MovieChat Forums > It's a Wonderful Life (1947) Discussion > I Think Harry Screwed Over George

I Think Harry Screwed Over George

posted 7 years ago by SMC
7 replies | jump to latest

George gives Harry his college money with the understanding that when he graduates, George would then go to college and Harry works the Savings and Loan. So what does Harry do.....he marries some rich hottie who's father doesn't want his little girl to live in Bedford Falls married to some dude running a savings and loan. So what does daddy do, he offers Harry a job at one of his factories so he can make sure his little girl gets the best and is close to home. Harry is completely p***y whipped. He caves in (after a luke warm "I'll stay if you want George"). So Harry and his bride go to Rochester and George is still stuck at the S and L. Nice guys do finish last.

[–] ScarletPimpernel64 7 years ago

If you'd paid attention to the film, you would have realized that George was Harry's hero. It wasn't a lukewarm bit when Harry offered to stay in Bedford Falls by any stretch of the imagination.

Plus, at the end, Harry--who's a war hero, points out that George is the one who's the richest man in town. And while he knows Potter has the most money, Harry knows exactly what he is talking about. He understands his big brother is the most admired man around, and knows why.

"Be sure you're right, then go ahead."
Davy Crockett

[–] jdrennan13 7 years ago

Could not agree more, doesn't tell him about getting married, does his own think, when he wants. Hate Harry Bailey and how smug he is.

[–] NikolajCostas1005 7 years ago

True, but I got the impression that George essentially convinced him to go to Rochester and willfully stayed at the B&L out of sacrifice like he always did.

Eh I don't know what 'phallocentric' means, but NO GIRLS!

[–] Jason_Simpson 7 years ago

Harry is a sh!tty brother, for sure. We are supposed to assume that George selflessly talked him into taking the job his FIL offered, but that doesn't mean Harry had to take it. He knew how much George wanted to leave BF, but he basically ensured that he would always be stuck there. That's crappy of him.

Eh, I'm no hero. I just like to hit people on the head

[–] binaryguy1101 7 years ago

I disagree.

As a parent, I feel it would be extremely selfish of me to ask a child of mine to give up his/her life to take over my business. (or to take over caring for my own health, for that matter).

If a child decided that he/she wanted to be in my business, but later decided that his/her life would be better if he/she pursued something else, than I would be sad, but I would tell him/her to go ahead with his/her own dream.

It was George's father's dream to start this business. It was never George's. He felt compelled by circumstance to take it over, and I commend him for his sacrifice. But, it was still his own decision. Yes, he expected Harry to follow through with a youthful pact, but that isn't realistic.

Even as Harry gets off the train, and it becomes clear that Harry will be better off going elsewhere, George still had the ability to walk away (and let the whole thing fall to Potter).

Even the father reluctantly agreed with George what he should leave Bedford Falls unless he wants to cowtow to Potter.

[–] Jason_Simpson 7 years ago

George walking away would mean the end of the business that his father built. Harry knew the deal and went back on it. Twice.

Eh, I'm no hero. I just like to hit people on the head

[–] CoriSCapnSkip (1571) 5 months ago

Agreed. Harry's wife made him break his promise to his brother which was a bad way to start a marriage.