Classic Movies - Christmas Classics: It's A Wonderful Life

George Bailey (James Stewart) has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell) loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. 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. Thinking of his wife, Mary, (Donna Reed), their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) coming to earth to help George.

**Trivia Question for Today: For the scene in It's a Wonderful Life that required Donna Reed to throw a rock into the window of the Granville House, did she actually break the window herself?

Trivia Answer for Previous Post: Danny Kaye was a last-minute replacement for Phil Davis in White Christmas. Donald O'Connor was originally cast to play the part.

Classic Movies - Christmas Classics: Remember the Night

Just before Christmas, Lee Leander is caught shoplifting. It is her third offense. She is prosecuted by John Sargent. He gets the trial postponed because it is hard to get a conviction at Christmastime. But he feels sorry for her and arranges for her bail, and ends up taking her home to his mother for Christmas. Surrounded by a loving family (in stark contrast to Lee's own family background) they fall in love. This creates a new problem: how do they handle the upcoming trial?

**Trivia Question for Today: American Film Institute Catalog of Feature Films 1931-1940 claims that, except for Double Indemnity (1944), this was Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray's only joint screen appearance. Fact is, they also co-starred in two other movies together. What are the names of these two movies?

Trivia Answer for Previous Post: The Connecticut home used in Christmas in Connecticut was also used in Bringing Up Baby (1938) starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.