Bedford Falls

While the villain Henry Potter may own most of what's worth owning in Bedford Falls, George Bailey is actually the richest man in town because the community that he dedicated his life to will come to his aid in his darkest hour.

Matt Jordan: Don't Crawl to Potter This Christmas Matt Jordan 2011

He learns that Big Money Potter will always profit from personal misery and that people in Bedford Falls will suffer at the hands of a profit-driven financial system if he doesn't put off his own dreams of seeing the world.

Matt Jordan: Don't Crawl to Potter This Christmas Matt Jordan 2011

George is heartbroken when his father dies, and he sacrifices his passion to see the world, remaining in tiny Bedford Falls so he can prevent the family-owned bank from falling into the hands of the rapacious Mr. Potter, a caricature of American banking borne out by our own recent experience.

Michael Sigman: Brooks Pits 'Connection' vs. 'Adventure,' But Why Not Both? Michael Sigman 2011

Alas, not everyone in Bedford Falls is as community-minded.

Matt Jordan: Don't Crawl to Potter This Christmas Matt Jordan 2011

And the unhappiness of Bedford Falls' residents in the Bailey-less universe -- recast as "Potterville" -- also depicted in the film comes from economic exploitation, not their failure to herd themselves into groups.

Michael Sigman: Brooks Pits 'Connection' vs. 'Adventure,' But Why Not Both? Michael Sigman 2011

Further, George's brother Harry and his friend Sam Wainwright find plenty of happiness after they leave Bedford Falls in search of adventure, fulfillment and, yes, riches.

Michael Sigman: Brooks Pits 'Connection' vs. 'Adventure,' But Why Not Both? Michael Sigman 2011

And the unhappiness of Bedford Falls' residents in the Bailey-less universe -- recast as "Potterville" -- also depicted in the film comes from economic exploitation, not their failure to herd themselves into groups.

Michael Sigman: Brooks Pits 'Connection' vs. 'Adventure,' But Why Not Both? Michael Sigman 2011

Last year, the resort began an annual tradition that honors the film by transforming the main plaza into an ersatz Bedford Falls, with cobblestone streets adorned with Christmas wreaths, actors dressed in period costume ringing bells and screenings of the movie every Saturday night.

Holiday Inns Jackie Cooperman 2011

George is heartbroken when his father dies, and he sacrifices his passion to see the world, remaining in tiny Bedford Falls so he can prevent the family-owned bank from falling into the hands of the rapacious Mr. Potter, a caricature of American banking borne out by our own recent experience.

Michael Sigman: Brooks Pits 'Connection' vs. 'Adventure,' But Why Not Both? Michael Sigman 2011

Further, George's brother Harry and his friend Sam Wainwright find plenty of happiness after they leave Bedford Falls in search of adventure, fulfillment and, yes, riches.

Michael Sigman: Brooks Pits 'Connection' vs. 'Adventure,' But Why Not Both? Michael Sigman 2011