They say familiarity breeds contempt. By that rule, we should all loathe It’s a Wonderful Life . And yet nothing could be further from the truth. Capra’s masterpiece—the triumph of the common man, the salvation of George Bailey—stands as one of the most beloved films of all time. Now, with this beautiful edition of the original screenplay, It’s a Wonderful Life can be enjoyed every day of the Christmas season and any time of the year. With the addition of an Introduction by Scott W. Thompson, this book is the perfect gift for any fan of Capra, It’s a Wonderful Life , or great cinema. Thompson skillfully responds to misunderstandings of Capra and his craft; provides a deft but detailed character study of George Bailey; and, at the last, describes how Capra takes the ordinary happenings of human life and reveals to his audience the extraordinary truths that make life the greatest gift. Truly, as Clarence said, we will never be failures; for that newborn King of whom the herald angels sing calls us his friends.