Our favorite IAWL Moments!

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First saw iawl when I was stationed at Blytheville AFB, Ar back in 1979. I never new it existed and it showed New Year's Eve. I watched it because Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, two of my screen favorites, were in the credits. My wife and I never fail to watch it every Xmas and it still brings a tear to our eyes. We have three wonderful sons, but I have always wanted a daughter just as lovely as Zuzu. But, I don't live my life in the movies and seeing her once a year is fine by me. Thanks for the web site. I enjoyed seeing the grownup picture of Karolyn and can only imagine what a knockout she was in her prime. She remains a beautiful woman! Happy New Year! Chuck
charles davenport <cdavenport@worldnet.att.net>
watkinsville, ga USA - Sunday, December 31, 2000 at 16:22:17 (EST)

i usually don't like old movies, im only in my early 30's, but this movie is my all time favorite! i watched it w/ my dad once and was hooked. i purchased he tape for him and he purchased it for me. i absolutely love it!!!!!
laura <kbh289@webtv.net>
USA - Friday, December 29, 2000 at 23:54:36 (EST)

My favorite parts are when George realizes he loves Mary, but doesn't want to admit it to himself; and when George tells off Potter after he makes, what seems to be, an offer George can't turn down. Even though I like the whole movie, those two scenes always stand out in my mind.
Vicki Romero <Vicksley6@aol.com>
Jacksonville, FL USA - Monday, December 25, 2000 at 23:06:46 (EST)

When George leaps through a snowy Bedford Falls and exuberantly reclaims his life with all its wonder and simplicity - yes, that's the best part.
Eileen
USA - Monday, December 25, 2000 at 01:03:32 (EST)

I WATCH THIS MOVIE EVERY YEAR AND IT CONTINUES TO BE BRAND NEW AND AN INSPIRATION EACH AND EVERY TIME. THE WHOLE MOVIE IS MY FAVORITE PART!!!!
deanie jerrolds <www.rogerdeanie@aol.com>
pinson, tn USA - Sunday, December 24, 2000 at 22:28:55 (EST)

I absolutely love this movie!! The holiday season would not be complete without at least a few viewings of this classic!
Lori
USA - Sunday, December 24, 2000 at 08:57:16 (EST)

IAWL is my favorite movie, I love it, everyone else in my family doesn't feel the same way!! But thank you for this web page it is GREAT!!
Nancy <nbank21120@aol.com>
Barnegat, NJ USA - Friday, December 22, 2000 at 19:33:59 (EST)

When George returns to Bedford Falls, running down the snowy street. It reminds me of the snowy, downtown Hazleton, Pennsylvania I remember as a child. I am a 42 year old 4 th grade teacher today!
Gary <gbholodick@hazleton.net>
Hazleton, Pa USA - Thursday, December 21, 2000 at 23:55:41 (EST)

Anybody know the name of the Hawaiian (sic) music playing when George goes home to Mary after the run on the bank?
Bill Allen <mail_uzer@yahoo.com>
allentown, pa USA - Wednesday, December 20, 2000 at 17:17:07 (EST)

Best movie ever made!! Second best is "Shenandoah", also with Jimmy Stewart. I too always have to watch this movie by myself. I always break up at the end when Harry gives his toast "...to the richest man in town", and when George picks up Tom Sawyer just after that I always get new strength to carry on no matter how black things may be in my marriage or my finances.
Dale Updike
North Battleford, SK Canada - Tuesday, December 19, 2000 at 00:45:48 (EST)

Hi Everyone. It's me, Robin. I watched IAWL last night. Everytime I watch it, I always get something else out of it. What a classic! I have the Anniversary tape with Tom Bosley at the end of the movie, showing clips and talking about the making of the movie. I have had it for years, unsure when it came out, but if you can buy one I would recommend it for the extras. Merry Christmas Bedford Falls! Merry Christmas you old Savings and Loan! Merry Christmas Everyone!
Robin Olson <robin@robinsweb.com>
Gaithersburg, MD USA - Monday, December 18, 2000 at 22:00:03 (EST)

what a wonderful tribute to a truly wonderful and timeless classic. Keep up the good work.
Michael Strom <mstrom@mediaone.net>
Newton, MA USA - Monday, December 18, 2000 at 20:15:29 (EST)

we have all the buildings and when we put it all up we watch the movie and cry . its part of our christmas
rick miller <roknrik104403482@aol.com>
mesa, az USA - Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 23:59:42 (EST)

Every year I say "I just can't watch it again", and every year I do and cry my eyes out. It's so true..."no man is a failure, who has friends". Merry Christmas to all.
Tom McAuliffe <mrclink1490@aol.com>
Marlborough, MA USA - Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 20:27:56 (EST)

When I saw IAWL the first time several years ago I was enthralled by its concept of pondering what the world would be like if you were never born. I was absolutely glued to the TV throughout the movie. It was absolutely spell binding! I've never been so moved by a movie ever. I felt as if I had made a wonderful discovery, and I had. Thank-you Philip Van Doren Stern, Frank Capra and you and all the other actors and actresses that made this such a "Wonderful" film! Too bad the movie could'nt have been made without Uncle Billy loosing the bank deposit! I HATE that part! He's so stupid I just want to slap him silly. What a roller coaster of emotions this film takes you on. Thank-you again Karolyn Grimes. I heard you on the radio (WLS) on Friday 12.15.00. You sound like a wonderful woman. I was so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your parents when you were so young. You're doing a wonderful job on your web site! Thank-you so much!
Paul Hester <paul@sentrysecurity.com>
Arlington Heights, Il USA - Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 17:34:49 (EST)

I just watched IAWL for the first time this holiday season, and I was so glad I was alone! I don't cry that often either, but this movie has me almost sobbing at the end....and I love it. I can't think of any movie that has the impact on me that this does. What it all boils down to is living the golden rule and that Love is everything. Thank you so much for your web site!
Anne Goodrich <webmaster@ohangel.com>
Kalamazoo, MI USA - Saturday, December 16, 2000 at 23:25:20 (EST)

Your words capture the spirit I have in my heart. Thank you for opening your heart and sharing the way you feel about the movie. I have had yet to meet someone that feels the exact way, now I have. Thank you...and Merry Christmas. Love, Marisa
Marisa <RisaLeigh4@aol.com>
Chadds Ford, PA USA - Saturday, December 16, 2000 at 00:08:18 (EST)

When someone moves into a new home, we give them the bread, salt, and wine, along with the speach Mary made when the Martinis moved into their home.
Pam <donandorpam@mindspring.com>
NC USA - Friday, December 15, 2000 at 18:15:33 (EST)

thank you so much for sharing such wonderful pictures and information! i had no idea these posters and books existed. i was searching for the board game when i found this heavenly website!
Patty Fox
moline, il USA - Friday, December 15, 2000 at 02:28:01 (EST)

My favorite scene is in the cemetary when Clarence says to George, "It's strange how much one man's life affects those around him. When he isn't there anymore it leaves an awful hole." I just get the chills every time I hear him say that. What a movie!
Tim Lankes <TJServo33@yahoo.com>
Pittsburgh, PA USA - Thursday, December 14, 2000 at 14:59:16 (EST)

The enduring romance between George and Marry captured my heart as a young child and prompted me to pray for a husband like George; someone who would give everything he had so that others could have better. God does answer prayers in the most beautiful ways: I married a man just like George September 17, 1994. His name is Simon. Watching the movie makes for a few good hours. Living the life makes every day good.
janie jackson <janiejackson@EV1.net>
Katy, TX USA - Sunday, December 10, 2000 at 23:12:33 (EST)

I`m one of IAWL biggest fans! Will never become tired of watching it. At Christmas my home is decorated in a IAWL theme including large 3ft diameter ornaments with scenes from the movie on them. My favorite scene is when Bert, Ernie and George are by Ernie`s taxi when Violet walks by. After all three of them look at her, Ernie asks George "How would you like to..." and before he says anything else George says YES. Bert then says "I gotta go home and see what the wife is doing". Ernie replies "oh a family man". That scene makes me laugh out loud every time I see it!
KEN <usps1556@hotmail.com>
MILWAUKEE, WI USA - Sunday, December 10, 2000 at 17:19:00 (EST)

I wish I could find a captioned version of IAWL, My favorite part of the movie is with George Baily(James Stewart) at the bridge crying .
Carol McClain <Cwendion@aol.com>
Memphis , Tn USA - Friday, December 08, 2000 at 01:22:27 (EST)

Favourite scene is at the end when all the people come with thier gifts of money.And when Zuzu say's "Every time the bell ringing an angle gets his wings".I have just finished watching the video again for what must be the hundreth time. Excellent movie.
Dawn Cameron <james@dawnscommand.freeserve.co.uk>
Chatham, England - Monday, December 04, 2000 at 18:04:53 (EST)

I haved loved this movie forever! I was disappointed when it became so mainstream. I love and have loved old movies since I was a child. So when i would find a really cool one like this, I would feel like I had my own special treasure. Anyway, my favorite parts are when George is sitting in the bar praying to God and Mr.martini asks him if he is alright. The emotion on Jimmy Stewart's face is heartbreaking. I, also, like the part when Mary offers up their honeymoon money, $2,000, at the bank. She's as selfless as he is. And it breaks my heart every time when Uncle Billy can't find the money and has to tell George who calls him a stupid, silly, old fool. Jimmy stewart was incredible in this. You see him go from a sweet,adventurous boy/young man to a callous, pessamistic "old man" in a matter of a few scenes. And it's believable. One of my favorite lines is when george says to Violet, "say, that's some dress" and she says, "this old thing? I only wear this when I don't care how I look!" as she flips her hair. I could go on and on and on!

LaRae <laraes61@aol.com>
carrollton, tx USA - Monday, December 04, 2000 at 03:19:36 (EST)

I love that movie! It used to be on at least once a day during the Christmas season, and I would watch it every chance I got! My husband finally bought the movie for me. I have no favorite parts -- they're all very good. And it never fails, I always cry at the end.
Caroline
USA - Sunday, December 03, 2000 at 16:53:34 (EST)

You're description of the movie fits mine exactly.I make a point to watch the movie with my five kids, but I also have to watch it alone at least once. My sister and I used to drive the rest of our family crazy...we had IAWL parties, trivia contests, etc.. She died in a car crash a few years ago, which adds to the rush of emotions I feel when I watch this movie. Thanks for letting me share....
Brad F.
USA - Friday, December 01, 2000 at 11:52:03 (EST)

I have two favorite scenes. Of course the scene where George and Mary kiss for the first time. The way it just builds and builds is great. Then during the very last scene when Harry gives a toast and says, "To George Bailey, the richest man in town." Well I just cry every time at that very moment.
Gina <ewgsmcdonald@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, November 30, 2000 at 21:32:30 (EST)

This movie touched my heart when I was just a child. It is the only black and white movie I have ever been able to get my husband to watch. He was instantly hooked by the message. Who couldn't be?! It is the perfect message for the holiday season, and hopefully people take it with them throughout the year. It helps keep me mindful of the daily impact I have on the world around me, especially when I don't know it!!! God Bless!
L. Maxwell <lvmylab2@cs.com>
USA - Monday, November 27, 2000 at 12:07:34 (EST)

When I was about 12 years old my parents decided to get a divorce. It was real rough on me. I distinctly remember not being able to sleep one night so I was scanning the 3 channels I could get on an old black and white television. I came across a nice movie with Jimmy Stewart in it. I started to watch until I got to the part where people acted like they didn't know him. It scared me when his own mother didn't know him so I turned the channel. I would return back to the movie only to find I still wasn't comfortable with the scene. Finally I decided to watch the rest. It had such an impact on me. I cried and cried all night long. You can't tell me God doesn't touch the hearts of his people through this type of message and media. I watch this movie every year(and sometimes in the summer) and I always think back to that time in my life when I was so alone and afraid. God knew where I was at and used this movie to instill a message of hope and life beyond the suffering. I am so grateful. Thank you for your website.
Janine <ohainghle@aol.com>
madison, wi USA - Monday, November 27, 2000 at 01:31:24 (EST)

I totally agree - IAWL is the BEST movie, and has a lot of important truths packed into it. I don't know what it is about this movie, but it just fills me up to the brim every time I watch it! This is one movie that I could literally watch over and over without ever getting sick of it. Thanks for creating a great website in honor of this Wonderful film! My favorite moment? That's hard to say. I think it's at the beginning when you first see the sign for Bedford Falls and there's snow falling... it's a beautiful thing! It's just so peaceful and creates anticipation for what's to come. Again, thank you!
Beth
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2000 at 18:42:44 (EST)

I have loved It's a Wonderful Life for as long as I can remember. My husband has always given me a hard time about it but finally last year bought the video for me. This is truely a timeless classic and I will never loose the desire to watch it over and over again.
Paula Burke
USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 18:46:20 (EST)

Well let me first start by saying that Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed were terrific in that movie; they had a definite chemistry that worked well together. Good job by Capra in pairing those two. Second, one of the funniest scenes is when George is running all over town "when he does not exist." He cannot believe people do not know him, and that even his own mom doesn't know him. Then, he asks Clarence where Mary is. Clarence reluctantly tells, then he runs into her. Mary is not outgoing at this point, and George asks her something like "Mary how are you, how are our kids?" And that is just the funniest thing given the circumstances that she does not know this guy whatsoever, and then he has the nerve to ask about "our kids." That is toooo funny! A final favorite moment is the scene when he visits Mary after she returned from college. Mary's mother asks who is there, and she replies "it's George Bailey, he's making violent love to me, mother." That's funny. In terms of emotion, I like the part where he finally gives in and just hugs Mary, after being so frustrated only moments before. A good amount of drama involved in that scene.
Justin <jpfauth@umich.edu>
Waterford, MI USA - Thursday, May 18, 2000 at 15:48:51 (EDT)

Every single scene mentioned so far are favorites of mine, but the one not yet mentioned is the opening scene. I love the way Frank Capra simply jumped from different scenes on a winter night and all we hear are prayers for a certain "George Bailey." "He never thinks of himself," "Give him a break, God," "I love him dear God, watch over him" I love the look on his face when he leaves his mother's house and she doesn't recognize him. I also love Tommy's line in response to his dad's question "Excuse you for what?" and Tommy replies, "I burped." I also like when Clarence speaks directly into George's left ear and says "Sure you can hear out of it." I'll stop here because I'll document the entire show if I don't!
nicole montoya <nicole_montoya@americancentury.com>
denver, co USA - Friday, February 18, 2000 at 19:51:25 (EST)

The whole movie is our favorite part, this is just to say that we love all you folks who love "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE"
Steve & Eileen <cha85kat98@aol.com>
NY USA - Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 07:42:14 (EST)

I always get tears in my eyes during the last scene, but I completely break down when the telegram is read: "My office instructed to advance you up to $25,000 STOP Hee-Haw and Merry Christmas, Sam Wainright"
Janice
USA - Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 17:10:05 (EST)

I always cry when George and Mary embrace when he 'comes home' to 320 Sycamore for the first time, and Mary whispers in Georges ear..."Remember when I threw the rock? This is what I wished for". Ahhhhhhh......!
Lisa Stricker
USA - Monday, December 27, 1999 at 08:25:36 (EST)

My favorite part of the movie is when George & Mary see each other at the dance for the first time in a couple years. It's like no one else is in the room; they only have eyes for each other.
Christi <kerispee@aol.com>
WI USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 20:10:01 (EST)

I have many favorite moments...here are just a few... When George is holding Timmy on his lap after Billy's lost the money...the desperation that is apparent on his face is almost painful to watch...as if he's kissing his child for the last time... The way Mary says "Welcome home, Mr. Bailey" on their wedding night. The look in her eyes would sear any man to his soul. " I want to live again...I want to live again..." That scene on the bridge affects me like no other...you don't even see his face, you can only hear the heartbreak in his voice. This movie makes me realize how much I love my wife.
Stuart Kuramoto <stuart.kuramoto@quixdata.com>
San Jose, CA USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 18:57:09 (EST)

I just finished watching it tonight and was wondering whatever happened to the little children in the movie?? Did they ever appear in other films?? Who is still alive??? I found out that the little girl that played Zuzu is still alive and doing appearances, I suppose to promote the film..... I love the part when he realizes that he DID have a wonderful life and goes back to the bridge and prays to God to let him have his life back...I always have a tear in my eye after those few seconds. It seems that whenever I start watching this film and if I'm in a bad or grumpy mood this film transports me into another time and I soon enough, I forget what I was ever mad or grumpy about. Ever since I 've left New York and moved to California this movie has always been and will always remain a part of my Christmas time traditions. Have the Merriest of Christmas joys as well as a peaceful,healthy, and an unforgetful **2000** to all of you and your families...... May Clarence watch down upon all of us......
Chef Scullari <chefantonio@hotmail.com>
San Diego, CA USA - Sunday, December 12, 1999 at 06:41:38 (EST)

No matter how many times I watch it, can never keep a dry eye when George gets home and finds everyone in town has turned out to help him, especially when George reads the inscription from Clarence and the bell on the tree rings.
Joe Pantaleo <Nitebird56@aol.com>
Cleveland , OH USA - Friday, December 10, 1999 at 00:22:26 (EST)

the scene in the bar where he is about to fall apart emotionally. it is so intense! the bartender and crowd throw him out onto the snow.
valerie <valkyrees@earthlink.net>
denver, co USA - Thursday, December 09, 1999 at 22:02:07 (EST)

One of the best scenes, and one that never fails to make me cry, is when mr. Gower finds out that George didn't deliver the medicine and starts to hit george, and then George promises never to tell anyone about the medicine being poisoned. What a great scene! I love this movie and can't understand how anyone wouldn't! Timberly
Timberly <TimmiG@aol.com>
Buena Park , Ca USA - Friday, December 03, 1999 at 02:17:53 (EST)

The best scene is when George goes to Bailey Park but finds it a graveyard. He finds his brother's grave and says that he can't be dead. He wins the Congressional Medal of Honor. Clarence tells him that every man on the transport died because you weren't there to save Harry. That line still gives me the chills and I have seen this movie a million times.
Cathy <bradygal@yahoo.com>
USA - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 16:43:58 (EST)

I have so many, it's too hard to choose one: "hey you got a mint?"- the whole dance scene. I love the part when Harry comes in at the end. My eyes water every time I see that part.
Shari <QTPIE45108@hotmail.com>
KY USA - Thursday, November 25, 1999 at 14:24:06 (EST)

I have really enjoyed It's A Wonderful Life too. It is a tremendously good movie. I also enjoy your web site. It is nice to see so many people really love IAWL. Any way I'll start getting to the point. My name is Melissa and I go to John B. Connally H.S. in Austin, TX. I'm part of the drama program at Connally. Our fall show is It's A Wonderful Life. I play the part of Mary Bailey. We have been working on IAWL for over two and a half months now and will have opening night on Dec.2. Please email me at pepi_meli@msn.com for any questions or comments. Thank you.
Melissa <pepi_meli@email.msn.com>
Austin, TX USA - Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 01:26:47 (EST)

I like the scene where George and Violet are in the street and George wants to run barefoot in the mountains and the crowd is gathering.
Shari
USA - Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at 01:22:59 (EST)

Having the absolutely wonderful priviledge of playing George Bailey in the stage version of It's a Wonderful Life in Cookeville, Tennessee! - Brad Brown

My favorite part of the movie is when Zuzu is sick in bed with her flower. She wants to risk her health for the sake of her flower. It's so cute! -Kyleigh

It is so hard to choose....but probably at the closing scene when George holds the book in his hands, realizes the gift that he has been blessed with and embraces his family. His is aware at last of the impression his life has made on so many because of Clarence (and this is the part where I break down!)
and.......
At the end of the stairs, when Sam Wainwright is on the phone trying to talk to George and Mary at the same time. You can feel the way they are as they discover their love for each other. Not to be missed ! -Hillary

"To my brother George--the richest man in town". Used this line in my brothers best man speech because it means so much to me. -Pat Williams

There are so many, but my favorite is when Mary runs in the house and finds George on the stairs with all the kids, hugging them. -Cheryl

I can't, they are all my favorite, it would take me writing the script.
Help ya down?
Say Brainless!
This is a very interesting situation!
Bread..may you never go hungry........
I don't want any plastics...
George Baily Lassos Stork...
To Mamma dollar and Pappa dollar.
To my brother George.. the richest man in town.
No man is a failure who has friends!
Atta boy Clarence!!!!!!
-Sue

George running through the streets of Bedford Falls yelling "Hello old building and loan!" -Chad

"The famous phone scene."  When George realizes he loves Mary and decides to marry her instead of traveling around the world.  Best "love" scene ever!  -Robin

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