it’s a wonderful life Most memorable for its heartwarming ending, George BaileyJames Stewart) is reminded of his worth through the help of his guardian angel, Clarence.
However, the journey to that exhilarating moment is fraught with despair, depression, and suicidal thoughts, as George wonders if the world would be a better place without him.
George’s intense emotional struggles weighed heavily on him, especially given Stewart’s tragic experiences during World War II.
Stewart captures a man teetering on the edge of collapse, grumpy, depressed, and battling despair. Many of these traits reflect symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which Stewart himself experienced after serving as a bomber pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces.
author Robert Mattin his book Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europeexplores how the actor’s wartime experiences influenced his performance.
Stewart carried out 20 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe and endured unimaginable pressure. Matzen spoke to people who flew with Stewart:
“[They] Tell me about the times he got high – meaning shell shock, battle fatigue, what we now call post-traumatic stress disorder.
“He’s not afraid of bombs or bullets. He’s afraid of making a mistake and getting someone killed. That’s the endless pressure on him and that’s how he ends up in trouble.
After returning home from the war, Stewart, like many other veterans, struggled to reintegrate into civilian life. Matzen wrote:
“Stewart suffered like millions of other veterans who returned home to friends and family around the world unable to comprehend what they had gone through.”
Matzen credits Stewart with channeling his trauma into his performance. He highlighted one scene in particular: “There is a scene in the movie, [George] Questioning his sanity, he looked wild. This scene made a huge impression on me when I watched it on the big screen.
Another moment comes when George, overwhelmed by financial and personal stress, yells and throws things at his family. His wife and children looked at him in shock, witnessing a side of him they didn’t recognize. “Who is this person? Who is this monster?
Stewart delivers a powerful, raw and vulnerable performance in this Christmas classic that feels very authentic. Understanding the personal struggles Stewart faced during and after the war brings new depth to the film and the character he plays.
Stewart’s portrayal of George ensures that the pain and struggle leading to an uplifting and happy ending is both honest and human.
