“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”

Does that quote sound familiar? If so, you have most likely seen the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Though made in 1947, Frank Capra’s film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” has themes that are relevant to the college students of today.

The film follows George Bailey, played by James Stewart, throughout his life. George Bailey is a pillar of his community: the idyllic town of Bedford Falls. He seems to live the perfect life with his wife Mary (played by Donna Reed) and his children. However, the audience soon learns that the Bailey family’s life is not picture perfect. In particular, George wants to get out of Bedford Falls and see the world.

Bailey owns a local business, which is in danger of being taken over by Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), the town’s richest man. He learns of this news on Christmas Eve. Faced with the prospect of debt and jail, he contemplates the idea of suicide. He prays to God, believing that God wouldn’t listen.

However, George Bailey is proven wrong, because an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) visits Bailey to show what would happen if he was never born.

The acting within this film is incredibly gripping, particularly on the leads’ ends. A particular highlight of this film is James Stewart’s performance as George Bailey. He does his dead-level best to portray Bailey as both a family man and a man fighting a battle within himself.

The film also portrays mental illness in a manner that was ahead of his time. For example, George Bailey struggles with depression, particularly as it relates to his situation with the business he owns.

One lesson that college students in this day and age can learn from this film is that a strong support system can go an awfully long way. To this end, one quote from the movie states: “No man is a failure who has friends.”

With its promise to teach you the importance of being grateful for what you have in this life, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a must watch this holiday season.