Director
Frank Capra
Leading Actors/Actresses
James Stewart, Donna Reed
Supporting Actors/Actresses
Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers
Genre
Drama, Family
Language
English
Awards
Nominated for 5 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Director, Best Sound Recording, Best Film Editing
Date of Release
1946
Producer
Frank Capra
Setting and Context
The town of Bedford Falls 1919 through WWII
Narrator and Point of View
Point of view is that of the angels.
Tone and Mood
Dramatic, Comedic, Romantic
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist is George Bailey, Antagonist is Mr. Potter
Major Conflict
George Bailey is considering taking his life after Mr. Potter has stolen $8,000 from his company and George is under threat of arrest.
Climax
Clarence stops George from throwing his life away and the people of Bedford Falls pitch in to cover George's losses and keep his business open.
Foreshadowing
The angels tell Clarence that George is considering taking his life.
Understatement
Innovations in Filming or Lighting or Camera Techniques
Allusions
Allusions to Tom Sawyer, Judeo-Christian angels.
Paradox
Every time that George tries to leave Bedford Falls, he ends up needing to stay for some new reason. His dreams of exploration and travel are compromised time and time again.
Parallelism
The bridal suite scene parallels the first date for Mary and George, as it is the house they both made their wishes on.
