Led by Capra's understanding hand, the actors all did a magnificent job. For this reason his films were always crowd pleasers and this film was the best of all in that regard. He is known for testing his characters with overwhelming adversity to make them struggle to triumph in a way that causes the world to change and the character to grow. He is always extremely optimistic about the human condition. His genius is bringing human stories to life in a ways that not only make a point, but that totally involve the audience in the lives of the characters. No matter how insignificant we feel we are, we are all inextricably linked to each other and play an important part in the fabric of one another's lives. The second message is that each life important. The message in this film is one of courage and sacrifice for the greater good as George Bailey, a man with big ideas about seeing the world, continually forsakes his own desires to do what is right for the town. Both he and Stewart have publicly stated that this is their favorite film. This is probably his greatest film in that regard. Frank Capra is a master of creating films with a message that reinforce strong values. We watch it every year and never tire of it. This film has become a Christmas tradition in my family. He shows George what things would have been like if he had never been born. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George, with the promise of earning his wings. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy.
But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr.
George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls.