Hee-Haw and Merry Christmas

I guess I should be doing more of those year-end list dealies, and maybe I will, but I had to make a quick mention of something else first.

My friend Dave and I went to a showing of It's a Wonderful Life last night at the IFC Center in the West Village. It was an actual film. Like, on a projector. Being able to look back and see that projector running in the little window was pretty damn cool. I can't remember the last time I'd seen a movie shown "the old -fashioned way."

Of course, just getting to see IAWL on the big-screen was quite a thrill. It's one of my favorites, and it always amazes me to think that it was actually a flop when it premiered back in 1946. But I guess it's kind of hard to follow World War II with a heartwarming tale of faith, love, and friendship.

I've never been able to get through this movie with dry eyes, and last night was no exception. I hate crying, especially in public, so as the final scenes started to play out, I tried my best to fill my head with thoughts like, "George is probably cheating on Mary with Violet," but I knew it wasn't true. I felt my throat start swelling when Harry Bailey toasted to his brother, "the richest man in town," and my eyes got cloudy when George read Clarence's message written inside his copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: "Remember, George - No man is a failure who has friends." And then as soon as that bell rang...well, nothing could stop those tears from falling. That damn Clarence and his damn wings get me every time.

I do have to mention one thing, which might be appropriate following a post featuring Gary Glitter. Every time I see this movie, I am always struck by how cute the actor who plays young George is. Goodness me, he is adorable. Oh, to have been a cougar prowling the streets of Bedford Falls. Am I sick? Look, in my defense, I think the kid looked much younger than he was. I looked it up. He was 13 when that movie came out. People got married when they were 13 back in those days, right? RIGHT? And hell, 13-year-olds get a ton of action these days. Didn't you all see Thirteen?? I've seen it a few times, but only because Jeremy Sisto is in it. See? I like ADULT men. Mostly. I guess I still kind of lusted after Jeremy back when he did that Twisted Sister video. And, boy, that little George Bailey was a hottie. Er, I mean, a cutie.

Anyway, I've often wondered if the actor - Robert J. Anderson - ever blossomed into a gorgeous man, but I've never been able to find any pics of him as a grown up, except for ones of him when he's quite elderly. After leaving the theater last night, I mentioned my improper big-screen crush to Dave, and he informed me that Robert Anderson just died over the summer. Bummer.

Well, I hope he had a wonderful life.

Comments

Dr Zibbs said…
I always bawl like a baby when I watch this too.
Red said…
He is pretty cute, Becks. I don't judge you.
SouthernBelle said…
I never saw IAWL until my first Xmas in the US, but I love me some Jimmy Stewart.
Some Guy said…
I was just watching "The Grapes Of Wrath" and that kid was in it as an extra. He isn't listed on IMDb, but I'm sure it was him.
He also appeared in The Bishop's Wife.

And I get why young Mary gets that fuzzy look on her face when she sees him. Cutie indeed.
Claire said…
I'm so glad that you like IAWL, because I would no longer be able to consider you the most authoritative pop culture critic on the internet if you didn't. The part that always makes me cry is when Mr. Gower almost sends the poisoned capsules to the sick child's family. (and I also love "I was saving this for a divorce if ever I got a husband")
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas you big crybaby!
Movie Maven said…
1. I just watched IAWL with a Korean woman who'd never seen it (we had to write a song based on the movie) and she commented on the fact that Li'l Georgie is mad hot.

2. I totally want to go see it at the IFC Center now! I watched it in a practice room at NYU, and I felt weird getting weepy in there.
SkylersDad said…
I am probably one of the few people who didn't like that movie. It's not that I don't like crying, I mean I cry at Kodak commercials!
Gwen said…
A classic! I cry during the scene with the pharmacist. Maybe I have a thing for him, too, and never knew it.
Anonymous said…
Believe it or not, I have never seen that movie. Now, if you ask me about A Christmas Story...
Anonymous said…
Where in the world did you find that head shot of kid George?

I, too, have had a crush on him since I was wee.
katrocket said…
Yeah, lil' Georgie's alright.

Betty and Donald - not so much.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Year BeckEye!
dguzman said…
Holy shit, I was skimming a little when I hit the Gary Glitter reference, and then I thought you'd said that Young George WAS Gary Glitter! Had to go back and read more carefully!
I've never seen this movie, mostly because it's life-affirming and sweet, and who the hell needs that crap in their lives?
Gifted Typist said…
I almost went to that show in the W. Village while in your fine city. So in a city of 6 mil, I might have run into you! Love that flick - despite it's sentimental marketing, it's very dark indeed