It's a Wonderful Life Movie Script

GEORGE:

What's that?

DR. CAMPBELL That's the best part of it. They've appointed George here as executive secretary to take his father's place.

GEORGE:

Oh, no! But, Uncle Billy . . .

DR. CAMPBELL You can keep him on. That's all right. As secretary you can hire anyone you like.

GEORGE (emphatically) Dr. Campbell, now let's get this thing straight. I'm leaving. I'm leaving right now. I'm going to school. This is my last chance.

Uncle Billy here, he's your man.

DR. CAMPBELL But, George, they'll vote with Potter otherwise.

LAP DISSOLVE:

Railroad station �� Harry's return EXTERIOR SKY �� NIGHT The same stars we saw in the opening sequence are once more twinkling as we hear the voices form Heaven: CLARENCE'S VOICE I know. I know. He didn't go.

JOSEPH'S VOICE That's right. Not only that, but he gave his school money to his brother Harry, and sent him to college. Harry became a football star �� made second team All American.

CLARENCE'S VOICE Yes, but what happened to George?

LAP DISSOLVE:

EXTERIOR RAILROAD STATION �� DAY �� FOUR YEARS LATER MEDIUM SHOT �� Characteristic activity; a number of people waiting for the train. Uncle Billy is seated on a baggage wagon eating peanuts as George paces up and down in front of him.

JOSEPH'S VOICE George got four years older, waiting for Harry to come back and take over the Building and Loan.

GEORGE:

Oh, there are plenty of jobs around for somebody that likes to travel. Look at this.

(takes some folders from his pocket) There . . . Venezuela oil fields �� wanted, man with construction experience. Here's the Yukon, right here �� wanted, man with engineering experience.

The WHISTLE of the approaching train is heard.

GEORGE (cont'd) Thar she blows. You know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are?

UNCLE BILLY:

Uh-huh. Breakfast is served; lunch is served; dinner . . .

GEORGE:

No, no, no, no! Anchor chains, plane motors, and train whistles.

UNCLE BILLY:

Peanut?

WIPE TO:

EXTERIOR TRAIN �� DAY MEDIUM SHOT �� The train comes to a stop, and Harry is among the first to get off, followed by an attractive girl about the same age as he is. George rushes into the shot, and as the brothers embrace: GEORGE (joyously) There's the professor now! Old professor, Phi Beta Kappa Bailey!

All American!

HARRY:

Well, if it isn't old George Geographic Explorer Bailey! What? No husky dogs? No sled?

(to Uncle Billy) Uncle Billy, you haven't changed a bit.

UNCLE BILLY:

Nobody ever changes around here. You know that.

GEORGE:

Oh, am I glad to see you.