Tonight, Andy & I plan to watch, yes you guessed it, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Before you moan and roll your eyes, I wish you’d think about what a special film this is.

–Although it ends happily, let’s not forget how DARK it is really is. I mean, it opens with a suicide attempt!

–Bedford Falls is not “the perfect little town.” In fact, it’s filled with alcoholism, poverty, greed, and insensitivity. Cynics have claimed that the film shows only a “Norman Rockwell” view of America, but that simply isn’t true; it doesn’t show a town that is ONLY CAPABLE of good but rather a town IS CAPABLE of good.

I just have a soft spot in my heart for this film. Along with “Rear Window,” I believe it’s one of the ultra-rare examples of a film that has the “perfect” screenplay. What could you change to make it any better?

This is one of the films on the list of Films That Make Rob Cry. How could this NOT be on my list? The interesting thing is that it seems like I get teary-eyed during a different part of the film each time I watch it. My tradition, of course, is to watch it at Christmastime. The ending usually makes me go weak, all the money and gifts being piled on the table and everyone laughing and giving and Donna Reed hugging all the children. But the scene with grief-stricken Mr. Gower where he slaps poor little George has also made me start bawling. The same goes for when George saves his brother Harry when he falls through the ice. And, silly as it seems, I’ve even cried during the OPENING CREDITS. Just the anticipation of what’s to come (including the praying montage near the beginning) gets me watery.