I owe everything to George Bailey.
Help my son George tonight.
that's why he's in trouble.
have to send someone down immediately.
That's why I came to see you, sir.
It's that clock-maker's turn again.
You sent for me, sir?
What's that book you've got there?
Oh, thank you, sir. Thank you.
Where? I don't see a thing.
group of young boys on top of a snow-covered hill.
Why, yes. This is amazing.
onto the ice of a frozen river at the bottom of the hill.
That's your problem, George Bailey.
have to remember later on.
George Bailey at bottom of slide.
On top of hill, preparing to make his slide.
Come on, Harry! Attaboy, Harry!
Make a chain, gang! A chain!
The other boys lie flat on the ice, forming a human chain.
pull them both to safety.
The boys watching the carriage.
Who's that � a king?
and meanest man in the county.
Wish I had a million dollars.
He clicks the lighter and the flame springs up.
his apron from behind the fountain.
It's me, Mr. Gower. George Bailey.
Mr. Gower, the druggist, peering from a window in back room.
We see him take a drink from a bottle.
George behind soda fountain. He is putting on his apron.
age, but she is infinitely older in her approach to people.
Two cents worth of shoelaces?
George goes over to the candy counter.
shoelaces. Violet gives him the money.
sticks out her tongue as she passes.
Made up your mind yet?
George puts some chocolate ice cream in a dish.
He pulls a magazine from his pocket and shows it to her.
A new magazine! I never saw it before.
ear toward her. She leans over, speaking softly.
Is this the ear you can't hear on?
four wives. Wait and see.
He turns back to the cash register, whistling.
Taking in entrance to prescription room at end of fountain.
is evident he has been drinking.
You're not paid to be a canary.
from you. EDWARD MELLINGTON Pres. HAMMERTON COLLEGE."
Gower, drunk, is intent on putting some capsules into a box.
Anything I can do back here?
Capsules spilling on floor at their feet.
his mouth and sits in an old Morris chair in the background.
Take these capsules over to Mrs.
Blaine's. She's waiting for them.
say. His eyes go, harassed, to the bottle labeled poison.
to him, the box in his hand.
Is it a charge, sir?
street. Mary follows him with her eyes.
at the entrance. Suddenly he runs up the stairs.
enter his father's office, uncle Billy grabs him by the arm.
Got to see Pop, Uncle Billy.
shapin' up into a storm.
things he has to do.
Uncle Billy looking at his hand.
him yesterday. Switch it inside.
had been in process for some time.
I'm not crying, Mr. Potter.
Goon pushes his wheelchair closer to the desk.
these people are out of work.
to spend all the money you've got.
father. He comes around in front of the desk.
He pushes George toward the door.
shoulder. The goon puts out a restraining hand.
Gives you an idea of the Baileys.
George and his father at the door.
Bailey closes the door on George and turns back to Potter.
George stands outside the door with the capsules in his hand.
Gower talking on the telephone. George stands in the doorway.
He hangs up the phone and turns to George.
Where's Mrs. Blaine's box of capsules?
hands. George tries to protect himself as best he can.
You're hurting my sore ear.
hears George being slapped, she winces.
those capsules. I know you're unhappy.
capsules. It wasn't your fault, Mr.
look at George again. The boy is whimpering, hurt, frightened.
Don't hurt my sore ear again.
Don't hurt my ear again!
Mr. Gower, I won't ever tell anyone.
the proprietor of the store � he is showing a suitcase.
to a CLOSEUP by now.
What did you stop it for?
ears slapped back by the druggist.
tell anyone about the pills?
The arrested CLOSEUP of George springs to life again.
He brings a large suitcase up from under the counter.
sunk. How much does this cost?
as if you said no charge.
What's my name doing on it?
A little present from old man Gower.
Came down and picked it out himself.
What boat you sailing on?
I'm working across on a cattle boat.
local small fry. There are now three kids jerking sodas.
Gower is a different man now � sober, shaven and good-humored.
lights up when he sees George.
George suddenly sees the old cigar lighter on the counter.
He closes his eyes and makes a wish.
As he snaps the lighter the flame springs up.
George shakes Gower's hand vigorously and exits.
window of the Building and Loan offices.
Hey, George, your suitcase is leaking.
and Bert the motor cop, parked alongside.
about driving me home in style?
The three men by the cab, but including Violet.
Hello, Violet. Hey, you look good.
That's some dress you got on there.
it when I don't care how I look.
CAMERA PANS WITH HER AS VIOLET SWINGS ON DOWN THE SIDEWALK.
the top of the cab.
that pulls up with screeching brakes.
Ernie sticks his head out form the driver's seat.
see what the wife's doing.
pounds on the ceiling with a broom.
Harry'll tear his dinner suit. George!
Mrs. Bailey is calling up the stairs.
wouldn't be any... Oh, never mind.
She goes up the stairs. Pop is smiling and poking his plate.
deposit her gracefully into Pop's lap.
Here's a present for you, Pop.
with all the wrath she can muster on the two boys.
dressing for your graduation party?
I don't care. It's George's tux.
As he pushes her through the kitchen door, he slaps her fanny.
and his mother sit down at the table.
at the old Bailey boarding house.
Oh, my lands, my blood pressure!
Harry, as he sticks his head through the kitchen door.
She follows Harry into the kitchen, leaving Pop and George.
Oh, let him have the plates, Mother.
similarity and a great understanding between them.
Hope you have a good trip, George.
I'm going to miss you, too, Pop.
What's the matter? You look tired.
that has anything that he can't have.
Hates us mostly, I guess.
head. CAMERA PANS WITH them as they cross.
Gangway! Gangway! So long, Pop.
get your tie and studs together.
Aw, Pop, just a little.
No, son, not one drop.
George and Pop at the table. Annie comes in with some dishes.
He's pretty young for that job.
Well, no younger than I was.
Maybe you were born older, George.
all that stuff I was talking about.
Annie comes in again from the kitchen.
Building and Loan, would you?
Annie stops serving to hear his answer.
Annie, why don't you draw up a chair?
She gives George a look, and goes on out into the kitchen.
Bailey smiles and turns to George.
I know it's soon to talk about it.
my life in a shabby little office.
He stops, realizing that he has hurt his father.
something big and something important.
friends have already finished college.
Yes... Yes... You're right, son.
You see what I mean, don't you, Pop?
Oh, did you hear that, Annie?
Annie listening through glass in door.
George and his father at the table.
Have a good time, son.
his way through the dancing couples toward a supper table.
He and Harry are carrying plates and pies.
at them, feeling very grown up and out of place.
going to put him through college.
his ears as he talks.
Here comes George. Hello, hee-haw!
George swings around, delighted to hear a familiar voice.
Oh, oh. Sam Wainwright! How are you?
give the kids a treat.
Old college graduate now, huh?
Sam sees Harry and leaves George in the middle of a gesture.
Harry! You're the guy I want to see.
Coach has heard all about you.
Well, I gotta make some dough first.
down old guys like this one.
An elderly, fussy school principal comes over to George.
Hello, Mr. Partridge, how are you?
Violet Bick comes into the scene and turns to face George.
She is waving her dance program at him.
Hello, what am I bid?
Do me a favor, will you, George?
Dance with her, will you?
enough already, with all these kids.
her the thrill of her life.
He stops suddenly as he sees Mary, staring at her.
...that race would have been a cinch.
Still staring at George, and smiling.
Mary and Freddie. Marty comes into scene, followed by George.
You remember George? This is Mary.
Well, I'll be seeing you.
Hey, this is my dance!
Following George and Mary as they dance.
Mary Hatch. That wasn't you.
A WHISTLE is heard offscreen, and the MUSIC stops.
Harry on the orchestra platform, whistle in hand.
Okay � what can we lose?
various couples doing their routines, some good, some bad.
What's the matter, Othello � jealous?
half sliding under the bleacher seats. Pandemonium starts.
so busy dancing they don't notice the floor opening.
They're cheering us. We must be good.
fall into the pool below.
clasps his hands like a diver and leaps in himself.
tonight. Can't you come out tonight.
dance by the light of the moon.
Hot dog! Just like an organ.
CAMERA MOVES WITH them as they proceed down the street.
get this stuff we're wearing here.
Do I look as funny as you do?
Well, why don't you say it?
I don't know. Maybe I will say it.
Too young or too old?
older without your clothes on.
A pox upon me for a clumsy lout.
He picks up the belt and throws it over her arm.
Your... your caboose, my lady.
You may kiss my hand.
Holding her hand, George moves in closer to Mary.
George looks after her; then picks up a rock from the street.
Oh, no, don't. I love that old house.
once was no doubt resplendent.
I wouldn't live in it as a ghost.
on the porch. He looks up as he hears the breaking glass.
Greece, the Parthenon, the Colosseum.
and then I'm going to build things.
stoops down and picks up a rock, weighting it in her hand.
Are you gonna throw a rock?
we hear the SOUND of breaking glass.
Man on the porch of house, listening to George and Mary.
They have stopped walking and now face one another.
If I told you it might not come true.
Full moon shining through the trees.
I'll take it. And then what?
of talking her to death?
Want me to kiss her, huh?
house, slamming the front door.
Okay, I give up. Where are you?
We see Mary's face peering out from the leaves.
Over here in the hydrangea bushes.
George walks toward the bush.
is a very interesting situation.
Please give me my robe.
situation like this every day.
I'd like to have my robe.
Not in Bedford Falls, anyway.
George Bailey! Give me my robe!
make a deal with you, Mary.
George! George! Come on home, quick!
Your father's had a stroke!
Come on, George, let's hurry.
Did you get a doctor?
from the bush and follows the car with her eyes.
There are about twelve directors seated around a long table.
They are the substantial citizens of Bedford Falls: Dr.
salesman, etc. Prominently seated among them is Henry F.
there are individual reports for them to study.
I have a taxi waiting downstairs.
to our dear friend, Peter Bailey.
Wait just a minute now.
liabilities over to the receiver.
chloroforming the Building and Loan.
Peter Bailey died three months ago.
I second Mr. Potter's motion.
two executive officers to withdraw.
start to collect their papers and leave the table.
sorrow at the passing of Peter Bailey.
are responsible for this organization.
Everyone looks at him surprised.
drove him to his grave.
Peter Bailey was not a business man.
common sense can ruin this town.
Well, I handled that, Mr. Potter.
incensed by what Potter is saying about his father.
get out of your slums, Mr. Potter.
Here, you're all businessmen here.
Doesn't it make them better citizens?
Doesn't it make them better customers?
much richer man than you'll ever be!
talking about the Building and Loan.
come without crawling to Potter.
George leaves the room, followed by the jubilant Uncle Billy.
Potter's face is grim with hatred. The "frustrated old man"
remark was gall in his veins.
You should have heard him.
Here it is, "Help Wanted � Female."
Ernie is in the doorway.
Yeah, I'll be right down.
I wonder what's going on in there?
want to miss college too, do you?
Dr. Campbell comes running out, all excited.
down! They want to keep it going!
Cousin Eustace, Cousin Tilly and Uncle Billy cheer wildly.
Dr. Campbell and George shake hands.
secretary to take his father's place.
You can keep him on. That's all right.
Billy here, he's your man.
I know. I know. He didn't go.
Yes, but what happened to George?
peanuts as George paces up and down in front of him.
for somebody that likes to travel.
The WHISTLE of the approaching train is heard.
professor, Phi Beta Kappa Bailey!
Oh, am I glad to see you.
She's home cooking the fatted calf.
Oh, wait. Wait... Wait a minute.
Ruth Dakin Bailey, if you don't mind.
George and Uncle Billy stare, astounded.
Well, I wired you I had a surprise.
Here she is. Meet the wife.
George is thunderstruck. He takes Ruth's hand.
Well, what do you know � wife.
Well, how do you do. Congratulations.
Congratulations. What am I doing?
He kisses Ruth. CAMERA MOVES WITH them down the platform.
Harry, why didn't you tell somebody?
continue out of shot. Harry stops with George.
the bags. I'll be right back.
He runs out of the shot, George watching him.
new Mrs. Bailey, my nephew's wife.
Old, old friend of the family.
Ruth, this... what about this job?
leaving George and Uncle Billy on the porch.
The latter is tipsy. He feels very high.
think I will. What did you say, huh?
Oh, maybe I'd better go home.
He looks around for his hat, which is on his head.
around and heads him down the street.
the sweetest flower that grows... "
folders from his pocket, looks at them and throws them away.
He is obviously disturbed about the latest turn of events.
His mother comes out of the house and kisses him.
phonograph, and can be seen through the front door.
Keep him out of Bedford Falls, anyway.
Came back three days ago.
you shouldn't call on Mary?
Yes. Sam's crazy about Mary.
Well, she's not crazy about him.
Well then, how do you know?
And all's fair in love and war?
I don't know about war.
They kiss. Mrs. Bailey puts George's hat on his head.
around, fellows, just in case, huh?
We'll wait for you, baby.
CAMERA PANS WITH Violet as she crosses the street to George.
continues on down the street with him.
They stop walking and face one another.
Her eyes are seductive and guileful as she looks up at him.
Yes... what are you doing tonight?
ten miles up to Mt. Bedford.
What are you doing, picketing?
George stops, startled, and looks up.
over to pay me a visit.
George looks surprised at this.
But Mary has disappeared from the window.
Mary is running down the stairs.
into the parlor and puts a sketch on an easel.
stands there waiting for George.
open and starts slowly up the path toward Mary.
Mary and George are in the entrance hall.
Where'd you get that dress?
and the rest of them.
They go through the doorway into the parlor.
No, I don't want to be rude.
and she tries desperately to keep the conversation alive.
"And dance by the light..."
He looks at his watch, as though about to leave.
Oh... yeah, yeah. That's all right.
you're not enthusiastic about, huh?
and Marty, and Sam and you.
George and Mary seated on the divan.
Who's down there with you?
George Bailey? What's he want?
and don't you leave the house, either.
the answers. You tell me.
Oh, why don't you go home?
why I came here in the first place!
Mary! Mary! The telephone! It's Sam!
Mary comes into the hall.
Hee-haw! Hello, Sam, how are you?
George has stopped, hat in hand, to hear the first greetings.
There's an old friend of yours here.
You mean old moss-back George?
Wait a minute. I'll call him.
He does so. He asked for him.
She hands the instrument to George.
nearby, with highballs in their hands.
to do? Steal my girl?
steal your girl. Here... here's Mary.
Mary to get on the extension.
Here. You take it. You tell him.
on which she has been listening.
We can both hear. Come here.
Well, Dad's snapped up the idea.
of Rochester. How do you like that?
of her, close to him.
father he can get that for a song.
And all the labor he wants, too.
Money? Yeah... well, a little.
hear? The chance of a lifetime.
He says it's the chance of a lifetime.
other find themselves in tearful ecstasy.
CAMERA PULLS BACK, and we hear the SOUND of the Wedding March.
People are crowded into the rooms: family, friends, neighbors.
Mrs. Bailey and Annie, the maid.
just two old maids now.
You speak for yourself, Mrs. B.
George and Mary are in each other's arms.
done up in gift wrappings.
Oh, look at this. Champagne!
on this here now honeymoon?
I feel like a bootlegger's wife.
You know what we're going to do?
That does it! Then what?
That does it � come here.
around the door. He stops the cab.
down. Several people come running past the cab.
the bank, you better hurry.
George, let's not stop. Let's go!
George gets out of the cab and looks down the street.
Please, let's not stop, George.
I'll be back in a minute, Mary.
George runs off up the street, toward the Building and Loan.
rights. In their hearts there is panic and fear.
here, can't you get in?
into the outer offices of the Building and Loan.
a drink from a bottle. He motions to George to join him.
What is this, Uncle Billy? A holiday?
George vaults over the counter.
Now look, why don't you all sit down.
There are a lot of seats over there.
Just make yourselves at home.
George, can I see you a minute?
I just did, but they said you left.
The whole town's gone crazy.
The telephone rings. Uncle Billy picks it up.
Yes, hello? George... it's Potter.
Potter seated behind his desk, his goon alongside him.
right? Do you need any police?
up for a week, and then reopen.
He just took over the bank.
P.M. you will never reopen.
...you can take this one off now.
An ominous SOUND of angry voices comes from the other room.
George and Uncle Billy exit from George's office.
isn't as black as it appears.
below. The crowd turn to the windows, then back to George.
I have some news for you, folks.
But, George, I got my money here.
Did he guarantee this place?
him. We don't need Potter over here.
Mary and Ernie have come into the room during this scene.
pay it back to you as best they can.
Okay, Tom. All right. Here you are.
when you bought your shares.
comes in and makes his way up to Tom.
Tom... Tom, did you get your money?
Fifty cents on the dollar!
Well, what do you say?
Are you going to go to Potter's?
Better to get half than nothing.
stores. And now he's after us. Why?
the kind of rent he decides.
didn't you? Well, have you forgotten?
you for that broken-down shack?
have let you keep it?
here? Don't you see what's happening?
Potter isn't selling. Potter's buying!
got to have faith in each other.
a year, and I need money.
I got doctor bills to pay.
Can't feed my kids on faith.
During this scene Mary has come up behind the counter.
George jumps over the counter and takes the money from Mary.
Hey! I got two thousand dollars!
tide us over until the bank reopen.
All right, Tom, how much do you need?
Two hundred and forty-two dollars!
over till the bank reopens.
Mary turns and slips out through the crowd, followed by Ernie.
and speaks to Ed, the next in line.
the bank reopens? What do you need?
Well, I suppose twenty dollars.
Twenty dollars. Now you're talking.
But it's your own money, George.
And I'll sign a paper.
have it. You got fifty cents?
We're going to make it, George.
They'll never close us up today!
the counter to join the others.
... look, we're still in business!
We've still got two bucks left!
Uncle Billy is taking a drink out of his bottle.
We're a couple of financial wizards.
We'll save them for seed. A toast!
I wish they were rabbits.
two dollars in the safe.
Ernie's still here with his taxicab?
George rushes into his office to look out the window.
George, there's a call for you.
Mrs. Bailey is on the phone.
wife! Here, I'll take it in here.
sorry... What? Come home? What home?
shines out from bottom windows. George hurries into scene.
Bert and man working in rain, sorting through travel posters.
and the company won't like this.
Sure I have, but I got rid of it.
A sharp whistle is heard.
Ernie is leaning from the window.
Hey, Bert, here he comes.
What are they � ducks?
Get that ladder up here.
All right � all right.
Hurry up... hurry up... hurry up.
the curtain covering the broken glass of the front door.
Ernie opens the door, revealing himself as a homemade butler.
on an old coachman's hat. George enters.
near the fireplace looking as pretty as any bride ever looked.
over the back of which is a pair of pajamas and a nightie.
Ernie exits and closes the door.
They finish their song, and Ernie kisses Bert on the forehead.
Bert slams Ernie's hat on his head.
Martini, you rented a new house?
You hear what he say, Mr. Bailey?
I own the house. Me, Giuseppe Martini.
like pigs in thisa Potter's Field.
I'll bring the kids in the car.
Oh, thank you, Mr. Bailey.
All right, kids � here � get in here.
Now get right up on the seat there.
Get the... get the goat!
The family goat gets in the back seat with the three kids.
pleasant little middle class section.
Martinis lined up before them.
Mr. and Mrs. Martini, welcome home.
sophisticated-looking lady, dripping with furs and jewels.
Sam is watching George across the street.
pointing to maps spread out on the desk.
Oh, tell the congressman to wait.
Well, you are not me.
As I say, it's no skin off my nose.
He flips the switch on the dictaphone.
the latter's car. Hs wife, Jane, is now out of the car.
drive down with us, huh?
plastics, and he turned me down cold.
Oh, now, don't rub it in.
Awfully glad to have met you, Mary.
slowly walk over to George's old car and look at it silently.
Potter is lighting a big cigar which he has just given George.
The goon is beside Potter's chair, as usual.
Thank you, sir. Quite a cigar, Mr.
You like it? I'll send you a box.
did you want to see me about?
Loan, and I saved all the rest.
making, say... forty a week.
correct picture, or do I exaggerate?
Now what's your point, Mr. Potter?
the sparks from his clothes.
wouldn't mind that, would you, George?
is me, you remember me? George Bailey.
brains enough to climb aboard.
it a deal or isn't it?
four hours to think it over?
talk about it to your wife.
As they shake hands, George feels a physical revulsion.
shudder. He peers intently into Potter's face.
the answer is no! NO! Doggone it!
your money. Well, it doesn't, Mr.
...And that goes for you too!
As George opens the office door to exit, he shouts at Mr.
And it goes for you too!
relating to incidents in his past life.
and stares at his reflection in the mirror.
things. I'm going to build air fields.
build a bridge a mile long.
and pull it down for you.
won't you come out tonight.
George crosses over and sits on the edge of the bed.
ever marry a guy like me?
To keep from being an old maid.
or anybody else in town.
You mean... Mary, you on the nest?
What is it, a boy or a girl?
Mary nods her head happily.
Joseph and Clarence in Heaven.
Mary had her baby, a boy.
is in a playpen nearby.
Then she had another one � a girl.
Mary is busy hanging wallpaper and painting the old place.
the old Granville house into a home.
banister comes off in his hand.
doughnuts to men leaning from the train.
found time to run the U.S.O.
Sam Wainwright showing set of blueprints to two Army officers.
Potter became head of the draft board.
top of an Army tank.
Gower and Uncle Billy sold war bonds.
and flashes of gunfire in background.
Africa. Got the Silver Star.
Marty in the foreground, beckoning to soldiers to come on.
as he exits through the door.
A flaming plane crashes into the sea.
people all clamoring for more ration points.
Hold on... hold on... hold on now.
George is helping load his old car with scrap paper.
Wheelbarrow full of junk being dumped onto pile.
On V-J Day he wept and prayed again.
Hi, Ernie, look at that.
dignitaries; a picture of the transport which Harry saved.
Practically the whole front page is devoted to the story.
again? Look at the headlines.
look at this � the second page.
for you, this is for you.
Be sure you spell the name right.
The offices are unchanged, still small-time and old-fashioned.
Cousin Tilly and Cousin Eustace are talking on the phone.
Harry! What do you know about that?
Wait till Martha hears about this.
What did they have to eat?
Has Uncle Billy come in yet?
No, he stopped at the bank first.
He's not here right now, Harry.
...now tell me about it.
...George, that man's here again.
Talk to Eustace a minute, will you.
We're all excited around here.
Well, I guess they do those things.
Well, I trust you had a good year.
...now, come right in here, Mr.
George, shall we hang up?
Billy. You just hold on.
Uncle Billy is filling out a deposit slip at one of the desks.
taunt Potter, the envelope containing the money in his hand.
He grabs the paper from Potter's hand.
his money, and flings his final taunt at the old man.
heel was in Germany and Japan!
deposit window with his deposit slip.
starts to punch it with rubber stamps.
I guess you forgot something.
to bring the money with you.
Uncle Billy searches through every pocket he has.
the numerous string tied around his fingers.
How about that one there?
in front of him, muttering as he does so.
Take me back there. Hurry up.
with a crafty expression on his face.
Just make yourself at home, Mr.
He sees Violet Bick standing there.
George, can I see you for a second?
He hears a noise, and sees Uncle Billy entering the office.
Hey, here's Harry on the phone.
without knowing what he is saying.
the paper into an envelope.
pocket, and offers it to her.
Here, now, you're broke, aren't you?
same as they do in Bedford Falls.
It's a loan. That's my business.
get a job. Good luck to you.
She looks at him, then says a strange thing.
I'm glad I know you, George Bailey.
She reaches up and kisses him on the cheek, leaving lipstick.
George opens the door for her.
who is still waiting to go to work on the books.
Say hello to New York for me.
Yeah � yeah... sure I will.
Yeah, he's in his office.
does so and closes the door.
cash drawer in the counter, and looks through it.
Cousin Eustace runs over to George.
through the snow, looking everywhere for the missing money.
They pause for a moment on the sidewalk.
Now look, did you buy anything?
Nothing. Not even a stick of gum.
They continue on down the street on their search.
watching them as they go.
George and Uncle Billy continue their search.
Maybe � maybe! I don't want any maybe.
hiding place here in the house?
Someplace you could have put it?
Someplace to hide the money?
the lapels and shakes him.
Listen to me! Listen to me! Think!
bankruptcy and scandal, and prison!
sobbing at the table, his head in his arms.
hall, a slight powdering of snow on his head and shoulders.
As George comes into the house.
Did you bring the wreath?
Did you bring the Christmas wreath?
No. I left it at the office.
Where's your coat and hat?
Left them at the office.
Mary stares at him, aware that something unusual has happened.
George slumps into an armchair and lifts Tommy onto his lap.
Mary is helping Pete decorate the Christmas tree.
bare spot right there. That's it.
Isn't it wonderful about Harry?
thumping away at the piano.
Must she keep playing that?
midnight and sing Christmas carols.
Mary leads him out toward the kitchen.
pulling at him. CAMERA PANS WITH them.
As they go toward kitchen.
new car. You should see it.
car? Isn't it good enough for you?
They come through the door.
All right, darling, you're excused.
Tommy leaves, and Mary turns to the stove.
Zuzu! What's the matter with Zuzu?
Oh, she's got a cold. She's in bed.
Caught it coming home from school.
she didn't button up her coat.
What is it, a sore throat or what?
The doctor? Was the doctor here?
says it's nothing to worry about.
six. She'll be all right.
George paces about the kitchen, worried.
know why we don't all have pneumonia.
to have all these kids?
Dad, how do you spell "frankincense"?
I don't know. Ask your mother.
Going up to see Zuzu.
puzzled and concerned, then comes over to Pete.
moment he has an impulse to hurl it into the living room.
Then, he replaces the knob, and goes on up the stairs.
awake, he comes over, sitting on the edge of her bed.
Well, what happened to you?
She starts to get out of bed.
Want to give my flower a drink.
petals fall off. She picks them up.
flower, and then turns back to Zuzu.
There it is, good as new.
Give the flower a drink.
Now, will you do something for me?
Will you try to get some sleep?
it, and it'll be a whole garden.
Janie is still pounding with grim determination at the piano.
his toy vacuum cleaner. The telephone rings.
Mary comes in and picks up the phone.
Hello. Yes, this is Mrs. Bailey.
George enters shot, and stands listening to her.
time to have her Christmas dinner.
He snatches the phone from Mary.
George Bailey. I'm Zuzu's father.
with pneumonia on account of you?
She puts a restraining hand on his arm. He shakes it off.
Mary succeeds in wresting the phone from George's hand.
Mary speaks quickly in to the phone.
Now, who do you think you are?
George hears this and grabs the receiver from Mary.
Hello? Who is this? Oh, Mr. Welch?
Mary once more tries to take the phone from him.
think you're man enough... Hello?
a click on the phone.
He hangs up the receiver, and turns toward the living room.
His face is flushed and wet.
Daddy, how do you spell "Hallelujah"?
He yells at Tommy, noisily playing with his vacuum cleaner.
Tommy, stop that! Stop it!
Janie is still practicing at the piano, monotonously.
over again. Now stop it! Stop it!
into the corner. Mary and the children watch, horrified.
were some unknown wild animal. The three children are crying.
didn't mean... you go on and practice.
sorry. What do you want to know?
outburst. There is silence in the room.
Janie, go on. I told you to practice.
the house. Mary goes to the phone, picks it up.
Shall I pray for him?
Yes, Janie, pray very hard.
INT. POTTER'S OFFICE IN BANK � NIGHT � 8:00 P.M.
desk, without a hat or coat, covered lightly with snow.
wanted to talk to you about?
too. He's looking for you.
a slight discrepancy in the books?
You misplaced eight thousand dollars?
Have you notified the police?
No, sir. I didn't want the publicity.
They're going to believe that one.
What've you been doing, George?
No, sir. No, sir. I haven't.
giving money to Violet Bick.
ask him for the money?
Look at you. You used to be so cocky!
equity in a life insurance policy.
You're worth more dead than alive.
out a warrant for your arrest.
over the door, and drives off.
"Martini's" in neon lights on the front wall.
had a great deal to drink, far more than he's accustomed to.
Merry Christmas. Glad you came.
How about some of that good spaghetti?
rope. Show me the way, God.
someone to take you home?
George shakes his head. Martini comes over to his side.
Why you drink so much, my friend?
sharply to the name "Bailey."
This is Mr. George Bailey.
others rush to pick him up.
You get out of here, Mr. Welch!
Mr. Welch reaches in his pocket for money.
You hit my best friend. Get out!
help George to his feet. George's mouth is cut and bleeding.
Nick and Martini try to stop him, but he shrugs them off.
Oh, no � you don't feel so good.
Please don't go away � please!
George opens the door and exits to the street.
George stands unsteadily near the car, shaken by the accident.
looking at his tree. He leans over to examine the damages.
swings around the corner and nearly hits him.
George has stopped by the railing at the center of the bridge.
The snow is now falling hard.
with floating ice, passing under the bridge.
with a loud splash. George looks down, horrified.
and CAMERA PANS WITH him as he swims toward the man.
on the two figures struggling in the water below.
hold of him, and starts swimming for shore.
hanging on the line, drying. He shakes the book.
Oh, Tom Sawyer's drying out, too.
The tollkeeper stares at him incredulously.
How'd you happen to fall in?
You what? To save me?
through with it, did you?
George and the tollkeeper react to this.
you did, and that's how I saved you.
looks at the strange smiling little man a second time.
George's hand goes to his mouth.
answer to a prayer a little bit ago.
you grow up from a little boy.
Well, who are you, then?
Odbody... A-S-2. What's that A-S-2?
The tollkeeper's chair slips out from under him with a crash.
George rubs his head with his hand, to clear his mind.
He looks up at Clarence standing beside him.
I wouldn't be a bit surprised.
I told you � I'm your guardian angel.
why I'm an angel Second Class.
By letting me help you.
Oh, that's right, I keep forgetting.
worth more dead than alive.
Now look, you mustn't talk like that.
wife, and my kids and my friends.
Aw, shut up, will you.
Hmmm, this isn't going to be so easy.
I said I wish I'd never been born.
Oh, you mustn't say things like that.
...wait a minute. Wait a minute.
door to the shack. Clarence runs to close the door.
George feels his ear as Clarence talks.
George indicates his bad ear.
Say something else in that ear.
Sure. You can hear out of it.
been that jump in the cold water.
he received from Welch. He is now thoroughly confused.
It's stopped snowing out, hasn't it?
George feels the clothes on the line.
They start dressing. George interrupts himself.
Oh, I'm sorry. I'll stroll. You fly.
I can't fly. I haven't got any wings.
is nowhere to be seen, and the tree is undamaged.
here. I guess somebody moved it.
Oh, say... Hey... where's my car?
owns the car that ran into your tree.
big gash in the side of it here.
straightens up and smells George's breath. He backs away.
Don't you think I know where I live?
Martini's. Well, come on, Gabriel.
a good friend of mine.
Two people leave the bar as they approach.
Oh, hello, Nick. Hey, where's Martini?
waiting for you to make up your mind.
Nick turns away to get the drinks.
saw Nick act like that before.
worry me. You got someplace to sleep?
Nick is listening suspiciously to this conversation.
No wonder you jumped in the river.
I could get my wings.
Nick stops pouring the drinks, bottle poised in his hand.
Oh-oh. Somebody's just made it.
George glances up at Nick.
Why? Don't they believe in angels?
How old are you, anyway, Clarence?
Nick slams the bottle down on the counter.
through the door or out the window!
you come off calling me Nick?
don't know you from Adam's off ox.
broken-down panhandler, his hat in his hand.
He can hardly believe his eyes. It is Gower the druggist.
as the soda runs off his face.
George, horrified, leaps up and goes over to Gower.
Bailey! Don't you know me?
Throw him out. Throw him out.
Isn't that Mr. Gower, the druggist?
you must be a jailbird yourself.
Nick at the cash register, busily ringing the bell.
Hey! Get me! I'm giving out wings!
landed, looking at each other.
the neon sign over the door. It now reads "NICK'S PLACE"
George and Clarence get to their feet.
Yeah, yeah, I know. You told me that.
because you were not born.
Then if I wasn't born, who am I?
You're nobody. You have no identity.
George looks in his watch pocket.
George feverishly continues to turn his pockets inside out.
world would be like without you.
He starts off. Clarence rises.
that? And I'm going home alone!
glancing up toward Heaven as he goes.
How'm I doing, Joseph. Thanks.
No, I didn't have a drink!
The sign bearing the name of the town reads: "Pottersville."
They went out of business years ago.
a tart, being dragged into the patrol wagon.
Hey, listen � that's Violet Bick!
Ernie's taxi cruising slowly by.
Ernie stops the cab, and George enters it.
Ernie, take me home. I'm off my nut!
Yeah � yeah � hurry up. Zuzu's sick.
on the meter and starts the cab.
Ernie is puzzled by the stranger.
kid? That's right, isn't it?
seen you before in my life.
Ernie turns to driving, but he's worried about his passenger.
to Bert to follow him, indicating he has a nut in the back.
Bert gets into his car and follows.
The taxi pulls up to the curb and stops.
The cab is parked. George gets out and looks at the house.
Of course it's the place.
George is stopped momentarily by the appearance of the house.
has fallen, doors and shutters hang askew on their hinges.
Like a doomed man, George approaches the house.
Ernie stand watching George's actions.
eye on this guy. He's bats.
beam toward the old house.
Mary! Mary! Tommy! Pete! Janie! Zuzu!
Clarence suddenly appears leaning against a wall.
Bert is standing in the entrance, with his gun in his hand.
Ernie is a few feet behind him, ready to run.
Bert! Thank heaven you're here!
Bert, what's happened to this house?
Where's Mary? Where's my kids?
to us, don't you remember?
Think I'd better be going.
kid and we'll take you in to a doctor.
struggles with him, trying to explain.
you take me over to my mother's house?
I hate to do this, fella.
forcing him to let George go.
Help, oh Joseph, help! Joseph!
gets up, amazed by his vanishing.
Ernie's hair is now standing on end with fright.
He runs out of the scene.
suspicion. She gives no sign that she knows him.
Mother? What do you want?
It is a cruel blow to George.
She starts to close the door, but George stops her.
Oh, Mother, Mother, please help me.
Something terrible's happened to me.
Well, I know everybody you know.
When'd you see him last?
Today, over at the house.
She slams the door shut in George's face.
volume of "Tom Sawyer" in his hand.
started happening to me was Martini.
You know where he lives?
They walk out of scene.
with graves where the houses used to be.
Are you sure this is Bailey Park?
Oh, I'm not sure of anything anymore.
Park. But where are the houses?
The two walk into the cemetery.
You weren't here to build them.
Every man on that transport died.
things, but tell me � where is she?
George grabs Clarence by the coat collar and shakes him.
I'm not supposed to tell.
You're not going to like it, George.
She's an old maid. She never married.
Where's Mary? Where is she?
ground, where he rubs his neck.
George, as he watches her.
George and Mary, on the sidewalk.
Mary starts to run away from him, and he follows, desperately.
tight grip on her. She struggles to free herself.
me? What's happened to us?
I don't know you! Let me go!
she comes to, the Blue Moon Bar.
on the Building and Loan. Mary comes running in, screaming.
insane. Some of the men grab and hold on to him.
Let me go! Mary, don't run away!
Hit him with a bottle!
He needs a strait jacket!
That man � stop him!
Tom! Ed! Charlie! That's my wife!
couple of women at the bar.
he thinks of Clarence, and heads for the door.
Clarence! Clarence! Where are you?
George as he comes out.
and fires several shots after the fleeing figure.
off in pursuit of George.
Clarence! Clarence! Help me, Clarence.
George leaning on the bridge railing, praying.
again. Please, God, let me live again.
dies down. A soft, gentle snow begins to fall.
Hey, George! George! You all right?
George backs away and gets set to hit Bert again.
hit you again! Get out!
George's mouth is bleeding again.
Bert, do you know me?
with his hand, laughs happily. His rapture knows no bounds.
pats the car, and dashes on.
the original "YOU ARE NOW IN BEDFORD FALLS" sign.
Potter is seated working at his desk, his goon by his side.
George pounds on the window.
George runs off as Potter looks up from his work.
on home � they're waiting for you!
George. George comes dashing in the front door.
Well, hello, Mr. Bank Examiner!
He grabs his hand and shakes it.
Mr. Bailey, there's a deficit!
I know. Eight thousand dollars.
George, I've got a little paper here.
I'll bet it's a warrant for my arrest.
Isn't it wonderful? Merry Christmas!
The photographer sets off a flash bulb.
He comes running back to the hall.
Have you seen my wife?
lovingly and puts it back, then continues up the stairs.
Pete � kids � Janie � Tommy.
I could eat you up!
George and the kids. He is hugging them.
Zuzu � Zuzu. My little gingersnap!
And not a smitch of temperature.
four men are watching with open mouths.
George, darling! Where have you been?
George and Mary embrace tearfully.
his back, to a position in front of the Christmas tree.
hear 'em now, George, it's a miracle!
lots of it. Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Hatch push toward George.
Mary did it, George! Mary did it!
George is in trouble � count on me."
You never saw anything like it.
Tom comes in, digging in his purse as he comes.
Charlie adds his money to the pile.
Here you are, George. Merry Christmas.
Ernie is trying to get some system into the chaos.
The line forms on the right.
Martini dumps his money on the table.
I busted the juke-box, too!
Mr. Gower enters with a large glass jar jammed full of notes.
her for her trip to New York.
divorce, if ever I get a husband.
Mr. Partridge, the high school principal, is the next donor.
faculty all up out of bed.
if it wasn't for you, George.
Ernie is reading a telegram he has just received.
Just a minute. Quiet, everybody.
Mr. Gower cables you need cash. Stop.
up to twenty-five thousand dollars.
Stop. Heehaw and Merry Christmas.
top of the pile of money on the table.
Mr. Martini. How about some wine?
glasses, Janie sits down at the piano and strikes a chord.
accompanied by Bert, the cop.
Hello, George, how are you?
all the way up here in a blizzard.
as soon as I got Mary's telegram.
Ernie hands Harry a glass of wine.
Lang syne," and everyone joins in.
who has friends. Thanks for the wings, Love Clarence."
He looks up toward the ceiling and winks.