100 Greatest Movie Characters: 23

"What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary."

23. George Bailey
It's A Wonderful Life

Probably the best Christmas movie (even if only like 1/3 of the film takes place on Xmas) and Jimmy Stewart's brilliant turn as the big-hearted but doubtful George Bailey is head over heels above most other performances in film (see also: almost any other Jimmy Stewart performance. Yes, that includes "Fievel Goes West").

When we first meet Bailey, he's deeply depressed and near suicidal, praying he was never born, a prayer answered by 2nd class angel Clarence Odbody. We see that without George, no one would have saved his brother from drowning in a lake. No one would have stopped greedy ol' Mr. Potter from turning Bedford Falls in Pottersville. All the men Harry saved in the war are all dead.

George Bailey is a man with a big heart in his chest and bigger doubts in his head. Why do I like George Bailey so much? Because I'm pretty much George goddamn Bailey already.

Defining moment: His triumphant run through Bedford Falls when he realizes his life really is wonderful. Wishing the movie house, the Emporium, and that wonderful old Building and Loan a merry christmas.

Christ, do I love this movie.