It's a Wonderful Life Movie Script

GEORGE:

Uh-uh. That was a little girl named Mary Hatch. That wasn't you.

A WHISTLE is heard offscreen, and the MUSIC stops.

CLOSE SHOT �� Harry on the orchestra platform, whistle in hand.

HARRY:

Oyez �� oyez �� oyez . . . The big Charleston contest. The prize?

A genuine loving cup. Those not tapped by the judges will remain on the floor. Let's go!

CLOSEUP �� George and Mary. As the MUSIC starts and couples begin dancing once more, they look at each other.

GEORGE:

I'm not very good at this.

MARY:

Neither am I.

GEORGE:

Okay �� what can we lose?

They start their Charleston. We see a SERIES OF SHOTS of various couples doing their routines, some good, some bad.

CLOSEUP �� Freddie leaning against the railing around the dance floor, looking daggers at George. Mickey, a young punk who has had one too many, is beside him.

MICKEY:

What's the matter, Othello �� jealous? Did you know there's a swimming pool under this floor? And did you know that button behind you causes this floor to open up? And did you further know that George Bailey is dancing right over that crack? And I've got the key?

Freddie needs no more. He takes the key from Mickey and turns the switch. The floor begins to part in the middle, each half sliding under the bleacher seats. Pandemonium starts. Dancers begin to scream as they try to get off. Some are so engrossed in dancing they continue at top speed. Teachers and elders start to scurry off. As the floor opens, it reveals an attractive, lighted swimming pool.

George and Mary are so busy dancing they don't notice the floor opening. Spotlights concentrate on them. They mistake the screams for cheers.

CLOSE SHOT �� George and Mary dancing.

GEORGE:

They're cheering us. We must be good.

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT �� the crowd watching George and Mary dancing.

They move backwards until finally they reach the edge of the floor and fall into the pool below.

SERIES OF SHOTS �� George and Mary still trying to dance in the water �� the crowd on the edge cheering them �� some of the crowd leap into the pool �� the principal trying to restore order, finally clasps his hands like a diver and leaps in himself.

FADE OUT:

George and Mary's moonlight walk

FADE IN:

EXTERIOR TREE-LINED RESIDENTIAL STREET �� NIGHT MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT �� George and Mary. The night is warm with a bright moon. George is dressed in jersey sweater and oversize football pants that keep wanting to come down. Mary is in an old white bath robe. Each is carrying their wet clothes tied into a bundle that leaves a trail of dripping water. As they near the camera we hear them singing: GEORGE AND MARY (singing) Buffalo Gals can't you come out tonight. Can't you come out tonight. Can't you come out tonight. Buffalo Gals can't you come out tonight and dance by the light of the moon.

GEORGE:

Hot dog! Just like an organ.

MARY:

Beautiful.

CAMERA MOVES WITH them as they proceed down the street.

GEORGE:

And I told Harry I thought I'd be bored to death. You should have seen the commotion in that locker room. I had to knock down three people to get this stuff we're wearing here. Here, let me hold that old wet dress of yours.