This is A Wonderful Life Plot Synopsis
In a small town called Bedford Falls, a businessman named George Bailey is on the ropes after a business failure. When he decides to take his own life due to his deteriorating condition, an angel, Clarence, descends from heaven to help others realize their importance in his life. Initially defiant, George sets out to see if he can learn the true purpose of life.
It's a Wonderful Life
How is George Bailey?
George Bailey is an ever-exciting dreamer who wants to travel the world and do great things. However, his responsibilities do not allow him to realize his dream. When he was 12, he saved his brother Harry from drowning - which left him deaf in his left ear.
He then prevents the local pharmacist, Mr. Gower, from accidentally adding a poison to the prescription. Even as an adult, he continues to put himself aside for the benefit of others. He clearly demonstrates empathy, dedication and intelligence through his actions.
How did George meet Mary?
At the party, he gets a chance to dance with Mary, his childhood crush. Due to the sudden death of his father, George loses touch with Mary and is forced to give up his dream of traveling the world. Instead, George gets involved with his uncle Billy in the family business, Bailey Brothers Building and Loan.
After George returns from college, he hopes to hand over the business to Harry so he can go on a world tour. Although sad, George seems anxious to make sure Harry and his wife don't feel bad. Later, after George returns from college, he meets Mary. They rekindle their love and get married soon after.
How does George save his business?
As George and Mary leave for their honeymoon, they learn of a bank run. The couple hustles and uses their honeymoon savings to keep the business afloat. George is starting a housing development segment that aims to provide shelter to people from low income groups.
Mr. Potter, the owner of the slums and the most powerful person in town, offers to pay George $20,000 a year in exchange for the company. George declines the offer.
As we approach Christmas Eve 1945, the town prepares to congratulate Harry for his incredible service during World War II. Uncle Billy goes to deposit the $8,000 Building and Loan money in Potter's bank.
In the confusion, Billy accidentally wraps a wad of money in Potter's newspaper. Potter doesn't whine about it one bit and keeps the money. George loses his cool as he realizes that misplacing the money will land him and Billy in jail.
Trying to end the situation, George asks Potter for a loan - offering his life insurance as collateral. Potter then insults her and makes fun of her situation before calling the police.
How does George meet the angel?
Drunken George, who escapes from Potter's office, gets into a bar fight. But before he can take a step forward, Clarence (the angel) accidentally dives into the river, forcing George to change his plan and save him. After George blames his presence for all the mess in his life, Clarence takes George to a parallel universe where he was never born.
The city has fallen to the dogs due to crime and poverty. Mr. Gower is a poor drunk and gets out after spending 20 years in prison for murder. George's mother does not recognize him. Building and Loan went bankrupt long ago and Uncle Billy was institutionalized.
George discovers the grave of Harry who died as a child because George wasn't there to save him. Also, many American soldiers died during World War II without Harry serving in the military. Finally, George meets Mary, who is crooked. When George tries to approach her, she screams and she is forced to run away.
Does George realize the true meaning of his life?
George returns to the bridge and begs Clarence to restore reality. Clarence reverses the timeline and everything goes back to normal. George finally realizes how wonderful his life is and he runs home. Mary and Billy raised more donations than George owed to the bank. The townspeople have gathered to celebrate both Christmas and George's return. Harry toasts George as "the richest man in town."
Clarence thanks George for helping him earn his wings by giving him a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The film ends with George's young daughter, Zuzu, telling her that every time she rings, an angel gets wings.
The movie is a great reminder that doing the right thing is sometimes difficult, but it pays off in the end if we have a little patience and can look beyond our own capabilities. George Bailey never understood the power of the good he did for his colleagues, his family and all of Bedford Falls. It's only when Clarence comes down and shows him the alternate world that he begins to understand.
In the end, George ends up with wealth beyond his wildest dreams, a reminder that we should always do good for others and that sometimes, perhaps, we can be rewarded by the powers that be.