79. It's a Wonderful Life (w/ Emily St. James)

Join us and proverbial bringer-of-Christmas-cheer Emily St. James as we dive into Frank Capra's existentialist Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life! We talk about the film's overt and subtle political messaging, which got it labeled Communist propaganda soon after its release, and contrast the zero sum deadlocked conflict of Potter with the generosity and warmth of George and (especially) Mary. We consider various interpretations of what George learns in his journey through the alternate reality of Pottersville and how Capra underscores the communitarian and occasionally Christian values by cramming his frames full of smiling faces. So come find out why this thing we call life really is wonderful!

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