7. It's A Wonderful Cast
While James Stewart is the actor we normally think of when we hear the title
It's A Wonderful Life, the film has one of the best ensemble casts of the classic Hollywood period, including the already mentioned Reed, as well as Thomas Mitchell (Uncle Billy) and Ward Bond (Bert). Then there's Lionel Barrymore, of the legendary Barrymore family, as Mr. Potter, appropriately front and centre in this picture, just the way Mr. Potter would want. The setting for the picture also gives it a nice earthy, organic feel, very much in line with the atmosphere of Bedford Falls.