‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is atheist, Communist propaganda

NY Post ^ | December 24, 2015 | Kyle Smith

[presidio9]

The Christmas Eve showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” may be intended to make you believe in the importance of even an ordinary person’s life, but underneath that, what are the film’s secret hidden messages, the ones that become apparent only after two or three eggnogs? Let’s mull over some of the wackier possibilities.

It’s a salute to atheism. It’s “the least religious but most humanist film you could ever see,” said David Wilson in The Guardian, because it suggests people should fix their problems on Earth rather than waiting for God to help out. Regarding Jimmy Stewart’s character George Bailey, Wilson notes: “Even if he does at one point pray to God, [Bailey] is not religious at all, but simply a man trying to find transcendence in the routine of his life and in his duties to his family, friends and community . . . [director] Frank Capra . . . had a lifelong apathy towards his Catholic upbringing, and

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It’s Commie propaganda. A 1947 memo by the FBI containing interviews with Hollywood types, which became of interest to the House Un-American Activities Committee, stated, “With regard to the picture ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, [REDACTED] stated in substance that the film represented a rather obvious attempt to discredit bankers by casting Lionel Barrymore as a ‘scrooge-type’ so that he would be the most hated man in the picture.” This, according to these sources, is a common trick used by Communists. The pressure eased up when a witness liked by the HUAC, ex-Communist screenwriter John Charles Moffitt, testified

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[867V309]

I propose we open a home for the deluded like ol’ Kyle, preferably somewhere in the disputed area of Syria.

[Alberta's Child]

Is this a joke?

It's the least religious but most humanist film you could ever see, said David Wilson in The Guardian, because it suggests people should fix their problems on Earth rather than waiting for God to help out.

Pure, unadulterated B.S. If left to his own devices, George Bailey would have offed himself. His life was saved by the character Clarence -- an angel sent by God to intercede in the chain of events that were unfolding that day.

[soycd]

>it suggests people should fix their problems on Earth rather than waiting for God to help out.

You mean like hoping your child’s compound fracture will heal just fine without going to the doctor?

Faith and common sense give each other a wide berth.

[Tupelo]

I do not know how atheist or communist IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is, but ain’t an “uplifting Christmas film” to me. Hell, I find it down right depressing.
There are at least 10-15 better Christmas films, starting with IT HAPPENED ON FIFTH AVENUE.

[WhistlingPastTheGraveyard]

Atheists don’t believe in angels.

Communists don’t believe in the power of the individual.

I’m calling BS on this one.

[Fiddlstix]

Memo To Kyle Smith:

Click the Pic

[Insigne123]

It’s a sin to kill yourself over life’s challenges God sets before us. You may suffer, but you surmount trials & tribulations. Not exactly heathenism & what may keep many from attempting Mexican Cliff Diving Championships.

[Alberta's Child]

Frank Capra got a lot of criticism over the years for the way the movie ended. Specifically, many viewers were upset that Potter was never taken to task for what he had done with the money that eventually drove George Bailey to despair.

Interestingly, this particular point is what made the movie absolutely religious at its core. The whole point of faith in God is that reward and punishment are ultimately meted out in the afterlife, regardless of what happens here on earth.

[Texas Eagle]

...the film represented a rather obvious attempt to discredit bankers by casting Lionel Barrymore as a scrooge-type so that he would be the most hated man in the picture.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, Commodore, but wasn't George Bailey also a banker?"

[Raycpa]

George used his own money to save the savings and loan. That’s not communism. George’s friend willingly donated from the heart to save George. That’s not communism.

[Inkie]

To be honest, when I viewed the film again after not having seen it for many years, I was shocked by George’s yelling and screaming at his wife and kids. He was really abusive, and I had a hard time sympathizing with him after that.

[editor-surveyor]

.
Its just a bunch of catholic fu fu.

Bells ringing when ‘angels’ get their wings?

The angels that have wings have had them for at least 6000 years. Angels are not people that have died.

[leaning conservative]

Agree!

[smokingfrog]

Does communism celebrate honesty and friendship?

The film does demonize the rich property/bsnk owner Mr. Potter, but people like that exist everywhere.

[presidio9]

Kyle Smith gets himself into trouble when he writes about matters of faith. He is himself an atheist, but he is, nevertheless one of the most dependably conservative writers working in the New York media.

[Seaplaner]

Along w the above comments, the film had a strong pro defense overtone (to wit, Bailey's bro).

The film is deservedly pro American and part of our culture.

.

[Alberta's Child]

One of the funniest parts of the movie:

Bridge Tender: "It's against the law to commit suicide around here."

Clarence: "Yeah, it's against the law where I come from, too."

"Where do you come from?"

"Heaven."

The bridge tender's reaction to that was priceless. LOL.

[katnip]

I love the movie and consider it a strong pro-life statement.

[Raycpa]

Georges trust was betrayed by his alcoholic uncle, not by Potter.