It's A Wonderful Life (1946) - James Stewart - George Bailey's Speech to Potter & the Loan Board

[ChicagoFan32]

"My father died a more richer man than you will ever be." Love that quote

[Roxberrie]

Old Man Potter wins the South Carolina Primary!

[blu12031985]

Greatest Male Actor of AllTime



[dcota9]

1:23 but to you a warmth frustrated old man

[dcota9]

1:24 but to you a warmth frustrated old man

[cowboy68]

@rlpaulus , so true , potter won !!!

[hellboundmatt]

OCCUPY! 

[Teremei]

Press "6". This needs to be said to the vile disgusting right wing, fox news, limpdick all all of those people that view the working class as GUTTER SHIT.  What George Bailey says pretty much sums it up.

[the111experience]

OMG, I love this!

[porkfriedbacon]

thank you so much for uploading this. i love this movie.. i swear im george bailey! :) this movie will pertain to humans for the next hundred years. thank you so much james stewart for fitting the part so well. RIP !

[4Shadowz]

Occupy Bedford Falls!

[zizwop]

Today, there are some people that would call Potter 'successful'. If being successful means being like Potter, I'm perfectly happy being broke.

[conguera]

@TaterMoranFan That's ridiculous. Potter didn't represent the government. He represented greedy capitalism, while George Bailey represented compassionate capitalism.

[changingeveryday123]

Weird that Jimmy Stewart was such a staunch republican considering his movies like It's a wonderful life and Mr Smith Goes to Washington--but maybe Republicans had different priorities back then...

[MelanieGouldFanBrian]

@changingeveryday123

So was Frank Capra oddly enough!

[shin1567]

@changingeveryday123 Well they did start off as the party that ended slavery....

[irishace11]

They should get Rush Limbaugh to play Mr. Potter if they remake it again.

[inademv]

The people who model their lives after Potter have no place in our society. They have no place in HUMAN society.

[NEPatriot]

To me Potter represents what happens when you have Glass Steegall repealed by Clinton in 1993.

[zodiaccurse12]

@NEPatriot The 3 ghosts of christmas can't this old grouch. Pretty obivous someone still has that lump of coal stuck up his ass from his 1st christmas.

[dspen1118]

This movie is my all time favorite movie!!!

[phantomofoaktown]

and that goes for you too!!!!!!!!!!



[kwixotic]

I'm currently in a play version of this at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre, Cal. You're all invited!(I play Gower BTW).

[SeaOfStooges]

george bailey reminds me of ron paul & potter is all the big business and the media that is trying to keep him quiet. and yet, we keep saying he will never win...if that's true, i feel sorry for how america has become.

[vikingloans]

This is so relevent today. Mr. Potter is the big banks and George Bailey is guys like me.

[artmueller1]

i just woke up

[goodbadbill]

IPod on the wall @ .33

[spewintothis]

It's tacky or whatever, but this is easily the greatest movie of all time.

[Zekeflow]

There will never be a classier actor than James Stewart, he was and is the best. That is all.

[nahpoli]

Mr Potter is Drew Barrymores greatuncle!!

[squidbillie93410]

I love this speech! I've used this speech for an audition haha

[RushLimborg]

Jimmy's rants are the best. His characters are usually naive, sweet, "golly-gee-wiz" and so on--but when it counts, he lauches into a powerful, passionate speach filled with energy and enthusiasm--and then he takes a breather, and sheepishly mutters a cute little "Oh, I-I...I said too much, I know, I know...."

[SmithSmithery]

Mr. Potter is a one of the best villains of all time, played against of the best protagonists of all time, in one of the best moves of all timed, played by some of the best actors of all time, in the best country of all time.

[drflor71]

Politics aside, this is some fabulous acting by Mr. Stewart!!! I absolutely love this scene!!! I am very conservative, but this is an excellent movie!!!

[92af]

James Stewart was one of the greatest actors ever

[bichomaldito]

Fantastic scene and perfromance by Mr. Stewart. So natural, so convincing and eloquent. I wonder if any school can teach that. I'd say I believe in natural gift. You can't make another JS.

[056716]

This scene has alot to do with what is going on today, The banks are Potter, not giving a dam about people, just making money. and now The Government wants to get rid of Fannie mae and Freddie mac, and they think that all the Potters will keep housing reasonable

[hawks5999]

@056716 As compelling as the scene, as much as I love the movie, it should not be the basis for government policy. If Peter Bailey wants to take the risk of loaning to Subprime, that's fine. But when the sentiment of this speech becomes national policy instituted by GSE's like FNMA it's a disaster... Peter Bailey didn't have the option of socializing his losses across the entire tax base and that would necessarily make him selective about his loans, even if less selective than Potter.

[arthurv2008]

@hawks5999

A business like this can work on a regional or community level but only if the people want it. The investing people's money was used to build houses. Watch the scene where there is a "run on the bank" and you will see an example of their business pratices. When George spoke to the man who couln't make his payments last winter - did you lose your house? You think Potter (the bank) would have let you keep it? George did not believe in foreclosure.. Tthink of a non-profit organiztion.

[2010metsfan]

"I'm not interested in your book..." Man he plays a good bad guy really well!

[MysteryMixes]

Mr. Potter is a fuckin BOSS.

[gravytrainwreck]

This scene is beautiful. You can see the tears of frustration building in Jimmy's eyes as he bears down on Barrymore. Now THAT is great acting.

[traditiobill]

The worst bankers of all? The owners of the private central bank ( aka the "Federal" Reserve ) that create "money " out of nothing and loan it to our govt at face "value" plus interest ( in the form of US Treasury bonds )..Private central banking is the biggest scam in the world..Eustace Mullins and Edward G . Griffin covered it in their books..who owns the "Fed"? NM Rothschild and Sons, London..the Moses Seif Bank, Italy...and Goldman Sachs...we need to give their function to the US Treasury.

[electroluxia]

This scene is powerful, not just because of Jimmy’s performance, but because it rings with solid truth, passion and compassion.

[windstorm1000]

Whenever I see George/Jimmy going at Old Man Potter like this--well, somehow I feel better about America (in spite of all our problems). There are men like George Bailey in every state of the union, and I thank God for them. And though he was not my man what Pres. Reagan said about America still rings true: "America on its worst day is better than any other nation on earth on their best day". Its true.

[Ry42Back]

@windstorm1000 Of course with it's gangs ,gun crime,drug crime, poverty, corruptness and the Ku klux clan your right it is better at all those things than any other nation!

[steveh777ify]

Potters lineal progenitor is now CEO of Bank of America. (Ken Lewis)

He would do well to watch this movie, and hang his head in shame.

[ufo5440]

I feel bad for all the US towns called Pottersville ...."where do you live?"..... "Pottersville"...... (immediately laughter!)

[Johnson1290]

Search for "Wonderful Life" on the App Store. The "It's a Wonderful Life" App for iPhone, iPod, and iPad: Plays sounds from the movie.

[neverbeenarab]

best christmas movie ever.

[porterism100]

James Stewart is the ideal of manhood

[CalumK1982]

One of the greatest actors that ever lived - no-one will ever come close to him

[miken1029]

I  think that most of the GOP candidates think like Mr. Potter and Democrats think more like George Bailey. This November lets elect more people who think like George Bailey in my mind that Russ Feingold. hare and pass along this clip.

[cavic7585]

@miken1029 Thats completely untrue. This movie has nothing to do with government, but simply the differences between people. Some people want to make a profit at all costs, and some want to help people along the way, and that has nothing to do with politics because everyone is different. But who knows. Feingold lost anyways.

[Gardenlanepress]

I wish Jimmy was around still. Damn good man.

[AngryAgain]

@TaterMoranFan you r wrong, Potter was a private individual, there was nothing about govt. in his character, he wanted a monopoly on the real estate. We need a stronger governement today to stop monopolies and to not be run by corporate donations but I don't see that happening, capitalism enslaves us all making a few people wealthy beyond their wildest dreams and most people just getting by.

[BillDFC]

James Stewart....a king's name.

[staphinfection]

Oscars Noms:

Best Actor

Best Director

Best Picture

....and some other shit no one cares about.

[sparrowsanzo]

@staphinfection Sadly, it didn't receive any. That's a crying shame.

[superdavid002]

I sing about Stewart and others in The Celebrity Song.

[TomHouse77]

I just rang a bell, now George should have his wings just like Clarence, RIP Jimmy, hope to see you in that big Bailey Building & Loan in the sky someday.

[SMS1381]

Ugh. A terrific scene from one of the best movies, ruined by garbage political arguments.

[Gendoshands]

Capra was an idealist. Nothing wrong with that.

[rjasin123]

now now hold on there....I am not a socialist. I, I , I am a guy that cannot go on vacation for 47 yrs. I should havve have have jumped off the bridge without Clariance....you see.

[Shanethefilmmaker]

this is no socialist propaganda if anything this is probably what would happen if 1. Ebenezer Scrooge didn't change (yes that's who potter is a caricature of) 2. somebody stood up to the guy whereas in Christmas carol they would have been like the pottersville reality.

[badtown88]

George Bailey is a socialist haha. And I love it.

[Kevin1354]

knaverupe -

I'm with you, like brothers limbaugh and beck our beloved sarah (pitter, patter) I'm sick of these liberal commies interfering with our conservative freedom to rob.

If it was against God's will, he wouldn't have made suckers and teabaggers.

The freedom to rob has been the bedrock of America's ruling elite for 200+ years.

Thank god for the limbots and beckerheads, blessed with the vision to comprehend the importance of sacrificing the middle class to sustain our corporatocracy,

[racetoinfinity]

You said it, brother!!

[tonycat1217]

Rush Limbaugh is a fat-headed blowhard who ABSOLUTELY does not represent my libertarian POV..Savage & even Hannity questioned the Dubai Ports deal Bush & his clonies were tryin' to ram down our throats a few years ago, but GOP ass-kissin' Rush goose stepped 100% with it...HE called Clinton followers KOOLAID drinkers? Rush drinks so much he needs a catheter insert..AND if you think either party* gives a fuck about the average working class person URA moron (except Nader or Ron Paul)

[jackette55]

Hitler? Well, George is wearing an armband haha

[tonycat1217]

Hey Asshole...Jimmy Stewart was a card carrying Republican (check your facts)...this was a movie about empowering the little guy with ownership, (home & eventually stock & mutual funds) where there is "risk" involved..that's the American way, so shut your piehole unless you know what the fuck you're talking about

[shaunmalley]

Pinko propaganda :-D LOVE IT!

[SmallvilleTwilight]

You have to love Jimmy Stewart's rants in his movies! Thats what makes him famous as well as his talent.

[Shapeshifter72]

You left out the best part..."Sentimental Hogwash!!" from Mr Potter, who, if you guys don't know is Lionel Barrymore. Drew's great Uncle. And a fabulous actor in his own right.

[niflap]

LB's the one the toon Simon Bar Sinister was based on. It's easy to believe when you hear how he talks. In a recent Seattle radio play version of IaWL, Potter was voiced over by Chris(JP Patches) Wedes.

[tabbygail7]

This scene reminds of how bad most actors are today. We might see better films if Hollywood would quit casting "beautiful" people and start looking for real actors.  Jimmy was always fantastic in everything.

[SOLISDEUS]

@tabbygail7 Cinematography, Directorship and screenwriting were also far and beyond better during this golden era, when movies were considered art. Today a movie with this type of humane, inciteful and direct political message would never make it past the Corporate overlords.

[niflap]

IDK about political. There's tons of political messages in pop culture. It's just switched wings.

[lojent]

@tabbygail7 old hollywood had both :)

[traditiobill]

@tabbygail7 You're right...and the stories were better...Sad though, an 80+ yr old frnd sd the other day, " sometimes I feel like I fell asleep and the whole country became Pottersville.."

[SlipperedGuppy]

@tabbygail7 That is not to say, however, that Jimmy Stewart is not beautiful. Had I lived in the 40s, I'd be all over that ;)

[johnnydontcry57]

@SlipperedGuppy Oh, wouldn't we all!

[thelastholdout]

@tabbygail7 Hollywood has ALWAYS cast "good looking" people in their films. However, they used to be better at mixing good looks with good acting. And it's not so much the actors' faults either; too many times the scripts suck so badly that NO one can act them out well.

[computerfis]

@tabbygail7 Not the actors fault the directors and the writers fault

[Kelter82]

incredible acting on the part of stewart... amazing

[bubba224422]

My school is doing this play and I am Potter, it's my first year in drama and I feel like the villain is such a big part...I'm soooo excited and nervous

[danja487]

Incredible...the way every man should be...George is beyond a stand up man...I wish we had a society filled with men like him..

[andrewenea]

Well how about starting by being one, instead of waiting for everyone else to. One man (George) made a difference in the movie, not 'society'

[bubba224422]

Agreed, more like him and less like potter, I'm playing potter and I set a personal goal for myself, I'm going to display the hatred, envy and greed to the best of my ability so maybe any rich person can see the monster they could become if they're not carefull

[AngryAgain]

@danja487 My wish too...but all I see is a society mostly filled with greedy people who are in an uproar that the govt. is trying to tinker with the healthcare model in the USA so that a few more people might get covered and that big insurance companies can't kick sick people off their plans.

[dsl0uie]

This scene transcends time. Bailey represents sub-prime borrowers, Potter wants the more traditional qualifications for home lending--- 20% down.

[jlehner1]

No, $5k represents the total cost of the house in 1929/1930 not 20% of the cost. GB wanted to loan the 80% while Potter wanted to demand much more down and keep people renting.

[eongoosm]

Although it's tough to make a simple leap between Potter and the modern financial meltdown, somehow I get the same taste in my mouth. It's amazing how relevant this slightly proletariat-championed scene remains. Oliver Stone's "Wall Street" can't be understood without this film.

My opinion also is it's here you can really see Stewart's transformation after returning from war. You can't find that emotion. It has to be seared into you.

[niflap]

So who's the "Mr Potter" who stole the $8K that Bailie's assisant was about to pay him with in present day reallity? We're a trillion$ poorer, Who's a trillion$ richer w/ what we lost. I know Barnard Madof was named, but he's only responsible for a "Meazly" billion$ from his ponzie scam.

[Buskieboy]

One of the best moments of the movie. A truly heartfelt scene.