George Bailey (It's a Wonderful Life) first and pretends to be drowning. After George rescues him, the man reveals himself to be George's guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. George does not believe him, and he bitterly wishes he had never been born. Inspired by this comment, Clarence shows George what the town would have been like without him, with the snow outside stopping as the change is made. In this alternative scenario Bedford Falls is instead named Pottersville, and is home to sleazy nightclubs, pawn shops, and amoral people. Bailey Park was never built, and remains an old cemetery. Mr. Gower was sent to prison for poisoning
A Wonderful Life (musical) A Wonderful Life (musical) A Wonderful Life is a 1986 musical with a book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Joe Raposo. Based on the classic Frank Capra film "It's a Wonderful Life" starring James Stewart, the story closely follows the original plot, set in 1945, telling the story of a suicidal man whose guardian angel reveals to him how different the world and everyone whose life he has touched would be had he never been born. The film was, in turn, based on a 1938 short story by Philip Van Doren Stern called "The Greatest Gift". Harnick