The Alternate Ending to It’s a Wonderful Life
But what happens to Mr. Potter? I remember my dad asking the question after we watched It’s a Wonderful Life. Does anyone need to know the synopsis of the film? It could be the most watched movie in history.
Potter, a miserable old miser, despises small town hero George Bailey. When an opportunity arises to put George not only out of business but also in prison, Potter steals 8-thousand dollars from the business of George’s family. A savings and loan. This transpires on Christmas Eve. George contemplates suicide but is saved by a kindly angel.
Does Uncle Billy suddenly recall Potter took the cash? These are questions dogging Americans for more than 70 years.
Then the townspeople come to the rescue with cash and jewelry for the benevolent Mr. Bailey. The movie ends with townsfolk packed into the Bailey home.
But what happens to Mr. Potter? We don’t have an answer. Does he go on, battling George at every opportunity? Does Uncle Billy suddenly recall Potter took the cash? These are questions dogging Americans for more than 70 years. My dad wasn’t alone!
Well, almost 30 years ago, NBC’s Saturday Night Live came up with a possible ending. William Shatner jokingly called it the lost ending. The humor might be considered a bit dark but the first time I saw it I laughed to the point of tears.
You may recall a similar version of the story was made in the 1970s with Marlo Thomas and Wayne Rogers. Thomas playing the role made famous by Jimmy Stewart. It was charming but not nearly as funny as Saturday Night Live, which you can watch below.