Target Village - Knickerbocker Inn

The Knickerbocker Inn can only be seen in a couple of scenes, including the scene where George, Bert and Ernie get distracted by a sultry Violet Bick.

The side of the box reads, "The Knickerbocker is Bedford Fall's finest (and only) hotel. Traveling businessmen, like Mr. Carter the bank examiner, stay here when visiting Bedford Falls. The ballroom at the Inn is also the place where the elite of Bedford Falls hold parties and dances.

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Target Village - The Gower Drug Store & Soda Fountain of Bedford Falls

This is where George Bailey wished for a million dollars. It was where Mary voiced her undying love for George. It's where George learned to do the right thing, even when there was nobody to help him.

The side of the box reads, "A good old-fashioned drugstore with creaky wooden floors where George Bailey worked after school, watching the counter, serving sodas and making deliveries. It was here in a moment of blatant disobedience that George saved the life of a child and the good name of the town druggist."

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Skewed front view

Target Village - The Bedford Falls City Hall

City Hall can be seen in the background during the Christmas Eve scene. When Uncle Billy is on his way to deposit the money at the bank, he passes in front of City Hall, which is being prepared for Harry's homecoming.

The side of the box reads, "A grand building in the center of Bedford Falls, City Hall has many meanings for the townsfolk. For some it brings joyful memories - those who were married there. For others it was just a place to take care of official business. None the less it stands straigth and strong as a symbol of strength in the Bedford Falls community."

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Blogging From A to Z - O is for "O Come All Ye Faithful"

 

Source: http://www.sermoncentral.com/MediaVault/Detail.asp?
MediaVaultID=1219&rewrite=t&MultimediaTypeID=24

Welcome to the It's A Wonderful Blog's Blogging From A to Z April (2015) Challenge. For this challenge, I will post every day in April (except for Sundays) about topics related to the Frank Capra/Jimmy Stewart film, It's a Wonderful Life.

While the opening credits of It’s a Wonderful Life begin to the soft strain of a string performance of "Buffalo Gals," the real action of the film begins with another song. 

We recognize it. The song is “O Come All Ye Faithful,” a traditional Christmas tune that is about the birth of Jesus. It is played gently on what sounds like a xylophone … an instrument commonly found in elementary school music rooms.

As the song plays, the audience is shown streetscapes. The scene serves to introduce us to the town of Bedford Falls. We also are being introduced to the residents of Bedford Falls. But instead of seeing them, we only hear their voices.

They are all praying for George Bailey. From them, we learn that George:

·      is well-liked.

·      cares for those around him.

·      cares for his community.

·      has a mother who is worried.

·      has a wife who is worried.

·      has children who is worried.

·      someone is indebted to him for “everything,” which indicates something more important than money.

·      is selfless.

Source: http://www.hymnary.org/
hymn/WAR2003/182

The scene is extremely short, but it teaches us so much. We know a lot about George before we really know anything about him.

The fact that these prayers are being said during a Christian song that includes the word “faithful” is significant. This film is about faith. It’s not about religion. It is about faith. There IS a difference. The song is inviting us to watch what eventually becomes George Bailey’s rebirth in faith. It is also a rebirth of his trust in God, his family, his community, his business, and himself.

A belief in God is not required, but it is helpful in the effort to fully understand the depths and meanings of this film.

If you don't believe in God, please join the conversation! Do you enjoy this film anyway? What messages do you take away from it?

If you do believe in God, does this film strengthen your faith? If so, how? If not, why not?