Amazon Cuts This Crucial Scene from IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
By Movieguide® Contributor
Fans are livid after Amazon cut out a major scene from the classic film IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE.
The 1946 movie starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed details the story of “the struggling owner of a small-town savings and loan company who discovers, with the help of a quirky angel named Clarence, that he’s the richest man in the world. After years of struggling to make ends meet, George Bailey contemplates suicide when his forgetful uncle accidentally misplaces $8,000. George’s family and friends are praying to God for him, however. As a result, God sends a bumbling but lovable angel who happens upon the one thing that will remind George he’s really led a wonderful life.”
However, Amazon cut the “Pottersville scene,” which is arguably one of the most important parts of the movie.
During this scene, George wishes he’d never been born. But Clarence, his guardian angel, “explains to George that he does not know all he has done in his life. He proceeds to show George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all his good deeds over the years. The alternative reality helps George realize he has a wonderful life,” Fox News said.
Prime Video’s abridged version breaks when George tells Clarence, “Only one way you can help me. You don’t happen to have eight thousand bucks on you?” and picks up again as George is “joyously running through the streets after he’s realized the value of his own life,” Fox reported.
Along with missing why George decides to love his life again, the cut leaves out the most important aspect of the movie: George’s realization that life is a gift from God as he prays, “I want to live again. I want to live again. Please, God, let me live again.”
Fox said, “the scene might have been removed due to a copyright dispute regarding it, which was based on a short story, the Daily Mail reported.” But viewers weren’t happy.
One user said, “I was enjoying watching IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, but apparently the abridged version removed the most pivotal scenes, including whole part where the main character sees what the world would be like if he never existed… It jumps from him meeting the angel to the very end where he’s running around happy to be alive. Amazon, why have you butchered the movie? It makes no sense. Please give us the full version!”
“If you want to know what’s wrong with the world, Prime Video has an ‘abridged version of IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE that removes THE ENTIRE POTTERSVILLE SCENE where George sees life if he wasn’t born. That’s all that abridged. The best most crucial part of the movie. Just. Wow,” an X user posted along with a clip of the edited version.
Movieguide® rated the film highly, giving it a +3.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is arguably the most beloved movie of all time. It’s certainly the most uplifting, rewarding and redemptive movie. It’s also funny, emotionally powerful, psychologically enriching, and beautifully made. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is a pro-life masterpiece by Director Frank Capra, with brilliant performances by Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and a cast of terrific character actors. Slight caution is advised for some false angelology, but the movie honors God in a whimsical, profound, powerful way.
READ MORE: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE REVIEW
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