MEDIUM CLOSE UP �� Potter is seated at his desk, his goon beside him. He is signing some papers. George is seated in a chair before the desk, without a hat or coat, covered lightly with snow.
>> It's a Wonderful Life Movie Script

INTERIOR LIVING ROOM �� NIGHT CLOSE SHOT �� The room has suddenly become ominously quiet, the only SOUND being George's labored breathing. George goes over to a corner of the room where his workshop is set up �� a drawing table, several models of modern buildings, bridges, etc. Savagely he kicks over the models, picks up some books and hurls them into the corner. Mary and the children watch, horrified. George looks around and sees them staring at him as if he were some unknown wild animal. The three children are crying.
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He pulls some money from his pocket, and offers it to her.
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UNCLE BILLY (cont'd) After all, Potter, some people like George had to stay home. Not every heel was in Germany and Japan!
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EXTERIOR STREET �� DAY MEDIUM LONG SHOT �� Uncle Billy is walking along the street, humming happily to himself. He sees some men decorating the Court House with banners and bunting �� there is a huge sign reading Welcome Home Harry Bailey.
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(pleasantly and smoothly) George, I'm an old man, and most people hate me. But I don't like them either, so that makes it all even. You know just as well as I do that I run practically everything in this town but the Bailey Building and Loan. You know, also, that for a number of years I've been trying to get control of it . . . or kill it. But I haven't been able to do it. You have been stopping me. In fact, you have beaten me, George, and as anyone in this county can tell you, that takes some doing. Take during the depression, for instance. You and I were the only ones that kept our heads. You saved the Building and Loan, and I saved all the rest.
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GEORGE (cont'd) Well, let's have some of that. Get some glasses, Cousin Tilly.
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That's why. He's picking up some bargains. Now, we can get through this thing all right. We've got to stick together, though. We've got to have faith in each other.
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The people are still trying to get out, but some of them have stood still, listening to him. George has begun to make an impression on them.
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GEORGE (cont'd) I have some news for you, folks. I've just talked to old man Potter, and he's guaranteed cash payments at the bank. The bank's going to reopen next week.
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GEORGE (indicating cartoon) Some joke, huh?
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He staggers out of the scene, and as George turns away, we hear Uncle Billy singing "My Wild Irish Rose." There is a CRASH of cans and bottles, then: UNCLE BILLY'S VOICE I'm all right. I'm all right. " . . . the sweetest flower that grows . . . " EXTERIOR HOUSE �� NIGHT MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT �� George is standing at the garden gate. He takes some travel folders from his pocket, looks at them and throws them away.
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RUTH (to George) Here, have some popcorn. George, George, George . . . that's all Harry ever talks about.
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CAMERA MOVES WITH George as he comes into the scene. Ruth detaches herself from the group and offers George some popcorn.
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(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.
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(to the Board) Well, I've said too much. I . . . You're the Board here. You do what you want with this thing. Just one thing more, though. This town needs this measly one-horse institution if only to have some place where people can come without crawling to Potter. Come on, Uncle Billy!
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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.
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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.
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They start their Charleston. We see a SERIES OF SHOTS of various couples doing their routines, some good, some bad.
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FREDDIE'S VOICE And the next thing I know, some guy came up and tripped me.
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