Target Village - The Bedford Falls Bus

This bus was one of the first pieces I got from the Target collection. I didn't know this village set existed the year it came out until I opened the gifts under the Christmas tree. I believe this is the very first piece I opened.

The bus can be seen in the opening scene of the film as people pray, and it travels across the screen.

We find out during the run on the bank that Potter owns the bus line.

Target Village - Bailey Park Tree

You can't get to Bailey Park without passing under this sign at the entrance. "Welcome to Bailey Park," the sign reads, as new residents pass under it to their future dreams.

Target Village - George and Mary Help the Martinis Move

In this version of the Bailey family's Ford Model T, the car is loaded up with the Martini family's belongings, including three of their children and a goat, to help them move from Potter's Field to Bailey Park.

Target Village - Bailey Family Car

The Bailey Family's Ford Model T is a metaphor for George Bailey's life. George himself sees it as a status symbol. It represents how poor he is when his friend Sam rides in a limousine. It represents his frustration when he tries to open the door and it won't open, or when he tries to close it, but it won't close. And when George's life seems to be out of control, he crashes the car.

Target Village - Violet Bick

Violet Bick is the girl in town with the questionable morals and reputation, and based on a couple of scenes, she has earned that reputation. But for as much as she loves money and expensive clothes and attention, she has unexplainably set her sights on George Bailey. Perhaps it is the thrill of the hunt. And although Violet expressed her interest in George to Mary when they were children, Mary never shows any concern or jealously.

Target village - Ernie the Taxi Driver

Ernie the taxi driver is the jokester among the friendship of George, Ernie and Bert. And his friends know him well, cutting him off when he begins to make Trump-worthy inappropriate comments about Violet Bick.

Ernie is also a little more suspicious of people in the Pottersville sequence. During that time, we can see the negative effect a rough life has had on him, and we can't help but realize the positive influence of George Bailey on his life.

Target Village - Uncle Billy

Poor, forgetful Uncle Billy. Even the strings on his fingers can't help him remember not to forget.

Here, Uncle Billy is dressed for his trip to the bank, complete with a scarf, hat and newspaper. That newspaper will almost ruin the Bailey Brothers Building and Loan.

Target Village - Sam and Jane

Sam Wainwright is the hometown kid who went out and made a name - and a dollar - for himself. Some may say he is an opportunist....a war profiteer. That may or may not be true; it's a question of perspective.

Sam is a bit of a playboy, but he manages to settle down and marry Jane, and the two stop in to visit George and Mary as they dedicate the new Martini home before skipping off to a carefree vacation in Florida.

Target Village - Henry F. Potter

Henry F. Potter is everything I hate in conservatives - A money-hoarding, self-serving, others-destroying, hateful, conniving sore loser bully. Are my politics showing? Sorry/Not sorry.

His only friend is the poor nameless schmuck who pushes him around in his wheelchair. And even then, it doesn't appear they are friends in any meaningful way.

Potter is so isolated, he is only ever referred to by his last name. His first name is only used when it is used in conjunction with his middle initial and last name. He is always Potter, or Henry F. Potter.

Target Village - Nick the Bartender

Nick the Bartender - the one from Bedford Falls - is the kind of friend you want on your side. He has a tender heart but is ferociously protective of his friends. In Pottersville, he's just plain ferocious....a bully.

Target Village - Mr. Gower

Mr. Gower is a hard-working, caring resident of Bedford Falls who has a tendency toward alcoholism. If given bad enough news and the right opportunity, Mr. Gower can spiral into the depths of alcohol that can lead to deadly decisions and unfortunate consequences, if it weren't for his very own guardian angel, George Bailey.

Target Village - Harry Bailey

Harry Bailey - Your average all-American self-centered jerk...until he redeems himself in the final scene.

Target Village - George Bailey

George Bailey is that guy we all want to be: Loved by family and friends alike, and standing up for the little person with integrity and respect. And just like George Bailey, some days are better than others.