IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
SUBJECTS — U.S./1913 - 1945;
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING — Male Role Model; Suicide; Breaking Out;
MORAL-ETHICAL EMPHASIS — Responsibility; Citizenship.
Age: 10+; Not Rated (but suitable for all ages); Drama; 1946; 130 minutes; B & W; Available from Amazon.com. (There is a colorized version which has been heavily criticized. We don't recommend it.)
Description: Set in upstate New York during the first half of the 20th century, "It's a Wonderful Life" tells the story of a young man who wanted to travel, have adventures, go to college, and be an architect in a big city. But George Bailey's responsibilities to his family and to his community kept him from leaving the small town where he grew up. He held down a responsible job, raised a family, treated people decently, and helped out whenever he could. One tumultuous Christmas Eve, Bailey is shown how much he has meant to those around him and that happiness can be found in family, friends and fulfilling responsibility, right in your own home town.
This charming Hollywood classic is almost as fresh today as when it was released in 1946. Many think it's a better Christmas story than A Christmas Carol. Many say it's one of the greatest films ever made. If they're wrong, they're not off by much. The movie is suitable for viewing at any time of the year.
Benefits of the Movie: "It's a Wonderful Life" teaches that everyone can make a difference by living a responsible, caring life. In addition, it presents the counterargument to the contention that young people should follow their own star, leave the community in which they grew up, and go out into the world. In the view of this film, a wonderful life depends upon family, friends and having an honest job that contributes to the community. Finding the right balance between self-fulfillment and dedication to others is a major developmental task, indeed, it is a challenge for all age groups.
This movie contains valuable lessons for the 21st century, especially in these days of rampant corporate and business greed. Bailey, as head of the town's savings and loan association, keeps his own salary at a reasonable level. He makes sure that the S & L is operated for the benefit of its members and serves the interests of the community. He has a lifelong competition with the town's richest businessman who, despite his vast wealth, will do anything to make another buck.Description: Set in upstate New York during the first half of the 20th century, "It's a Wonderful Life" tells the story of a young man who wanted to travel, have adventures, go to college, and be an architect in a big city. But George Bailey's responsibilities to his family and to his community kept him from leaving the small town where he grew up. He held down a responsible job, raised a family, treated people decently, and helped out whenever he could. One tumultuous Christmas Eve, Bailey is shown how much he has meant to those around him and that happiness can be found in family, friends and fulfilling responsibility, right in your own home town.
This charming Hollywood classic is almost as fresh today as when it was released in 1946. Many think it's a better Christmas story than A Christmas Carol. Many say it's one of the greatest films ever made. If they're wrong, they're not off by much. The movie is suitable for viewing at any time of the year.
Benefits of the Movie: "It's a Wonderful Life" teaches that everyone can make a difference by living a responsible, caring life. In addition, it presents the counterargument to the contention that young people should follow their own star, leave the community in which they grew up, and go out into the world. In the view of this film, a wonderful life depends upon family, friends and having an honest job that contributes to the community. Finding the right balance between self-fulfillment and dedication to others is a major developmental task, indeed, it is a challenge for all age groups.
This movie contains valuable lessons for the 21st century, especially in these days of rampant corporate and business greed. Bailey, as head of the town's savings and loan association, keeps his own salary at a reasonable level. He makes sure that the S & L is operated for the benefit of its members and serves the interests of the community. He has a lifelong competition with the town's richest businessman who, despite his vast wealth, will do anything to make another buck.
SUBJECTS — U.S./1913 - 1945;
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING — Male Role Model; Suicide; Breaking Out;
MORAL-ETHICAL EMPHASIS — Responsibility; Citizenship.
Age: 10+; Not Rated (but suitable for all ages); Drama; 1946; 130 minutes; B & W; Available from Amazon.com. (There is a colorized version which has been heavily criticized. We don't recommend it.)
Description: Set in upstate New York during the first half of the 20th century, "It's a Wonderful Life" tells the story of a young man who wanted to travel, have adventures, go to college, and be an architect in a big city. But George Bailey's responsibilities to his family and to his community kept him from leaving the small town where he grew up. He held down a responsible job, raised a family, treated people decently, and helped out whenever he could. One tumultuous Christmas Eve, Bailey is shown how much he has meant to those around him and that happiness can be found in family, friends and fulfilling responsibility, right in your own home town.
This charming Hollywood classic is almost as fresh today as when it was released in 1946. Many think it's a better Christmas story than A Christmas Carol. Many say it's one of the greatest films ever made. If they're wrong, they're not off by much. The movie is suitable for viewing at any time of the year.
Benefits of the Movie: "It's a Wonderful Life" teaches that everyone can make a difference by living a responsible, caring life. In addition, it presents the counterargument to the contention that young people should follow their own star, leave the community in which they grew up, and go out into the world. In the view of this film, a wonderful life depends upon family, friends and having an honest job that contributes to the community. Finding the right balance between self-fulfillment and dedication to others is a major developmental task, indeed, it is a challenge for all age groups.
This movie contains valuable lessons for the 21st century, especially in these days of rampant corporate and business greed. Bailey, as head of the town's savings and loan association, keeps his own salary at a reasonable level. He makes sure that the S & L is operated for the benefit of its members and serves the interests of the community. He has a lifelong competition with the town's richest businessman who, despite his vast wealth, will do anything to make another buck.Description: Set in upstate New York during the first half of the 20th century, "It's a Wonderful Life" tells the story of a young man who wanted to travel, have adventures, go to college, and be an architect in a big city. But George Bailey's responsibilities to his family and to his community kept him from leaving the small town where he grew up. He held down a responsible job, raised a family, treated people decently, and helped out whenever he could. One tumultuous Christmas Eve, Bailey is shown how much he has meant to those around him and that happiness can be found in family, friends and fulfilling responsibility, right in your own home town.
This charming Hollywood classic is almost as fresh today as when it was released in 1946. Many think it's a better Christmas story than A Christmas Carol. Many say it's one of the greatest films ever made. If they're wrong, they're not off by much. The movie is suitable for viewing at any time of the year.
Benefits of the Movie: "It's a Wonderful Life" teaches that everyone can make a difference by living a responsible, caring life. In addition, it presents the counterargument to the contention that young people should follow their own star, leave the community in which they grew up, and go out into the world. In the view of this film, a wonderful life depends upon family, friends and having an honest job that contributes to the community. Finding the right balance between self-fulfillment and dedication to others is a major developmental task, indeed, it is a challenge for all age groups.
This movie contains valuable lessons for the 21st century, especially in these days of rampant corporate and business greed. Bailey, as head of the town's savings and loan association, keeps his own salary at a reasonable level. He makes sure that the S & L is operated for the benefit of its members and serves the interests of the community. He has a lifelong competition with the town's richest businessman who, despite his vast wealth, will do anything to make another buck.