Among the most critically acclaimed films of all time, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life presents the story of George Bailey, a small-town man on the brink of financial ruin who is contemplating suicide. An angel named Clarence is sent from Heaven to save him and endeavors to do so by guiding George through a series of flashbacks to moments of good in George’s life, as well as by presenting a bleak set of alternative outcomes had George never existed. Though many view the film as an uplifting and inspirational family classic, others such as Wendell Jamieson and Gary Kamiya take less optimistic views about Pottersville and its screen inhabitants.

Key elements: alcoholism, father figures, suicide