Personally I don't look into the film that deeply and still consider this film one of my all-time favorites. And after all these years, I still fantasize about Donna Reed - probably the most perfect wife ever put to film.
“Ironically many conservatives see this as an anti-capitalist film. Basically the premise for this theory is the fact that the George Bailey character continuously turns down opportunities to better himself and earn more money in favor of his philanthropic inclinations (i.e. insist on running a failing savings & loan so that the lower-income residents of the town will have a place to get a loan without having to worry about paying on time). Meanwhile, the capitalists in the film are seen as either evil monsters (Potter) or selfishly motivated (Bailey’s brothers).”
In response to that theory I would say that George never calls on the state to come to his rescue. His friends help him completely uncoerced and of their own free will and liberty because of their affection for him. That’s far different from the government demanding they do so.
“Personally I don’t look into the film that deeply and still consider this film one of my all-time favorites.”
Agreed. Especially since both Stewart and Capra were lifelong capitalists and conservative Republicans.
“And after all these years, I still fantasize about Donna Reed - probably the most perfect wife ever put to film.”
Indeed. So perfect she later got a TV series with her playing a very similar character:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnIC7j-xrUY
Agreed. Donna Reed was the most beautiful woman ever to grace the silver screen.