Kindness goes a long way.The first scene of ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is set in heaven with the angels looking down on earth. Their focus is on one George Bailey. A young man with great promise for a bright future. The angels know that he will need help and decide that he is worthy of their intervention. George Bailey lives in a small town and, as a boy, has big dreams of leaving for good as soon as he grows up. He has big dreams and wants to go to college.  His father is a banker who runs a small loans office helping the people of the town keep their heads above water.  When his father dies suddenly George  is forced to take over the business to prevent the bigger banker, Mr.Potter, from taking a monopoly on the town and forcing people to default on their mortgages. George’s dreams of a college education are shelved.

So George marries his small town girl, builds up his small town business, provides affordable housing for the towns folk and even puts his brother through college.  As his family grows George is sucked in deeper and deeper.  The big bank tries to buy him out but George stands firm. Just when Bailey’s loans office starts to make a profit disaster strikes and the big banker gets the money. George has a breakdown and runs away from home. Clarissa, an angel second class trying to earn her wings comes to the rescue.  While standing on a bridge in the snow, contemplating suicide, George meets Clarissa, who puts him straight by showing him all the wonderful things that would never have been accomplished but for his existence.  George at last realises the value of his life and of his influence on those around him.

He has everything.  The love of his family, the loyalty of the towns people, who actually make a collection for George. In fact they manage to donate the equivalent sum to the amount that’s been stolen. They want to give because George is a giver.  When we give we receive and that is the true meaning of Christmas.

The Genesians have always been good at bringing old classics to life and this one, originally a Frank Capra film,  is poignant and meaningful. The company has given it their all. From the clever set evoking the country charm of  George’s home town of Bedford Falls to the soft moody lighting reflecting dreams and reality in heaven and on earth.  A sterling performance from Oliver MacFadyen who seems to have taken a few notes from Jimmy Stewart. A sensitive and heartfelt performance right the way through.  Amahlia Day as Mary Bailey is well cast as George’s kind understanding wife. Equally sensitive but also pretty resilient just like George. A match made in heaven. 

Have a wonderful Christmas

Give, give and give some more.

By Renee Dallow

Bourgeoise Reviews And Banter.