Movie #25: It's a Wonderful Life. Or really, "no man is a failure who has friends."

Title: It's a Wonderful Life

Starring: James Stewart and Donna Reed

Directed by: Frank Capra

Number on the AFI List: 20

Year: 1946

Senior angel: "Clarence, a man down on earth needs our help."

Clarence: "Splendid, is he sick?"

Senior angel: "Worse. He's discouraged." 

It's a Wonderful Life melts my heart every time. The romance between George and Mary, the goodness of George Bailey and his defiance against Potter, the disappointment of George's broken dreams replaced with the realization of how many people love him...I can't get enough. 

From the time Mary as a child says "George, I'll love you until the day I die," to their first date with George declaring  "What is is you want, Mary? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down," to George's breakdown towards the end of the movie, the relationship between George and Mary is a prime example of loving your spouse through thick and thin. Mary is a solid support for George in the most difficult of circumstances, a constant encouragement and friend. I love how she saves the day when the bank is about to be foreclosed. She is a true heroine of self sacrifice in her own right. 

I'm sure George's broken dreams were all too real for the men and women in post-WWII America. If you had dreams before, they were probably shattered by the harsh realities of war. This movie is a beautiful picture of what's important in life; beyond wealth, dreams, and getting everything you want out of life, true contentment is found in being surrounded by those you love and standing up for what's right. Even though it kept him from pursuing his dreams of travel and college, George couldn't let Mr. Potter corrupt Bedford Falls. Of course, his self sacrifice pays off in the end when the entire town, even those out to foreclose his business, rally together to help him, and George finally realizes how much he is loved and appreciated. Even his brother, Harry, declares "Here's to my big brother George, the richest man in town!"As Clarence said in his note to George, "no man is a failure who has friends." Wealth and riches will all come to an end, but relationships and the impact you have on people will last forever.

Side note: I'm really sad that I will never have the chance to marry Jimmy Stewart! 

Favorite scene: Oh man. Either the walk home after the dance or the ending. 

Will I Watch it again: Probably twice before the year is over! 

Movie #24: Double Indemnity. Or really, double crossing at its finest.

Title: Double Indemnity

Starring: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson

Directed by: Billy Wilder

Number on the AFI list: 29

Year: 1944

I gotta say, Neff. You kinda set yourself up for this one. I mean, way to fall in love with a married woman just after meeting her (while she was in a towel, no less) and giving her every ounce of trust you have. That's always a smart move, especially when she wants to have her husband killed so she can get all of his insurance money. Oh, and then you sold him the insurance and created the plan to kill him yourself. Didn't you see the red flags?

I say that as if I'm blaming him, but I didn't see the red flags, either. That's what makes this movie so great. And what makes Barbara Stanwyck, who played Phyllis Dietrichson, a wonderful actress. I never saw the cards up her sleeve. She played the victim so well throughout the movie that I was just as shocked as Neff (played by Fred MacMurray) was when she double crossed him. This movie is a suspenseful film noir thriller with an excellent plot and cast.  There was never a dull moment, as each scene created more and more obstacles for Neff to overcome as he tried to hide the murder and get the girl. However, lies and manipulation will always lead to a downfall, which both main characters discover at the end of the film. The moral of the story: money is not worth an inevitable downfall, no matter how well you cover up your tracks. 

Favorite scene: The final scene between Neff and Phyllis. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't post a video. What great acting!

Will I watch it again: Yes!

Movie #23: Yankee Doodle Dandy. Or really, the legend of George M. Cohan

Title: Yankee Doodle Dandy

Starring: James Cagney and Joan Leslie

Directed by: Michael Curtiz

Number on the AFI List: 98

Year: 1942

Yankee Doodle Dandy is not only a wonderful film but a great theatre history lesson! I didn't know the details of George M. Cohan's life before this film, nor his contribution to the American theatre, but I did know his music. Now I know who wrote classics like The Yankee Doodle Boy and Give My Regards to Broadway. Along with his contributions to theatre, Cohan (played by James Cagney) played a major role in keeping up morale of US soldiers during WWI and WWII, primarily with his song Over There. This film is a great reminder of the importance of art and music, especially during war times. As President Roosevelt reminded Cohan at the end of the movie (*spoiler alert*), he is just as important to the American war effort as the soldiers on the field. 

Beyond the history lesson, the acting, singing, and dancing in this film were fantastic. From the vaudevillian act, The Four Cohans, at the beginning to the broadway shows (and of course James Cagney tap dancing down the stairs at the end), everything was spectacular and reminded me of my love for theatre and America. I only wish they made more movies like this today! 

Favorite moment: The finale. Especially Cagney tap dancing down the stairs and the end where he joins the soldiers singing! 

Will I Watch it again: Every 4th of July!