It's a Wonderful Life Movie Script

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT �� George is approaching the front door of the house, on which a sign is hanging "Bridal Suite." Ernie looks out through the curtain covering the broken glass of the front door.

ERNIE:

Hiya . . . Good evening, sir.

Ernie opens the door, revealing himself as a homemade butler.

This has been accomplished by rolling up his pants and putting on an old coachman's hat.

George enters.

ERNIE:

Entray, monsieur, entray.

INTERIOR GRANVILLE HOUSE �� NIGHT CLOSE SHOT �� George enters. The house is carpetless, empty �� the rain and wind cause funny noises upstairs. A huge fire is burning in the fireplace.

Near the fireplace a collection of packing boxes are heaped together in the shape of a small table and covered with a checkered oil cloth. It is set for two.

A bucket with ice and a champagne bottle sit on the table as well as a bowl of caviar. Two small chickens are impaled on a spit over the fire. A phonograph is playing on a box, and a string from the phonograph is turning the chickens on the spit. The phonograph is playing "Song of the Islands."

Mary is standing near the fireplace looking as pretty as any bride ever looked. She is smiling at George, who has been slowly taking in the whole set-up.

Through a door he sees the end of a cheap bed, over the back of which is a pair of pajamas and a nightie. Ernie exits and closes the door.

MARY (tears in her eyes) Welcome home, Mr. Bailey.

GEORGE (overcome) Well, I'll be . . . Mary, Mary, where did you . . .

They rush into each other's arms and hold each other in ecstasy.

EXTERIOR SIDE OF HOUSE �� NIGHT CLOSE SHOT �� Bert and Ernie, standing in the pouring rain, start singing "I Love You Truly."

INTERIOR HOUSE �� NIGHT CLOSE SHOT �� George and Mary. They remain embraced.

GEORGE:

Oh, Mary . . .

MARY:

Remember the night we broke the windows in this old house? This is what I wished for.

GEORGE:

Darling, you're wonderful.

EXTERIOR SIDE OF HOUSE �� NIGHT CLOSE SHOT �� Bert and Ernie. They finish their song, and Ernie kisses Bert on the forehead. Bert slams Ernie's hat on his head.

FADE OUT:

Martini gets a home of his own/George is tempted by Potter/George lassos stork

FADE IN:

EXTERIOR SLUM STREET BEDFORD FALLS �� DAY �� TWO YEARS LATER MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT �� In front of one of the miserable shacks that line the street are two vehicles. One of them is George Bailey's rickety car, and the other is an even more rickety truck piled high with household goods. The Martini family is moving. The family consists of Martini, his wife and four kid of various ages, from two to ten. George and Mary are helping the Martinis move. About a dozen neighbors crowd around. Martini and George, assisted by three of the Martini children, are carrying out the last of the furniture. As they emerge from the house, one of the neighbors, Schultz, calls out:

SCHULTZ:

Martini, you rented a new house?

MARTINI:

Rent?

(to George) You hear what he say, Mr. Bailey?