What 'wrong' did George Do??

IMO, what he "did" was the way he lived his life. Early in the film he is seen as being a workaholic who doesn't really care about anything other than getting the job done, a scrooge if you will. So when he says "What I did needed doing", I assumed he meant that in order for the trio's engineering firm to be successful, his role as the "taskmaster" was necessary - although he never felt remorseful about it (but probably should have).

About 10 minutes into the film, after they find out their invited guests aren't coming, George says it's his fault because they must have found out he was going to be there. He says he was involved in the infamous Shreve case and that he was acquitted for a lack of evidence.

Later, when the cowboy/singer is getting ready to leave for the lodge with the evil Broadway lady, he is told (I think by Tanya)that George lost his home, family & reputation because of a woman like her and cowboy will do the same if he doesn't watch it.

From that I assume it was serious, maybe manslaughter or something similar.

Hi,
I just saw the movie again after so many years and if you're still out there and want my take on your question, here it is. This bothered me, too, and while they don't make it too explicit, both George and James basically share the same story. George had an extramarital affair with a woman similar to James's affair with that singer. In George's case, it ruined his marriage and his relationship with his children. There are hints, too, that she may have led him to do something questionable with his business practices, which tainted his reputation. Earlier in the movie, this affinity with the two characters is pretty well done. George tells James they share a similar upbringing. Also, George gives James his overcoat, which fits him perfectly. When it looks like James is going in the same bad direction, George warns him. So, it's my interpretation that, in a sense, George is looking at himself from Beyond Tomorrow.