This is my favorite film of all time and I must watch it every December. I’ve seen it more than a dozen times. Nowadays I approach it with trepidation. There are at least five points in the story where I will weep: when George is beaten by Mr. Gower; when he learns his brother won’t take over the building and loan (with that incredible close-up of Jimmy Stewart); when George berates Uncle Billy for losing the money; when he tells Clarence, “I want to live again”; and when his brother declares him the richest man in town. – Brant Bingamon
