It’s A Wonderful Life . . . Or Is It?

Yeah, Another Blogger

My better half and I jointly watch an hour or more of television fare five or six evenings each week. Mostly we dial up series, with the occasional movie thrown into the mix. During the second half of December, however, we went movie-crazy, by our standards, what with five flicks passing before our eyes. In chronological order, they were: A Thousand And One; A Million Miles Away; Maestro; Rustin; It’s A Wonderful Life. All came out last year, excepting It’s A Wonderful Life, which, since its release in 1946, has ascended to an exalted status reached by few films. I’m now going to devote a few words to it and to A Thousand And One, as they, unlike the others on the list, seem to be in no hurry to fade from my mind. They made a strong impression on me and got me thinking.

I’d seen It’s A Wonderful Life once or twice before, but not in ages. Not blessed with the world’s finest memory, I might as well have been viewing it for the first time last month, so few of the scenes did I recall. Well, all I can say is, “Wow!” IAWL deserves its immense popularity and the high esteem millions of folks hold it in. This is a great movie, one that pulls at your heartstrings and does its darnedest to make you believe in the basic goodness of humankind. Hats off to that.

Frank Capra, also of Mr. Smith Goes To Washington and It Happened One Night fame, directed It’s A Wonderful Life. For those of you who haven’t seen the film, be aware that spoilers lie ahead. I’m confident they won’t lessen your enjoyment should you choose to view it.

IAWL tells the tale of George Bailey (played flawlessly by James Stewart), a generous, caring individual who discovers that his company, through no fault of his own, suddenly is on the verge of bankruptcy. Distraught, and finding no way to right the sinking ship, he decides to put an end to his earthly existence. The money his wife Mary (the superb Donna Reed) then would collect from his life insurance policy would keep her and their children sheltered and fed for a long while.

Moments before George is about to carry out his plan, a heavenly force — Clarence, a low-level guardian angel trying to earn his wings — intervenes. Clarence’s efforts, and those of Mary, save the day. George learns that his importance to his family and community is immeasurable, and that his many friends truly love him. Anyone whose heart is not encased in granite will find themselves tearing up at It’s A Wonderful Life’s happy ending, an ending that implies that never again will George allow despair to conquer him. George will be okay.

But will Terry, a main character in A Thousand And One, be okay? That’s a worrisome unknown in the powerhouse drama written and directed by A.V. Rockwell.

We first meet Terry (played by three actors, one for each time period the movie covers) in the mid-1990s. He’s six years old at that time, a foster-care child lonely for his absent mother Inez. Portrayed with swagger by Teyana Taylor, Inez is armed with eyes that don’t miss a thing.  She is barely into her twenties and always has lived on society’s edges. Inez re-enters Terry’s life after being released from prison, soon taking him, illegally, from his foster parents. For the next eleven years she tries as best she can to raise him. Ultimately, however, circumstances catch up with them big-time.

A Thousand And One pulls no punches. Set mostly in New York City’s Harlem section, it often is as gritty as a sandstorm. I’ve given away much of the ending of It’s A Wonderful Life. I won’t do the same with A Thousand And One, whose concluding scenes I didn’t see coming. Those scenes left me concerned, not for street-savvy Inez’s prospects, but for those of shy and gentle Terry. For the most part, I’ve led a stable and comfortable life. A Thousand And One has me counting my lucky stars.

What a world we live in. So much poverty and inequality. So much violence and emotional trauma. So much intolerance, indifference and deception. That’s the way things always have been. And, I believe, always will be. There also is beauty in our world, of course. And love and joy and kindness. It can’t be denied, though, that life is a very rocky road for multitudes of people. Too many Terrys, and other unfortunates, are out there. If only it were otherwise.

153 thoughts on “It’s A Wonderful Life . . . Or Is It?”

  1. johnlmalone's avatar johnlmalone January 9, 2024 / 12:27 am

    I saw one Xmas movie over the festive season, Neil, and it was a ripper ! I’m not sure if I’d ever seen it but I love the color and verve, the patter between the actors and o, how young and unblemished everyone looked ; AWonderful Life failed to move me; perhaps I’m getting a little churlish in my senior years but I love ‘Harvey’ —

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  2. johnlmalone's avatar johnlmalone January 9, 2024 / 12:28 am

    ooops in my enthusiasm I forgot to mention the name of the movie: ‘White Xmas’ with Danny and Bing 🙂

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  3. Lynette d'Arty-Cross's avatar Lynette d'Arty-Cross January 9, 2024 / 12:38 am

    I’ve seen IAWL several times and agree that it’s a terrific movie that celebrates humanity’s better qualities.
    I haven’t seen A Thousand and One, but I agree with your closing comments that there’s a lot of intolerance, indifference and deception. And yes, I don’t hold out much hope that this will change. My younger and much more optimistic self would be aghast, but having seen what I’ve seen, I’m much more jaded now.

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  4. George's avatar George January 9, 2024 / 12:56 am

    A Wonderful Life I’ve seen a thousand and one times (and never tire of) but A Thousand and One Times I’m yet to see. Will definitely put that right after reading your compelling review. Happy new year, Neil, and may it bring more great movies and music.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 9, 2024 / 11:39 am

      Greetings, George. A Thousand And One is on Netflix, in the USA anyway. I think you’ll like it. Take care, and all the best.

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  5. Suzanne's avatar Suzanne January 9, 2024 / 1:01 am

    I haven’t seen either movie. Will see if I can rectify that soon. Yes, I agree, unfortunately, that human nature will always be the same.

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  6. unionhomestead's avatar unionhomestead January 9, 2024 / 1:28 am

    Two movies from opposite ends of the spectrum, both ones I’ve not seen although, having said that, some of what you said of IAWL sounded familiar… Who knows ☺️ Life can be both wonderful and horrific. I used to think it was important for me to see both sides. Now I just focus on the good stuff… The other side will always be there, moulding away, sadly

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 9, 2024 / 11:47 am

      Hey there. Thanks for adding your thoughts. I pay attention to the bad things that go on in the world, but I try not to let them bring me down.

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  7. Geoff Stamper's avatar Geoff Stamper January 9, 2024 / 3:45 am

    I have seen It’s A Wonderful Life a few times. I will have to view A Thousand and One Times (which I have not seen) but I may have to re-watch IAWL again right after it.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 9, 2024 / 11:52 am

      Hi Geoff. I’m pretty sure that not everyone would interpret the end of A Thousand And One the way I did. Some folks might find a decent amount of hope there.

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  8. Paddy Tobin's avatar Paddy Tobin January 9, 2024 / 3:49 am

    I’ve seen none of these films but…

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 9, 2024 / 11:54 am

      Hi. The two I wrote about are good ones. I liked two of the others I also mentioned (A Million Miles Away; Rustin).

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  9. gabychops's avatar gabychops January 9, 2024 / 4:14 am

    Thank you, Neil, for the wonderful reviews! This Christmas I also watched a few films,
    despite normally watching just the news and nature documentaries daily.

    I love every word of your view of the unjust world, Neil and my own solution is to concentrate on putting right everywhere I can reach. While we cannot help everyone in the world, everyone can help someone.

    Joanna

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  10. swabby429's avatar swabby429 January 9, 2024 / 6:01 am

    I appreciate this film mostly because it presents an uplifting message without being mawkish about doing so.

    Liked by 2 people

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  11. Martie's avatar Martie January 9, 2024 / 6:43 am

    “ Every Time A Bell Rings, An Angel Gets His Wings.” Happy New Year.

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  14. Laurie Graves's avatar Laurie Graves January 9, 2024 / 7:46 am

    I have seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” and agree it’s a tear-jerker. Yes, life can be hard, but it seems to me there is a lot both individuals and governments can do to make it a little easier. I will say no more.

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  15. JOYCE HAMILTON's avatar JOYCE HAMILTON January 9, 2024 / 8:05 am

    I have seen Its a Wonderful Life many times…great movie! The other film l never saw. How did you like Maestro?

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 9, 2024 / 12:04 pm

      I think that Maestro is way too sketchy. It presumes that the viewer is already very, very familiar with Bernstein’s life.

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  16. Bitchy After 60's avatar Bitchy After 60 January 9, 2024 / 8:08 am

    The power of a good movie or two good movies in your case. They make an impression that lasts.

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  17. leggypeggy's avatar leggypeggy January 9, 2024 / 8:44 am

    Great introductions to both films. I’ve seen IAWL many times and agree with your review. Now to watch A Thousand and One.

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  18. Unknown's avatar Anonymous January 9, 2024 / 9:21 am

    Saw IAWL eons ago! Great movie but somehow my yearly go to holiday flick is White Christmas. I could not get through Maestro…maybe need to revisit it. Currently trying to get through massive tome by Simon Sebag Montefiore, “The World; A Family History of Humanity.” Since the beginning of time humans have been doing horrible things to each other. It’s stomach turning what happened on Oct. 7th for example but whoa….the brutality of ancient Egypt (say, 3500 B.C.) is shocking…mind-blowing. So yes, often… this whole human experience feels hopeless indeed that we’ll ever get to a world free of violence and destruction. In the end, I suppose it makes me try harder than ever to find joy and beauty every day in even the simplest things. Like taking a moment to read a blogpost as I sip my second cup of java 🙂 Happy New Year to you and yours.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 9, 2024 / 12:09 pm

      Hi. Is this Deb? — the comments were posted as being from Anonymous. In any case, I appreciate what you have to say. Here’s to good coffee and to a Happy New Year.

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      • CC's avatar CC January 9, 2024 / 2:11 pm

        Sorry Neil….was attempting to change stuff up. This is Cristina, tendegreesofbliss. Technology befuddles this ole gal!

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  19. mariezhuikov's avatar mariezhuikov January 9, 2024 / 9:29 am

    Thanks for the reviews! Lately, we’ve been watching Morning Show through Apple TV. It’s based on the Matt Lauer NBC morning show scandal. So good!!!

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 9, 2024 / 12:11 pm

      Hey, Marie. I hadn’t heard about that series. I’d like to see it, but we don’t have Apple TV.

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  20. J. Kelland Perry's avatar J. Kelland Perry January 9, 2024 / 9:45 am

    Husband and I watched “Archie” on Britbox, a four part series about Cary Grant’s life. Since then, we’re on a Cary Grant movie fest. Have you seen “Archie”?

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 9, 2024 / 12:12 pm

      Hi. We don’t have Britbox. On Turner Classic Movies, though, I recently saw an interview with his daughter, who is a producer of Archie.

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  21. shoreacres's avatar shoreacres January 9, 2024 / 10:06 am

    My family got our first television in 1953, and one of the first things I watched was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. That same year, we watched It’s a Wonderful Life for the first time, and I’ve watched it every year since: except for the times I was overseas and lacking television (or even electricity). My other holiday must-see is A Christmas Story, which is like watching my 1950s childhood.

    I’ve not heard of A Thousand and One, but your review is excellent. Thanks for introducing me to it.

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    • shoreacres's avatar shoreacres January 9, 2024 / 10:09 am

      By the way: I’ve meant to tell you that in Orleans, Massachusetts, there’s a ten-bell tower where change ringing is done. When I discovered that, I thought about your holidays there. Maybe you’ll get to hear it some day.

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      • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 9, 2024 / 12:20 pm

        Thanks. My wife and I stay in Orleans, about three miles from the church where this occurs. Maybe I’ve heard the bells, without realizing it.

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  24. Dave's avatar Dave January 9, 2024 / 10:43 am

    “It’s A Wonderful Life” begs the question “Christmas movie or not?”. I think not because the story simply concludes during the holiday season. With that in mind it could be watched any time of year, but we always save it for Christmas because – like “A Christmas Carol” – it conveys the spirit of the season as well as any movie we’ve ever seen.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 9, 2024 / 12:25 pm

      I think I might have mentioned this on one of your recent essays: Jimmy Stewart was in a lot of terrific movies. Rear Window, Vertigo, Harvey, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, The Philadelphia Story, and more. He had a storied career.

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  27. JT Twissel's avatar JT Twissel January 9, 2024 / 12:23 pm

    Having worked with kids in “the system” (foster care) I think I’ll pass on that second film. I love Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith goes to Washington but It’s a Wonderful Life was a bit too much for me.

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      • Unknown's avatar Anonymous January 9, 2024 / 2:17 pm

        Yes, he was very believable in that role!

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  28. June’s Journeys's avatar June’s Journeys January 9, 2024 / 12:29 pm

    I have watched Christmas movies on holiday season too. Love “It’s A Wonderful Life”😻. Now will watch “A Thousand and One”!

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  29. Monkey's Tale's avatar Monkey's Tale January 9, 2024 / 12:38 pm

    I watched It’s a Wonderful Life for the second or third time a couple of years ago and remember being so impressed by it. There was so much that I had forgotten or scenes that I remembered differently. I haven’t seen any of the other movies though, A Thousand to One sounds thought provoking.

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  30. Rosaliene Bacchus's avatar Rosaliene Bacchus January 9, 2024 / 2:39 pm

    I haven’t seen It’s A Wonderful Life in ages. Your comments make me want to watch it again. I haven’t seen A Thousand And One, but after closing the year-end reading the novel Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (USA, 2022), I’m in no state of mind to handle another story about poverty and inequality in America.

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  31. Michael Graeme's avatar Michael Graeme January 9, 2024 / 3:08 pm

    In my top ten all-time favourites, Neil. Probably know all the lines by heart. Wonderful

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      • Michael Graeme's avatar Michael Graeme January 10, 2024 / 5:52 am

        Oh, good question, Neil. As I often joke with my sons, there are more than ten films in my top ten, but of the (more than) ten that come to mind, and in no particular order:

        Sideways – 2005
        A Good Year – 2006
        The Phantom Thread – 2017
        Fitzcarraldo – 1982
        Hell Drivers – 1957
        Wonderful Life – 1946

        When I’m looking for a movie to watch, I usually avoid anything with a gun, a fast car or ladies with big boobies on the advertising blurb, all of which narrows the field considerably, but there are exceptions to the rule.

        Blade Runner – directors’s cut 1982
        The Matrix – 1999
        Heat – 1995
        The Unforgiven -1992
        Inception – 2010

        And having just seen the most recent Indiana Jones movie, I’d want to add that one to the top ten too.

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        • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 10, 2024 / 7:59 am

          Fitzcarraldo jumps out at me. What an amazing film. Herzog was faced with incredible obstacles while filming the movie. He is an astonishing individual.

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          • Michael Graeme's avatar Michael Graeme January 10, 2024 / 9:09 am

            Indeed, Neil. The story of making the film is even more epic than the film. I’ve yet to find anyone who’d watch it with me, but I’m glad you’re also a fan.

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  32. Helen Devries's avatar Helen Devries January 9, 2024 / 4:26 pm

    That’s a powerful end note….the little boy mentioned in my last blog is very much in mind.

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  33. ellie894's avatar ellie894 January 9, 2024 / 7:27 pm

    Thank you, for the thoughtful reviews of both movies. A Thousand and One sounds like a film that has the power to change the way you view the world and leaves you asking questions of the world and of yourself. Thank you and Happy New Year, Neil!

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  34. Unknown's avatar Anonymous January 9, 2024 / 9:30 pm

    I think the only way forward is to hang onto the messages of IAWL in order to confront the broader realities of life (I haven’t seen the other films, but can imagine.) Without the former, the latter can rip your heart out. That’s all the profundity I have for today. Now back to holding my breath for the next 11 months. Happy New Year to you & Sandy from the Left Coast

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  35. Misti's avatar Misti January 9, 2024 / 11:16 pm

    I re-watched IAWL a few years ago and it yes, it still holds up. I love watching in the original B&W.

    Didn’t like Maestro? I thought it interesting as I knew really nothing about him.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 10, 2024 / 7:54 am

      Hi Misti. I just didn’t connect with Maestro too much. It barely went into his creative process, and it didn’t explain lots of things very fully at all.

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  36. cincinnatibabyhead's avatar cincinnatibabyhead January 10, 2024 / 12:35 am

    WE just wont add to the madness fella. That’s our part. Maybe a little empathy thrown in and some other common sense stuff. Some good music on the side. Watched Cinema Paridiso (and a few others) over the holidays. A favorite for film loving CB.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 10, 2024 / 7:57 am

      Hey there, CB. I’m not the biggest Joan Baez fan around. But I saw a real good doc about her a few months ago. It goes into parts of her life that I think not too many people knew about. The doc came out last year.

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      • cincinnatibabyhead's avatar cincinnatibabyhead January 10, 2024 / 12:55 pm

        It’s amazing what a good doc film maker can do. A subject you think wouldnt interest you and bingo! I’ll send you my Gal’s Joanie records.

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  37. Moumita Sarkar's avatar Moumita Sarkar January 10, 2024 / 2:19 am

    Incredible reflections on timeless films! ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is a gem, and ‘A Thousand And One’ sounds deeply impactful. Thoughts on social issues are spot on.

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  38. Ann Coleman's avatar Ann Coleman January 10, 2024 / 3:07 pm

    I’ve seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” and agree that it’s quite good. (Although my personal favorite Christmas movie is National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation”, but that just goes to show I have a twisted sense of humor.) “A Thousand and One” sounds very good, I’ll have to see it. And yes, there are far too many people for whom life is just one long struggle….

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  39. annieasksyou's avatar annieasksyou January 10, 2024 / 4:42 pm

    Though it doesn’t feel this way, there are strong indicators that in many areas, life on this planet has become kinder. Nicholas Kristof wrote a piece in TNYT, published December 30, that was titled “This Was a Terrible Year, and Also Maybe the Best One Yet for Humanity.” Example: in 2023, only 3.6% of newborns worldwide died by the age of 5. This is historically the lowest figure ever. Seems counterintuitive, when we hear about so much suffering–and we’re worrying about the continued existence of our planet. But it’s progress…

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  40. Unknown's avatar Anonymous January 10, 2024 / 6:59 pm

    It’s a Wonderful Life is a classic at our house. It’s good for the soul to watch movies, it helps to disconnect and decompress during the busy holiday season.

    Happy New Year!

    Velva

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 10, 2024 / 8:19 pm

      Hi Velva. Right, we all need to be entertained. Life’s a lot less enjoyable otherwise. Many thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it.

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  41. Unknown's avatar Anonymous January 10, 2024 / 7:11 pm

    I’m a sucker for a schmaltzy movie. I’ll have to ready myself for a dose of reality with A Thousand and One.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 10, 2024 / 8:23 pm

      Hi there. Is this Jan? — the comments were posted as being from Anonymous. A Thousand And One for sure is the opposite of schmaltzy.

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  42. Unknown's avatar Anonymous January 11, 2024 / 12:33 pm

    I’ve seen IAWL and agree with your assessment, although it seems to me now that it portrays a better world long-gone and far away. C’est dommage!
    We watched KOTFM, which portrays the murders of the Osage people in the ’20s—proving, I guess, that the ‘good old days’ were not that for some people.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 11, 2024 / 1:05 pm

      Hi. Thanks for adding your thoughts. I’d like to see the Scorsese movie. By the way, I don’t know who I am replying to, because your comments were posted as being from Anonymous.

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  43. Ally Bean's avatar Ally Bean January 11, 2024 / 4:44 pm

    Two different movies to watch and compare. I’ve seen George Bailey learn he wants to live but I’ve not heard of the other more realistic movie. Life is tough, I know that, but I cannot always watch it being so on the screen, too intense for me.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 11, 2024 / 7:40 pm

      A Thousand And One has many intense moments, for sure. One of the other flicks I mentioned is less intense and real good: A Million Miles Away. It’s on Netflix.

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  44. endardoo's avatar endardoo January 12, 2024 / 5:24 am

    How reassuring to hear someone else talk about faulty memories, and seeing things you’ve seen before as if for the first time. The upside is, you can happily watch something again … we are loving revisiting the Sopranos after a number of years, and loving every minute

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  45. estricsek's avatar estricsek January 12, 2024 / 7:24 am

    Happy New Year Neil. I enjoyed your well written, and thought provoking piece. I like the contrast you draw between IAWL and A Thousand And One. I agree there are so many people living the lives Terry & Inez live. Thoughtful piece, nice work.

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  46. Bobbie Jean's avatar Bobbie Jean January 12, 2024 / 2:04 pm

    From the 80s on into the 20s I watched It’s a Wonderful Life each year because a friend and co-worker told me it was an American tradition. Before then my daughter and I had watched it at least twice.

    I stopped a few years ago because I realized it was traditional in SOME American families. It comes down to culture. No one in my huge family had ever watched it. Being honest with myself allowed me to say my life is good without it.

    You and Tamron Hall’s interview with the star have finally convinced me to watch “A Thousand and One.” Fingers crossed.

    Thanks.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 12, 2024 / 4:43 pm

      Hi, and thanks for dropping by. I bet you’ll enjoy A Thousand And One. It’s got a lot going for it.

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  47. kegarland's avatar kegarland January 12, 2024 / 5:34 pm

    I absolutely LOVED A Thousand and One, but anyone I recommended it to, did not, so I’m happy to see someone else liked it.

    Did you not like Rustin?

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 12, 2024 / 7:55 pm

      Hi. I liked Rustin a lot. I saw the actor who played Rustin (Colman Domingo) on the Colbert show last night. He was a good interviewee.

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  48. andrewcferguson's avatar andrewcferguson January 13, 2024 / 5:45 am

    Great reviews. I’ll keep an eye out for A Thousand and One. IAWL is my sister’s favourite movie of all time.

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  49. Jeff the Chef's avatar Jeff the Chef January 14, 2024 / 11:09 am

    I saw an interesting series recently: The Fall of the House of Usher. In it, the devil (or a demon or something … they never make it fully explicit) agrees with you that this is the way things will always be, but she makes it clear that this is because we, individually and collectively, choose for it to be this way. I completely agree with her.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 14, 2024 / 2:35 pm

      Well, I’m not sure about that. In any event, ours is a complicated and flawed species

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  50. rkrontheroad's avatar rkrontheroad January 14, 2024 / 11:55 am

    I’ll definitely look up Thousand and One, after your heartfelt review and commentary on the challenges of the lives of so many people. I’ve seen enough Christmas movies, and Wonderful Life, although wonderful, plenty of times. Interesting juxtaposition of those two films!

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