every time whenever I watch It's a Wonderful Life, that scene of the kid and Mr Gower is still a weird moment for both character. Mr Gower smacks George across the face then there's the thing with the accidental poisoning which sort of doesn't make sense.
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Different time.. My father told me his father would beat him as punishment. My mom used to whale on us with a wooden spoon. It's just what was thought to be the proper way to discipline the child. And really, we have far more bad kids today then in the old days, so make of that what you will. As for me, I gave my sons open handed ass-swats when they deserved it, but it was infrequent, maybe two or three in their early years, but it was for establishing a precedence. Mostly, they quaked at the sound of my angry voice LOL.
I actually find George using the word "stupid" to describe people he was angry with more uncomfortable, like Zuzu's teacher. The word stupid is awkward and a direct personal insult.
Both scenes are uncomfortable to watch but both men were having life-ending breakdowns pretty much.
shareThat scene is hard to watch, but Mr. Gower was drunk and depressed because he found out his child died from influenza. His mind wasn't all there. He felt horrible for what he did, and deep down was a good guy. He was just a mean drunk.
shareTrue, but the drama pays off at the end of the scene. The scene that's hardest for me to watch (I usually turn the other way) is when Uncle Billy is talking smack to Mr. Potter and gives him the money.
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Same - I can't watch that scene when Uncle Billy loses that money (especially while cockily tweaking old man Potter) almost ruining George financially and ending his life.
TBH, most of the movie up until Clarence shows up kind of bothers me. George spent his whole adult life never getting anything he wanted (although his family was certain a blessing). Although George ultimately had a great life, it was still sad that the dreams he had even as a child for travelling the world went unrealized.
It would be nice to think that after his kids were grown, George and Mary did get to travel the world.
George and Mary were still relatively young and so you have to think that at some point George finally got to see a few of the places he always wanted to see. Personally, I can appreciate the heart of the adventurer that beats in George and I can really sympathize with the growing frustration that occurs due to the constant thwarting of his best laid plans. I have experienced myself that feeling when you have thought to yourself, "Now let me just get this one last thing out of the way and then I'll be free. . ." And then some new obstacle is introduced.
That said, I can appreciate the film's message, which I boil down to essentially two things:
1. There is honor and joy in fulfilling one's selfless responsibilities, if only you have the right attitude about it.
2. Sometimes we need to stop and look around and take stock of the blessings we do have instead of being sorry for the things we don't have.
If a man can successfully incorporate these two things into his life, I have to think he will be happy indeed.
Well said.
Great post as always PMX
shareDonna Reid makes up for all of it. Lol!
I think George has a pretty good life. Look how bad others had it. At least George’s dad owned the building and loan. Some of those people had to live in Potter’s slums.
Oh, totally! And the scene with Uncle Billy crying, and then George going home and yelling at the kids.
shareMy question......why was he at work?
His son just died.
Go home and mourn.