. Welch!

Now wait. I want to pay for my drink.

Never mind the money. You get out of here quick.

All right.

You hit my best friend. Get out!

You all right, George?

Who was that?

He’s gone. Don’t worry. His name is Welch. He don’t come in to my place no more.

Oh. Welch. That’s what I get for praying.

The last time he come in here. You hear that, Nick?

Yes, you bet.

Where’s my insurance policy? Oh, here.

Oh, no, Please, don’t go out this way, Mr. Bailey.

I’m all right.

Oh, no. You don’t feel so good. Sit dow and rest.

I’m all right.

Please don’t go away. Please!

George opens the door and exits to the street.

What do you think you’re doing? Now look what you did. My great-grandfather planted this tree. Hey, you. Hey, you! Come back here, you drunken fool! Get this car out of here!

Hey, what’s the matter with you? Look where you’re going!

I didn’t have time to get some stylish underwear. Wife gave me this on my last birthday. I passed away and it. Oh, Tom Sawyer’s drying out too. You should read the new book. Mark Twain’s writing now.

How did you happen to fall in?

I didn’t fall in. I jumped in to save George.

What? To save me?

Well, I did, didn’t I? You didn’t go through with it, did you?

Go through with what?

Suicide.

Oh, it’s against the law to commit suicide around here.

Yeah, it’s against the law where I come from too.

Where do you come from?

Heaven. I had to act quickly, that’s why I jumped in. I knew if I were drowning, you tried to save me. You see? You did. And that’s how I saved you.

Very funny.

Your lip’s bleeding, George.

Yeah. I got a bust in the jaw in answer to a prayer a little bit ago.

Oh, no, no, no, George. I’m the answer to your prayer. That’s why I was sent down here.

How’d you know my name?

Oh, I know all about you. I’ve watched you grow up from a little boy.

What are you, a mind reader or something?

Oh, no.

Well, who are you then?

Clarence Odbody. A-S-2.

Odbody. A-S-2. What’s that, A-S-2?

Angel second class. Cheerio, my good man.

Oh, brother. I wonder what Martini put in those drinks. Hey, what’s with you? What’d you say just a minute ago? Why’d you want to save me?

That’s what I was sent down for. I’m your guardian angel.

I wouldn’t be a bit surprised.

Ridiculous of you to think of killing yourself for money. $8,000.

Yeah, just things like that. How do you know that?

I told you, I’m your guardian angel. I know everything about you.

Well, do you look about the kind of an angel I’d get? Sort of a fallen angel, aren’t you? What happened to your wings?

I haven’t won my wings yet. That’s why I’m an angel second class.

I don’t know whether I like it very much being seen around with an angel without any wings.

Oh, I’ve got to earn them. And you’ll help me, won’t you?

Sure, sure. How?

By letting me help you.

Only one way you can help me. You don’t happen to have 8,000 bucks on you?

Oh, no. We don’t use money in heaven.

Oh yeah, that’s right. I keep forgetting. It comes in pretty handy down here, bub.

Oh, tut, tut, tut.

I found it out a little late. I’m worth more dead than alive.

Now look, you mustn’t talk like that. I won’t get my wings with that attitude. You just don’t know all that you’ve done. If it hadn’t been for you-

Yeah, if it hadn’t been for me, everybody would be a lot better off, my wife and my kids and my friends. Look, little fellow, why don’t you go off and haunt somebody else?

No. Now, you don’t understand. I’ve got my job.

Aw, shut up, will you?

Oh, this isn’t going to be so easy. Yeah, so you still think killing yourself would make everyone feel happier, right?

Well, I don’t know. I guess you’re right. I suppose it’d been better if I’d never been born at all.

What’d you say?

I said I wish I’d never been born.

Oh, you mustn’t say things like that. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. That’s an idea. What do you think? Yeah, that’ll do it. All right. You’ve got your wish. You’ve never been born. You don’t have to make all that fuss about it.

What’d you say?

You’ve never been born. You don’t exist. You haven’t a care in the world. No worries, no obligations, no $8,000 to get. No Potter looking for you with a Sheriff.

Say something else in that ear.

Sure, you can hear out of it.

That’s the doggonedest thing. I haven’t heard anything out of that ear since I was a kid. Must be that jump in that cold water.

Your lip stop bleeding too, George.

What you know about that? What’s happening? It stopped snowing out here, didn’t it? What’s happened here? What I need is a couple of good stiff drinks. How about you, angel? You want a drink?

Ha-Ha.

Come on, as soon as these clothes of ours are dry-

The clothes are dry.

What do you know about that? Stove’s hotter than I thought. Come on, get your clothes on. We’ll stroll up to my car and get… I’m sorry. I’ll stroll, you fly.

I can’t fly. I haven’t got my wings.

You haven’t got your wings, yeah, that’s right.

What’s the matter?

Well, this is where I left my car and it isn’t here.

You have no car.

Well, I had a car and it was right here. I guess somebody moved it.

Good evening.

Oh say, hey, where’s my car?

I beg your pardon?

My car, my car. I’m the fellow that owns the car that ran into your tree.

What tree?

What do you mean, what tree? This tree. Yeah, I ran into it. Cut a big gash in the side of it there.

You must mean two other trees. You had me worried. One of the oldest trees in Pottersville.

Pottersville? Why, you mean Bedford Falls.

I mean Pottersville. Don’t think I know where I live? What’s the matter with you?

I don’t know, either I’m off my nut or he is. Or you are.

It isn’t me.

Maybe I left the car up at Martini’s. Well, come on, Gabriel.

Clarence.

Clarence, Clarence.

(01:46:47)
That’s all right. Go on in. Martini’s a friend of mine. There’s a place to sit down. Sit down. Hello, Nick. Hey, where’s Martini?

You want a martini?

No, no, Martini, your boss. Where is he?

Hey look, I’m the boss. You want a drink or don’t you?

Okay. Double bourbon, will you? And quick, huh?

Okay.

(01:47:15)
What’s yours?

I was just thinking, it’s been so long since I-

Look, mister, I’m standing here waiting for you to make up your mind.

That’s a good man. I was just thinking of a flaming rum punch. No, it’s not cold enough for that. Not nearly cold enough. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I got it. Mulled wine, heavy on the cinnamon and light on the cloves. Off with you me lad, and be lively.

Hey, look, mister, we save hard drinks in here for men who want to get drunk fast. And we don’t need any characters around to give the joint atmosphere. Is that clear? Or do I have to slip you my lip for a convincer?

What’s he talking about?

Nick, Nick. Just give him the same as mine. He’s okay.

Okay.

What’s the matter with him? Never saw Nick act like that before.

You’ll see a lot of strange things from now on.

Oh, yeah. Hey, little fella, you worry me. You got some place to sleep?

No.

You don’t. You got any money?

No.

No wonder you jumped in the river.

I jumped in the river to save you so I could get my wings. Oh-oh. Somebody’s just made it.

Made what?

Every time you hear a bell ring, it means that some angel’s just got his wings.

Look, I think maybe you better not mention getting your wings around here.

Why? Don’t they believe in angels?

Yeah, they believe.

Oh, why should they be surprised when they see one?

He never grew up. How old are you anyway, Clarence?

293 next May.

That does it. Out you two pixies go, through the door or out the window.

Look, Nick, what’s wrong?

No, that’s another thing. Where do you come off calling me Nick?

Well, Nick, that’s your name.

What’s that got to do with it? I don’t know you from Adam’s off ox. Hey. Hey, you, rummy there. Come here. Come here. Didn’t I tell you never to come panhandling around here?

Mr. Gower. Mr. Gower, this is George Bailey. Don’t you know me?

No. No.

Throw them out. Throw them out.

Mr. Gower. Hey, what is… Hey, Nick. Nick, isn’t that Mr. Gower the druggist?

You know that’s another reason for me not to like you. That rumhead spent 20 years in jail for poisoning a kid. If you know him, you must be a jailbird yourself. Would you show these gentlemen to the door?

Sure. This way, gentlemen. Stay out. Stay out.

Hey, get me. I’m giving out wings.

You see, George, you were not there to stop Gower from putting that poison into the capsule.

What so you mean, I wasn’t there? I remember distinctly. Hey, what’s going on around here? What? Why, this ought to be Martini’s place. Look, who are you?

I told you, George. I’m your guardian angel.

Yeah, yeah, I know you told me that. What else are you? You a hypnotist?

No, of course not.

Well, then why am I seeing all these strange things?

Don’t you understand, George? It’s because you were not born.

Well, if it wasn’t born, who am I?

You’re nobody. You have no identity.

Oh, what do you mean, no identity? My name’s George Bailey.

There is no George Bailey. You have no papers, no cards, no driver’s license, no 4-F card, no insurance policy. They’re not there either.

What?

Zuzu’s petals. You’ve been given a great gift, George, a chance to see what the world would be like without you.

Now, wait a minute here. Wait minute here. This is some sort of a funny dream I’m having. So long, mister. I’m going home.

Home? What home?

Now, shut up. Cut it out. You’re crazy. That’s what I think. You’re screwy. You’re driving me crazy too. I’m seeing things here. I’m going home and see my wife and family. You understand that? And I’m going home alone.

How am I doing, Joseph? Thanks. No, I didn’t have a drink.

Hey. Hey, where’d the Building and Loan move to?

The Building what?

The Bailey Building and Loan. It was up there.

They went out of business years ago

Hey listen, that’s Violent Bick. I know that girl. Hey, Ernie. Ernie. Ernie, take me home. I’ve gone off my nut.

Where do you live?

Now, doggone, Ernie, don’t you start pulling that stuff. You know where I live, 320 Sycamore. Now hurry up.

All right. 320 Sycamore?

Yeah, yeah. Hurry up. Zuzu’s sick.

All right.

Ernie, now straighten me out here. Look, I got some bad liquor or something. Listen to me. Now, you’re Ernie Bishop and you live in Bailey Park with your wife and kid. That’s right, isn’t it?

You’ve seen my wife?

Seen your wife? I’ve been to your house 100 times.

Look, bud, what’s the idea? I live in a shack in Pottersfield. My wife ran away three years ago and took the kid, and I ain’t never seen you before in my life, see?

Okay, just step on it. Just get me home.

Is this the place?

Of course it’s the place.

Well, this house ain’t been lived in for 20 years.

What’s up, Ernie?

I don’t know, but we better keep our eye on this guy. He’s bats.

Mary. Mary. Tommy, Pete, Janie, Zuzu, where are you?

They’re not here, George. You have no children.

Where are they? What have you done?

All right, put up your hands. No fast moves. Come on out here, both of you.

Bert. Thank heaven you’re here.

Back there.

Bert, what’s happened to this house? Where’s Mary? Where’s my kids?

Watch him, Bert.

Bert, Ernie. What’s the matter with you two guys? You were here on my wedding night. Both of you stood out there on the porch and sung to us. Don’t you remember?

Think I’d better be going.

Look, now why don’t you be a good kid and we’ll take you into a doctor. Everything’s going to be all right. Now come on.

Bert, don’t listen to it. Ernie, will you take me over to my mother’s house? Bert, listen, it’s that fellow there. He says he’s an angel. He’s trying to hypnotize me.

I hate to do this to you, bud.

Run, George. Run, George. Joseph.

(01:56:19)
Oh, shut up. Oh, Joseph. Joseph.

Where’d he go? Where’d he go? I had him right here.

I need a drink.

Which way did he go? Help me find him.

Well?

Mother.

Mother? What do you want?

Mother, this is George. I thought sure you’d remember me.

George who? If you’re looking for a room, there’s no vacancy.

Listen, please help me. Something terrible’s happened to me. I don’t know what it is. Something’s happened to everybody. Please let me come in and keep me here until I get over it.

Get over what? I don’t take in strangers unless they’re sent here by somebody I know.

Well, I know everybody you know. Your brother-in-law, Uncle Billy.

You know him?

Well, sure I do.

When’d you see him last?

Today, over at his house.

It’s a lie. He’s been in the insane asylum ever since he’d lost his business. And if you ask me, that’s where you belong.

Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hold, isn’t he?

I’ve heard of things like this. You’ve got me some kind of a spell or something. Well, I’m going to get out of it. I’ll get out of it. I know how too. The last man I talked to before all this stuff started happening to me was Martini.

You know where he lives?

Well, sure I know where he lives. He lives in Bailey Park.

Are you sure this is Bailey Park?

I’m not sure of anything anymore. All I know is there should be Bailey Park, but where are the houses?

You weren’t here to build them. Your brother, Harry Bailey, broke through the ice and was drowned at the age of nine.

That’s a lie. Harry Bailey went to war. He got the Congressional Medal of honor. He saved the lives of every man on that transport.

Every man on that transport died. Harry wasn’t there to save them because you weren’t there to save Harry. You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?

Clarence?

Yes, George?

Where’s Mary?

Oh, well, I can’t-

I don’t know how you know these things, but tell me, where is she? If you know where she is, tell me where my wife is.

I’m not supposed to tell.

Please, Clarence. Tell me where she is.

You’re not going to like it, George.

Where is she?

She’s an old maid. She never married.

Where’s Mary? Where is she? Where is she?

She’s just about to close up the library. There must be some easier way for me to get my wings.

Mary. Mary. Mary. Mary. Mary. Mary, it’s George. Don’t you know me? What’s happened to us?

I don’t know you. Let me go.

Mary, please. Oh, don’t do this to me, please, Mary. Help me. Where’s our kids? I need you, Mary. Help me. Let me go. Let me go.

He’s chasing me. He’s not stopping.

Tom, Ed, Charlie. That’s my wife. Mary.

No, you don’t. Somebody call the police.

Somebody hit him on the head with a bottle.

He needs a straitjacket.

Clarence. Clarence. Help me, Clarence.

Stand back.

Clarence. Clarence. Help me, Clarence. Get me back. Get me back. I don’t care what happens to me. Get me back to my wife and kids. Help me, Clarence, please. Please. I want to live again. I want to live again. I want to live again. Please God, let me live again.

Hey, George. George. You all right? Hey, what’s the matter?

Get out of here, Bert or I’ll hit you again. Get out of here.

What the Sam Hill you yelling for, George?

George… Bert, do you know me know?

Know you? You kidding? I’ve been looking all over town trying to find you. I saw your car piled into that tree down there, and I thought maybe… Hey, your mouth’s bleeding. Are you sure you’re all right?

My mouth’s bleeding, Bert. My mouth’s bleeding. Zuzu’s petals. There they are. Bert, what do know about that? Merry Christmas.

Well, Merry Christmas.

Mary. Mary. Yay! Yay! Hello, Bedford Falls. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, George. Merry Christmas, George.

Merry Christmas, movie house. Merry Christmas, emporium. Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan. Hey, Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter.

Happy New Year to you, in jail.

Go on home. They’re waiting for you.

Mary. Mary. Mary. Well, hello Mr. Bank Examiner. How are you?

Mr. Bailey, there’s a deficit.

I know, $8,000.

George, I’ve got a little paper.

I’ll bet it’s a warrant for my arrest. Isn’t it wonderful? I’m going to jail. Merry Christmas. Reporters. Where’s Mary? Mary. Oh, look at this wonderful old drafty house. Mary. Mary. Mary. Have you seen my wife?

Merry Christmas, Daddy.

Kids! Pete! Kids! Janie. Janie, Tommy. Let me look at you. Oh, I could eat you up. Where’s your mother?

She went looking for you.

With Uncle Billy.

Daddy.

Zuzu. Zuzu, my little ginger snap. How do you feel?

Fine. Not a smidge of temperature.

Not a smidge of… Hallelujah.

Hello.

George. George, darling. George, darling. Where have you been? Oh, George. George.

Are you real?

George.

You have no idea what’s happened to me.

You have no idea what happened… Come on, George. Come on downstairs. Quick, they’re on their way.

All right.

Come on. Come on in here now. Now, you stand right over here by the tree, right there. And don’t move. Don’t move.

What’s happening? Who’s going to come?

I hear them coming now. George, it’s a miracle. It’s a miracle.

Who’s going to come, Daddy?

Who, Daddy?

Come in, Uncle Billy. Everybody. In here.

Isn’t it wonderful? Mary did it, George. Mary did it. She told some people you were in trouble and they scattered all over town, collecting money. Didn’t ask any question, just said, “If George is in trouble, count me in.” You never saw anything like it.

What is this, another run on the bank?

Here you are, George. Merry Christmas.

There we are. The line forms on the right. Mr. Martini. Step right up.

I busted the jukebox too.

I made the rounds of my charge accounts.

I’m not going to go, George. I changed my mind.

I’ve been saving this money for a divorce if ever I get a husband. Merry Christmas.

There you are, George. I got the faculty all up out of bed. And here’s something for you to play with.

I wouldn’t have a roof over my head if it wasn’t for you, George.

Just a minute. Just a minute. Quiet everybody. Quiet, quiet. Now, get this. It’s from London. “Mr. Gower cabled you need cash. Stop. My office instructed to advance you up to $25,000. Stop. Hee-Haw and Merry Christmas. Sam Wainwright.”

Mr. Martini, how about some wine?

Harry.

Looks like I got here too late.

Mary, I got him here from the airport just as quick as I could. The fool flew all the way up here in a blizzard.

Harry, how about your banquet in New York?

Oh, I left right in the middle of it. As soon as I got Mary’s telegram. Good idea, Ernie. A toast to my big brother, George, the richest man in town.

Who’s that?

That’s a Christmas present from a very dear friend of mine.

Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.

That’s right. That’s right. Attaboy, Clarence.