Elizabeth Scalia writes in onIt’s a Wonderful Life, the classic Christmas film about a discontented man who learns to be truly thankful for his life in an Twilight Zone type experience where he sees what the world is like without him.
George Bailey, who is a very good man living by what our post-Christian era might consider “quaint” morals, is deeply distressed. He loves much. He hates, too. Where there is great goodness, there is always equal potential for badness and mayhem, and it is a testament to James Stewart’s talent, and Frank Capra’s direction, that we barely notice Bailey’s flaws for all his good points. The truth is, though, that Bailey’s flaws are what define him; they challenge him, constantly, to transcend his own instincts. Subconsciously, I think we see the man in full — good and bad, light and dark — and recognize ourselves in him.
Scalia, as always, gives us something to deeply consider. The Catch on the other hand would like you to give us the first thing that pops into your mind!
It would be impossible for us to put ALL of the Christmas movies in a poll. If we forgot anything and it’s bugging you, feel free to leave your favorite in comments!
And today we celebrate...