It’s a Wonderful Life is a beloved 1946 American Christmas fantasy drama film directed by Frank Capra. It stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams to help others, and who is contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve. An angel named Clarence shows George what life would have been like if he had never existed, revealing all the lives he has touched and the difference he has made. Though not initially a success at the time of release, It’s a Wonderful Life has become a classic and is a staple of Christmas television around the world.
It’s a Wonderful Life is such a long, rich film packed with so many emotional moments that some viewers are daunted by its full 130 minute runtime. This has led to edited, abbreviated versions being created over the years. The most well-known abridged version is the colorized version released in 1989 by Hal Roach Studios, which runs only 87 minutes long. This cut version eliminates or shortens many scenes to create a more fast-paced film. However, much of the texture, character development, and iconic moments are lost. While the abridged version provides a streamlined overview of the plot and themes, it is a very different experience from the full director’s cut which allows the story and characters room to breathe.
Background on Original It’s a Wonderful Life
Here is some background on the original 1946 film:
- Directed by Frank Capra
- Based on the short story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern
- Main stars are James Stewart as George Bailey and Donna Reed as Mary Hatch
- Set in the fictional town of Bedford Falls
- Released December 20, 1946
- Nominated for 5 Oscars including Best Picture
- Featuring iconic scenes like George and Mary dancing at the high school party, George yelling “Merry Christmas!” on the bridge, and George running through town after his wish is granted
Upon release, It’s a Wonderful Life was only a modest success. However, after its copyright lapsed in the 1970s, repeated television airings helped it find a wider audience and gain status as a beloved classic film. Its uplifting themes about hope, redemption, and appreciating life resonated with viewers.
Key Plot Points in Full Version
Here are some of the key plot points and scenes from the full length 130 minute It’s a Wonderful Life:
George’s youth and plans to travel
The full version takes its time establishing George Bailey’s character as a young man. Important establishing scenes include:
- Young George saving his brother Harry from drowning in an icy pond.
- George discussing his big dreams to travel and build things with friend Sam Wainwright.
- George waiting for Harry to graduate high school before leaving town.
Glimpses of George’s life in Bedford Falls
The film provides texture by showing glimpses of George Bailey’s life in Bedford Falls as he sets aside his travel plans time and again:
- George working at the Bailey Brothers’ Building and Loan after his father’s death.
- Walking Mary home on the night they fell into the swimming pool.
- Surprise party where friends collect funds so George and Mary can honeymoon.
Town history with Mr. Potter
Mr. Potter’s history as a slumlord who controls the town provides context:
- Flashback scene to Peter Bailey starting the Building and Loan to help working class people buy homes.
- Mr. Potter stealing the $8,000 and George’s desperate search for it on Christmas Eve.
Clarence showing George an alternate reality
The full version spends over an hour on the sequence where George sees what Bedford Falls would be like if he was never born:
- George searching unfamiliar streets.
- Discovering Mary as a shy spinster librarian.
- Visiting Nick’s bar, his mother’s boarding house.
- Seeing Harry’s grave in the cemetery.
Key Scenes Missing from Abridged Version
Many iconic scenes are abbreviated or cut entirely from the colorized abridged version, significantly altering the viewing experience:
| Missing Scene | Significance |
|---|---|
| Long opening with angels discussing George | Sets up powerful intervention of divine help |
| Young George saving Harry | Establishes George’s character as self-sacrificing |
| George waiting to travel until Harry graduates | Shows George consistently putting others first |
| Many Bedford Falls vignettes | Loss of texture showing George’s life and relationships |
| Flashback to Mr. Potter stealing money | Loss of context for George’s desperation |
| Many George and Mary scenes | Weakens portrayal of romance and marriage |
| Most of George seeing alternate reality | Diminishes emotional impact of George’s life |
The Power of the Full Length Version
The abridged version streamlines the story into more of a straightforward fantasy about a man who gets to see what life would be like without him. However, in doing so, it loses the richness and emotional complexity that has made It’s a Wonderful Life so enduring. The full version takes its time to create a believable world and characters that viewers invest in. So when George wishes he was never born, the nightmare that follows has power and weight.
In the full film, George Bailey is not just a good man down on his luck. He has spent years sacrificing for others and quietly despairing that it has cost him his dreams and full potential. Henry Travers embodies a wise, whimsical angel who tries to inspire George to see the value in his life. And George slowly realizes the magnitude of small actions like saving his brother as a boy. Trimming the Bedford Falls sequences robs George Bailey of character development. The result is a more simplistic fable about a man who sees a nightmare, learns his lesson, and returns happily to his perfect life.
Appreciating the Full Director’s Vision
Frank Capra’s gift as a director was taking simple stories about everyday people and revealing their depth, humor, and wisdom. It’s a Wonderful Life was a passion project for Capra, and his meticulous crafting of setting, character, and emotion resulted in the rich classic so beloved today. The shorter runtime of the abridged version sacrifices much of Capra’s original vision. Some first time viewers may enjoy the abridged film as a pleasant holiday fantasy. But for true fans, there is no substitute for the fully realized masterpiece that explores despair, friendship, and the power of one life to touch so many others.
Conclusion
It’s a Wonderful Life abridged provides a bare bones overview of the classic film’s plot and message. But it loses most of the texture, character development, and emotional impact that make the story so moving. First time viewers may enjoy it as a nice introductory holiday movie. However, for fans and serious cinema lovers, there is no replacement for taking the full journey that director Frank Capra intended – appreciating the small details and humanity that make It’s a Wonderful Life such an important and iconic film.
