The 'critic' who initiated this thread apparently misses the entire point of the film (and it's title).

Throughout the movie we witness George Bailey's life, which on the surface seems an uneventful, inconsequential one...at least when compared to his aspirations of setting the world on fire upon leaving school. Only when he's faced with the monumental decision of ending his own life in order to (in his opinion) help those around him (remember, he believes he's facing prison & scandal due to the loss of that bank money)...is he given the opportunity to see what his life really meant to those around him.

Please pay heed to one of the most important lines in the story, uttered by angel Clarence:

"You've been given a great gift, George...a chance to see what the world would be like without you."

By the time George re-enters his rickety house, he's quite ready and willing to face jail or whatever as long as he can once again see his wife and children. Yes, he's given the money he needs at the end...but only because of the life he's led, what he's meant to his fellow Bedford Falls residents, and their little town. He was there when they needed him...and they are there when he needs them. Including Violet Bicks, Mr. Gower and little brother Harry...all of whose lives would've turned out drastically different without the existence of George Bailey. Another classic line, though somewhat lost in the excitement is when Uncle Billy proclaims that once word got round that George was in trouble, everyone rallied to help, no questions asked!!

Meanwhile, Mr. Potter sits alone in his office with the envelope full of cash that he knows belongs to someone else. Here he thought, was finally his chance to bury this 'boil on his neck'...but it wasn't meant to be.

What a sad holiday season for Mr. Potter...and anyone, critic and viewer alike...who doesn't understand the message behind this classic!!

Atta boy, Clarence... !!

AppleOnYa