It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Samuel S. Hinds: Pa Bailey

Photos 

Quotes 

• Pa Bailey : All you can take with you is that which you've given away.

• Pa Bailey : I know it's soon to talk about it.

  George Bailey : Oh, now Pop, I couldn't. I couldn't face being cooped up for the rest of my life in a shabby little office... Oh, I'm sorry Pop, I didn't mean that, but this business of nickels and dimes and spending all your life trying to figure out how to save three cents on a length of pipe... I'd go crazy. I want to do something big and something important.

  Pa Bailey : You know, George, I feel that in a small way we are doing something important. Satisfying a fundamental urge. It's deep in the race for a man to want his own roof and walls and fireplace, and we're helping him get those things in our shabby little office.

  George Bailey : I know, Dad. I wish I felt... But I've been hoarding pennies like a miser in order to... Most of my friends have already finished college. I just feel like if I don't get away, I'd bust.

  Pa Bailey : Yes... yes... You're right son.

  George Bailey : You see what I mean, don't you, Pop?

  Pa Bailey : This town is no place for any man unless he's willing to crawl to Potter. You've got talent, son. I've seen it. You get yourself an education. Then get out of here.

  George Bailey : Pop, you want a shock? I think you're a great guy.

  [to Annie, listening through the door] 

  George Bailey : Oh, did you hear that, Annie?

  Annie : I heard it. About time one of you lunkheads said it.

• Mr. Potter : Have you put any real pressure on these people of yours to pay those mortgages?

  Pa Bailey : Times are bad, Mr. Potter. A lot of these people are out of work.

  Mr. Potter : Well, then, foreclose.

  Pa Bailey : I can't do that. These families have children.

  Mr. Potter : They're not my children.

  Pa Bailey : But they're somebody's children, Mr. Potter.

  Mr. Potter : Are you running a business or a charity ward? Not with my money!

  Pa Bailey : Mr. Potter, what makes you such a hard-skulled character? You have no family, no children. You can't begin to spend all the money you've got.

  Mr. Potter : Oh, I suppose I should give it to miserable failures like you and that idiot brother of yours to spend for me!

  Little George : He's not a failure! You can't say that about my father!

  Pa Bailey : George. George. Quiet, George. Run along. Run along.

  Little George : You're not! You're the biggest man in town!

  [Pushes Mr. Potter] 

  Little George : Bigger than him, bigger than everybody!

  [walks out] 

  Mr. Potter : [groans]  Gives you an idea of the Baileys.

• Pa Bailey : Of course it's just a hope, you wouldn't consider coming back to the Building & Loan would you?

  George Bailey : Well I...

  [notices Annie eavesdropping] 

  George Bailey : Annie, why don't you draw up a chair and then you'll be more comfortable and then you can hear everything that's going on?

  Annie : I would if I thought I'd hear anything worth listening to.