The only test of a great movie is time, and sometimes it takes time for its themes to become really apparent. Frank Capra’s tale of how the manager of a small savings-and-loan changed hundreds of lives and gave hope to a whole community was a box office disaster when released in 1946. It was only when the copyright accidentally expired in 1974 that TV stations with an eye for a free film brought it to new audiences, who loved its sense of hearth and home. But look past the snowdrifts and angels’ wings, and you’ll see a story of a working-class community coming together to fend off vulture capitalists to help their neighbors. Welcome to the revolution, George Bailey! – Richard Whittaker
