'Wonderful Life' Tops Inspiring Film List

Full story: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060615/D8I8CVU00.html

LOS ANGELES (AP) - George Bailey's brother proclaimed him the richest man in Bedford Falls. Now the story of the despondent businessman, who got a chance to see how ugly the world would be without him, has been proclaimed the most inspiring American movie.

Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life," starring James Stewart as the disillusioned George, led the American Film Institute's list of inspirational films revealed Wednesday in the group's annual top-100 TV special that aired on CBS.

"We all connect to that story. We may not all connect to the story of a fighter from Philadelphia or a singing family in the Austrian Alps," said the TV special's producer, Bob Gazzale, referring to two other films on the list, "Rocky" and "The Sound of Music."

"But there's no way to get away from the inspiring story of George Bailey. It relates to us all."


In this 1946 file photo, legendary actor James Stewart as George Bailey, center, is reunited with his wife played by actress Donna Reed, third from left, and family during the last scene of Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life." The classic film tops the American Film Institute's list of inspirational films revealed Wednesday, June 14, 2006, during its annual top-100 film television special. (AP Photo)

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All right reserved.

"To Kill a Mockingbird," with Gregory Peck as the upright Southern dad seeking justice for a wrongly accused black man, was No. 2 on the list chosen from 300 nominated films on ballots sent to 1,500 filmmakers, actors, critics and others in Hollywood.

Steven Spielberg's "Schindler's List," starring Liam Neeson as a German businessman who saves his Jewish workers from extermination by the Nazis, was No. 3.

Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky" was fourth, while another Capra-Stewart collaboration, the political saga "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," ranked fifth.

Spielberg landed two other films in the top 10, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (No. 6) and "Saving Private Ryan" (No. 10). Rounding out the top 10: "The Grapes of Wrath" (No. 7), "Breaking Away" (No. 8) and "Miracle on 34th Street" (No. 9).

The 1946 classic "It's a Wonderful Life" is the story of a man who dreamed of escaping his dreary town and making a mark in the world. Circumstance traps George Bailey in tiny Bedford Falls, where he runs his family's penny-ante building and loan and battles the town's miserly overlord.


I do love this movie!!!!!

The Best Years of Our Lives, a timely portrayal of the difficulties faced by soldiers returning from war. It's #11 on the list. Youda thunk that they might have mentioned that one particularly because of it's relevance.

Of course, I have a different reason for recommending it here. Harold Russell was my uncle. :)

ed. for clarity & spelling

Did you see the show?

I have loved that movie since I was a teen - about twenty years ago. I know it by heart. I was a big Dana Andrews fan and I loved Harold. He totally deserved his Oscar for BSA - what an incredible performance.


From IMDB trivia: He became so adept with the hooks that replaced his hands, he would joke he could do anything with them except pick up a dinner check.

He was my grandfather's brother. I cried watching him last night because his voice sounded just like Granddaddy's.

you know it reminds them of the more simpler times they long for you know the good ol days back in the late 40's to 50's times (they didn't have to scared of "negroes" and women who wanted to do something other than hang out in a kitchen all day)

But this movie has a very populist message and to me Cheney is the spitting image of Potter both in looks and in actions as well as personality.

Everytime I see it, I see something new in it.

What a great choice.

Julie

"To Kill A Mockingbird" was always one of my favorites. Gregory Peck was outstanding in everything he did, but particularly in that movie.

Wasn't exactly sure why Jessica Alba was chosen to make comments.

Gregory Peck was a wonderful actor, in this and so many more movies. I proudly display a copy of the book signed by Harper Lee herself. She also gave Mr. Peck her father's pocket watch, which he wore when making that film.

"Stand up, Scout, your father's passing."

Just adored Gregory Peck....
and loved that movie, and the book.
There were so many wonderful lessons about life to be learned from it.

I am so impressed that you have a copy signed by Harper Lee.

It has a message that echoes across time from then until now.

YOU are important, can and have made a difference. Your life is worth living.

A wonderful film, then as it is today.

it was a very well-done film. And I thought "Best Years of Our Lives" is one of the most compelling, straightforward stories ever to come out of a Hollywood that spent the war years self-censoring any messages that portrayed the horrors of war.

Every time I see it, I can only think that if I were on that bridge, no angel would step in to save me.

Tucker