Part 1 of this two part series----> click on link http://bit.ly/vBL3aZ
Below is Part 2
Now, concerning the film "It's A Wonderful Life" something just this year caught my attention. The basic story line was concerning one, George Bailey taking over his father's "Building And Loan" which specialized in providing mortgages for those of questionable means. Bailey's gracious character is contrasted with a measly, penny pinching banker, one Mr Potter, who's intent was to overlord and totally monopolise the town. Most fascinating was that on May 26, 1947 the American FBI, declared that "It's a Wonderful Life" was an obvious attempt to discredit bankers, a propaganda trick used by communists. Wouldn't you have to wonder what people today would think about that? Watching, as I say, the film this latest time I really came to the conclusion that "It's A Wonderful Life" perhaps indeed could be considered...the most wonderful film ever made. 
Yes, I fully appreciate there are many different and various genres and it could be said no one particular thing is everyone's cup of tea. When one considers however the basics of what makes life enjoyable and worthwhile the "It's A Wonderful Life" most certainly does touch on all the bases---self sacrifice, being kind and gracious, and doing things together for the common good---all the ingrediants one would hope to see in a good and caring society. It's a film as well which inspires one to ever seek to look at the bigger picture in life. One can see George Bailey learn such a wonderful valuable lesson that no matter how big a problem which seeks to envelop our lives...there may indeed be things one should consider to keep things in proper perspective.
On my latest viewing this wonderful film, I picked up on something most ironic. The age old question has always been can money buy happiness. The standard answer is no. If one considers all aspects of the story however it should be noted the "Building And Loan" was all about giving people a sense of security and happiness by granting them the means to purchase a home. Any way one looks at it---that required money, so can money buy happiness? And what was the thing that actually brought the solution to George's main dilemma in the end? Wasn't it community giving, pooling resources and using money as a tool in solving the problem?
I'm sure we can safely conclude therefore that financial capability does connect to a certain aspect in making people "happy". Perhaps we could consider "happiness" likened to a structure of a building. One needs various pillars in holding it. Money is merely one such pillar but it takes more than one to hold it up. A person could have all the money in the world but if they've trouble in their homes, strife and turmoil between relatives and friends---or if a physician has relayed to one a not so good report---well what good is money to buy happiness then? Now concluding I'd have to say there's one thing I'm not too happy about. I happen to notice "It's A Wonderful Life" in 1946 was nominated for five Oscars but didn't win one. However the American Film Institute has it as one of the 100 best films ever made and have it as number one on it's list as the most inspirational films of all time! What else could be said except, "That's Wonderful!" And may you all my readers have, A Very Wonderful and Happy New Year!!!!
I had to come back and read part 2. I also have to admit I love old movies like this one, although I know some people who consider them cheesy, and yes they tend to overact at times, but still I love the oldies. It's fun to go back to that time period.
ReplyDeleteFor sure Cindy, every time period is unique and has had its own fads and innovatons they viewed as impressive. One wonders what future generations will think of our films today. Ha, will they even have DVD machines to play them? I'm sure there'll be an old one kicking around somewhere, or formatted a different way. ;)
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