‘It’s a Wonderful Life’s Unscripted Scene Has a Deeper Meaning

By Aled Owen

Published 4 days ago

Jimmy Stewart’s past experiences led to this unscripted tearjerker in the Frank Capra classic.

Image by Collider Staff

The Big Picture

James Stewart's real war experiences added depth and authenticity to his performance in It's a Wonderful Life.
The film explores feelings of failure and worthlessness, which Stewart himself was grappling with at the time.
Watching the film Twelve O'Clock High can help provide a deeper understanding of It's a Wonderful Life and the experiences that influenced Stewart's performance.