I agree. I remember one of the times I saw my Dad lose it, the day before his Mom died, who we had been caring for at her home. That was scary when that happened! He did hug my brother and me both, though, and apologize to us afterwards.
It took me 20 years to be able to get through watching this scene without having a panic attack. My dad did that at least once a month. Only George Bailey immediately apologizes. At my house, he would hug us and kiss us and buy us ice cream while lovingly explaining how his explosion was really our fault, if we'd only learn to be good he wouldn't be forced to get so mad. We had a secret signal: If Mom plays with her hair, we were to go upstairs because one of his fits were coming. But we had to be discreet or he'd catch on and then he'd REALLY lose it. I learned to pretend I had to pee first, or pretend I'm looking for something before I disappear.
As a kid the worst part of my day was when my dad came home. If he had a bad day, he would take it out on everyone in the house and never apologise. I was afraid of my father up until I moved out of my parents' house at 18.
Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD. Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
@@melissacooper4282No, he did mean it. That's what makes this film so good because it's so true. Parents will never admit it, but a lot of people secretly regret having kids when they realize that they're nothing but burdens.
One of the best acting performances ever. Every time I see George Bailey breakdown while holding his son, I am moved to tears. I heard that Jimmy Stewart was going through PTSD from serving in the war while filming this. It comes through in the performance.
Precisely why he gave such intense performances after his war time service and on a related subject, I find it a damn shame that many have forgotten his collaborations with Anthony Mann. As a matter of fact, the general public did not think Jimmy Stewart was capable of a playing rugged guy prior to his performance in Winchester '73.
Yup that's the part that got me. And Mary's stricken look when seeing him squeeze Tommy. She saw the look in his eyes. Something was deeply wrong and it just hits you so hard. No music no sound track just acting.
This is such a brilliant depiction of what happens when men try to deal with extreme pressure alone. I have never been in a situation as dire as him but can picture myself acting exactly like this. He wants to make his family angry at him so he can play victim, but his family is so loving towards him that he eventually has to give up and admit he's being an ass. Mary is just about the best wife one could ask for - not insisting, giving him space, but drawing the line when he attacks her children. This is what cinema looked like when filmmakers had actual life experience to draw on.
There's nothing 'dated' or mannered about this scene. The family Christmas ritual. George's desperation, taking it out on his kids. His retreat into sarcasm. The little kid screaming 'excuse me!' because he wants to do the right thing after he burped. The tinsel on George's head, the kids completely in their kid-sized worlds with their kid-sized preoccupations, oblivious until the sudden explosion of anger. It's all completely real. People call Capra a sentimentalist but he could get to some very dark places. And Stewart manages to be both completely relatable and almost terrifying. Incredible performance.
Can I just point out how good of a wife, friend, and mother Mary is to her husband and children? As soon as her husband came home she greeted him warmly, chatted brightly to him about her day and the kid’s days and the holidays, and showed concern for him when it was quite obvious he was deeply upset about something. This is how every partner should treat their significant other.
Mary is an unsung hero in this movie. And I love the actress too. She may not have been the most quotable, but she really pulls off being young, faithful, concerned, happy, etc. Not as much as Jimmy Stewart, but she's believable in most of her key scenes.
There's a turn in that moment, accentuated by the blocking, where suddenly it's Mary protecting the kids from their own father. Any man's worst fear realized. No wonder he flees.
Jimmy Stewart's acting here is beyond amazing. The way he breaks down silently when he holds his son always gets to me. U feel the weight, fear, and frustration of everything he's going through and completely understand why. Easily one of the greatest acting performances of all time!
What a great picture of how absolute despair breaks a person down: the lashing out, his attempts to recollect himself only to break down all over again, and his immediate regret following his actions all capture the feeling perfectly.
Just because he was mad at his uncle, doesn't give him the absolute right to be angry at his family, it's his *FAULT.* He needs to take responsibility for his own actions... And not only that, if I was acting like that, I would spend the night at a hotel so I wouldn't ruin Christmas for everyone.
This scene is amazing. The performance turned in by Jimmy Stewart is extraordinary. He quite effectively draws many viewers into the deep turmoil his character is experiencing. Also, kudos to Donna Reed. Her nuanced responses to the hopeless and explosive temperament of her husband at that moment are masterful. This movie and this scene legitimately endure the test of time.
6:55 This where I start to get tears in my eyes. To see a man who was a beacon of light for so many people, a man who is so selfless, a real hero, become undone in such a way. Really hits hard. A legendary movie, nigh untoucable.
@@bobm7250 Things happen though. We're only human, which is why this movie is so good. Understanding how this can happen to someone, and which can happen to anyone, including you, is also something that makes us human. I've been in that kind of desperate state a number of times in my life, but thank god I didn't take it out on my family, at least too much; I mainly would be depressed and despondent. But I guess you're such a perfect person that you can judge, right? Have a good day.
@@Project_-jq7jw December 24 is always been my favorite day for a time for renewal, as well as the birth of the Christ Child over 2 thousand years ago, and for YT marathons to look forward to as well.
Anyone who is not where they'd hoped to be over the age of 30 can relate to George's anger. He wanted to see the world and instead he has a family and is wanted by the authorities.
Realizing now that Jimmy Stewart was going through PTSD at the time this was filmed makes this scene all the more touching. You can see that anger in him in several scenes in this movie, but probably here and the bridge scene. As a family member of a veteran with PTSD, I can appreciate this film -- and Jimmy Stewart -- much more now.
When I was a kid watching this I thought "man George needs to cool it!" But as a father now, I realize the stress of fatherhood of providing for the people you love and sacrificing what you love and want to do takes a toll on you.
Very clever scene, beautifully acted and directed. I probably watched this originally as a 10 year old, and it makes me feel the same way now as it did back then. The sadness you feel at George's despair and how it affects his family creates great sympathy for the character and ire for Potter's machinations.
Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD. Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
It’s horrible to see even a good man like George take his anger out on his family. Also, seeing a phenomenal human being like Jimmy Stewart upset and in tears like that is heartbreaking. Everyone’s reactions here are gut wrenching.
Just because you're really upset about something, doesn't mean you should treat everyone else around you upset as well. George was incredibly *blinded* about wanting to receive all the money he could get and that was all because of that nasty chair monster, Potter
As the oldest of five and my mother going through it. There are a few times I recall my dad getting to this point. Now I understand why my Dad loves It's A Wonderful Life ❤️
@5:46 and I love how the wife is acting like a wife. She helps him and loves George even if he is not loving himself she knows he is in a bad mood. But how she just looks at him like she doesn’t want to see him so upset shows her acting from the heart also. She knows what he’s doing and knows something is obviously wrong and is trying to stop him from being stupid and get him to talk.
George sinking into despair, depression, and misery all at the cunning of a greedy old man is heartbreaking to watch It''s a shame Mr Potter never had a comeuppance
Actually, he does. It wasn’t included in the film, but the producers were interviewed and they told what was cut from the film. Potter angrily finds out that the town comes to George’s aid WELL OVER what he needs, and suddenly Clarence shows up to give him a vision of what’s awaiting him beyond this world for his ruthless deeds . . . because it’s known he will NEVER change (although he could if he wanted). Potter gets that glimpse and becomes so horrifically terrified and shocked that he immediately dies of a stroke or heart attack . . . ending his evil once and for all. The producers left it out because they wanted the focus to be on George realizing his life was wonderful and it didn’t matter what others did because he blessed so many good people in need.
Back then it didn't really matter. Being still on your feet and then some with the whole town with you may be enough defeat for lonely, senile Potter whose mind had deteriorated from polio into dementia, narcissism and psychopathy.
@7:13 woah! Look how everyone looks at this man. You can feel the sadness in the faces and the scene! The energy they are giving off! That was a real sad scene
It was. 😢 George SHOULD HAVE told Mary and his kids that he was really frustrated at Uncle Billy for not being careful with the money instead of taking his frustration out on _them._ Because it's so *true* what everyone says: Just because you're really frustrated over a problem, doesn't mean you have to treat everyone else the same, too.
@@Elysia63 There's no question George is at fault here. But sometimes people hit a limit and lash out at those nearest them. He realizes instantly he screwed up, but unfortunately this only drives him to more desperate action. Good thing Clarence is hanging around.
I think anyone who’s owned a business knows the kind of pressure you can be under when things are tight. You feel like you’re sacrificing so much for your family, sacrificed some of your dreams and comforts in life. And to see it all just go up in flames because of one little mistake would be extremely difficult. George feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders and that no one understands or appreciates him. It’s very sad that he even contemplated suicide.
3:48 I think I finally understand why George would say such an awful thing about his family, it’s just like when he shouted at Mary that he was gonna get out of Bedford Falls before melting in her arms. It’s all just a part of his mental breakdown, he’s looking for things to blame for his unhappiness instead of just accepting things as it is. Of course he would never want to give up his beautiful family, as evidenced by his little vacation in Pottersville, he probably just hates feeling like he could never take control over his own life and starts to grow the idea that his own family is driving him up the wall along with everyone else in Bedford Falls
I remember my mom and dad crying at 530 in the morning cause they couldn’t afford the house anymore but they woke us up it was 1993. But my grandma helped us out with my grandpa who was a ww2 vet I miss him greatly he lived right next to us he taught me a lot.
My god. I didn’t expect to tear up like this rewatching this scene in 2023. It affected me more now that I’m 60 than in years past. I don’t have kids, but I was once a kid.
Should be noted that this was the first film for James Stewart after he came from WW2 who was a bomber pilot, a very traumatic experience for him and did not want to return to making films but did so reluctantly to make this. He was still suffering from PTSD, and may have been suicidal as well. But that is debated.
WOAH. That scene in his daughters bed was REAL. You know kids have to like being around you to actually want to be and you can see who either hates or loves the kids. In that scene he shows his cars and softness with her and it seems so real with the zen the kid is in by not thinking of anything much but just being her kid self dreaming and just infatuated with the flower @5:10 she is staring at it! Look at the eyes just admiring the flower you’ll see what I mean. George is so worried about his daughter and the energy in this whole incident is heart warming because it was real! It was from the heart!
I really felt his pain. Losing your money, facing jail time and dealing with 4 nagging kids, I would have a mental breakdown too. But, it's better to just go outside or go upstairs to your room and throw a fit there. Don't trip out in front of the kids.
Yep. Just because you're in a bad mood, doesn't mean you have to take your frustration out on everyone else. Tell your family about how you're feeling and that your upset about something that made you upset, instead of taking your frustration out on _them._
Wowww! This scene you learn so many lessons. He cares but is bottled up with experiences yet to be talked about and things on his mind yet to share his feelings to. at least that’s what he thinks because everyone still loves him but he is so down on himself and in such a negative state of mind he doesn’t see the good anymore
Yes and this was the first movie role Jimmy Stewart had after returning from service as a bomber pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. Stewart flew over 20 combat missions over Germany and was one of his unit's most highly-decorated officer's. He saw a lot, too. On one mission alone, they lost 130 men, most of whom Stewart knew personally. Very understandably, all the death affected and pressure affected him badly and Stewart suffered greatly with PTSD. Why Stewart's wartime service and PTSD are relevant to this scene is that he wasn't really acting. His bottled up fears, frustrations and sadness at the loss of so many friends during his time at war all came to bear in this performance and are the reasons Stewart's able to explode with bitterness so realistically.
He’s so mad 😂. This movie is hilarious and complex and sweet at the same time. George and Mary are so good to each other too. Mary is so patient and George apologizes right after the outburst despite how stressed and scared he is.
It's so funny how I've watched this movie since being a little girl in the late 70's, & probably 100,000 times, now, that I see things that I didn't lock in on until now. I've been obsessing over that rollaway stove of Mary's, and really love the look of it. I would love to have one. Probably would pay a pretty penny for an antique like that. 💰 🤑
Coming home from work, worrying about money and not wanting to tell me wife. Greeted by my kids, trying to seem like everything is fine. I can relate to this scene
Keep in mind though. Just because you're frustrated, doesn't mean you should treat everyone else around you frustrated too. It would be a lot wiser to ask and have your family all sit down and have a talk about how you're feeling and how you should handle a situation that is truly making you upset about.
You need to tell her. WTF IS THE WORDS "THROUGH SICKNESS AND HEALTH" FOR IF YOU DO NOT HONOR IT. She is your wife. She has every right to know, to help solve it. Two heads are better than one
This scene kind of hits me hard as someone who has anger issues and does the same thing George did in this scene. No joke I cry every time watching this scene.
@5:46 George taking his anger out literally! On a woman he doesn’t even know! Just thinking of something he’s mad about and just putting it all out there on here making her the problem or the dumpster or negativity
Jimmy man... watching this, I can't shake out the thought that he's just letting the stuff he got from WW2 out on the silver screen for all the world to see.
As a man(or someone playing the pillar role in their family) there are 4 pivotal moments in this scene The 1st being him break down in front of his kid, as that pillar or man role, we are taught to have strength and optimism when no one else can. The 2nd being when the banister breaks. Anyone in this role can understand how something so little can make the pot boil 3rd is yelling at his children when the anger and opposition to all that is good seems insurmountable 4th when his children ask if they should pray for him. The whole family immediately understands the unconditional love and support they need to show when the pillar is at its breaking point If you’ve never watched will smiths moment on fresh prince when his biological Dad leaves, watch it. These are the two moments other than the end of “End of Watch” that will always have me bawling
That’s the last time tho he lets uncle billy handle any sort of financial business with the bank. I know he means well, but I would never let someone that forgetful be in charge of so much money
This scene always makes feel so sorrowful for older people who make mistakes and then give the impression that they can't be trusted to do anything right ever again...
@@alanhumphrey4198 I understand that. But if someone from the office had just gone with him, none of this would’ve happened. But then again I guess we wouldn’t have such a good movie ending huh
