What Makes "It's a Wonderful Life" Timeless?

Disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book from the publisher. This post also contains Amazon affiliate links [*]. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Didn't I just say it was too early to dive into Christmas-themed books? I’m not losing my marbles here; I distinctly remember shouting this in another review. Yet, here I am, gleefully thorny about yet another book that really should've waited until the leaves started turning and the air turned crisp—preferably November or December—not September, for crying out loud! It’s not even Halloween yet! Jeez. But enough with the nitpicking; let’s get on with the meat of it...

Last week, out of the blue, an ARC of The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life by Jimmy Hawkins landed on my doorstop like a snowflake in July. Hawkins, the man who played the adorable Tommy Bailey in the 1946 classic, brings to life a story that was surprisingly born as a flop; back in the day, audiences didn’t quite know what to make of it. This book, more of a novella at 183 pages, turned out to be a quick read for me, courtesy of the fine folks at Harper Horizon. I’ve got a stack of books that would rival a skyscraper, and this happened to be my second unsolicited read of the week. Normally, I would brush these aside, but something about this one piqued my interest—maybe it was my greedy hands savagely reaching for nostalgia.

But I digress.

In this delightful little book, Jimmy Hawkins leads us to the heart of what makes It’s a Wonderful Life resonate with audiences—even today. It’s not just about an iconic message or unforgettable lines; it’s about the sheer unstoppable passion behind its creation, fueled by the vision of director Frank Capra.

As a young boy, Hawkins embodied George Bailey's spirited youngest son, Tommy, and in the decades that followed, he's practically morphed into the film's unofficial ambassador. This book is stuffed with unpublished treasures, insights into the cast and crew, and given his years around the film, Hawkins is the best guide we could hope for on this journey through cinematic history.

Through snippets from the screenplay, never-before-seen photos, and a lifetime forged in the spirit of friendship with Frank Capra and the film's stars, Hawkins invites us to explore why this particular story still manages to tug at our heartstrings, even after all these years. Because It’s a Wonderful Life isn’t merely the story of George Bailey or Frank Capra; it’s every one of us wrapped in warmth and resilience—an anthology of hope for generations to come.

It just so happens that It’s a Wonderful Life is one of my all-time favorite films. I can vividly recall curling up in my cozy childhood bedroom, transfixed during one of its airings in the mid-'90s. A few months later, when my parents decided to venture into the city (a pilgrimage from our tiny rural town) while I was stuck in school, I begged them to pick up a copy on VHS—not that they had even seen it. They returned home with their prize, and much to my delight, they eventually watched it and enjoyed it. The crux of my little trip down memory lane is that It’s a Wonderful Life has touched countless lives in myriad ways, an essential truth that reverberates through Hawkins' writing.

Now, don’t get me wrong—this isn’t quite a memoir, even though Jimmy shares a few personal anecdotes from his days on set as a child. It's also not a full-fledged behind-the-scenes exposé; while chapters detail how the film came together and Capra's fervor for directing, it feels more like a tapestry sewn from many threads. I will confess, I’m not an expert, nor have I delved into other books about the film. I believe Hawkins has penned a few, though. The tagline on the cover sums it up beautifully: "How the Most Inspirational Movie of All Time Still Inspires the Spirit."

Hawkins poignantly discusses how the movie has inspired and helped many through dark times, particularly those grappling with depression. Suicide is indeed a heavy theme woven into the fabric of It’s a Wonderful Life; George Bailey, played with charm and gravitas by Jimmy Stewart, attempts to take his own life—only to be saved by the angel Clarence, who unveils the profound impact his absence would have had. The rest, as they say, is cinematic history.

I wouldn’t dare claim that The Heart of Its a Wonderful Life is a breathtaking literary masterpiece. Yet, there's an undeniable charm nestled within its pages. Call it a warm companion piece to the film—a love letter, perhaps. I genuinely enjoyed flipping through it. It’s even got me in the mood to revisit the film a bit earlier than I usually would, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. So, if you’re someone who cherishes It’s a Wonderful Life, grab yourself a copy, ^[*] snuggle up, and prepare for a delightful stroll down memory lane. ╌★★★★✰

〜B.J. Burgess