10 Incredible Things Mankind Has Managed To Lose

5. Unused Endings From It's A Wonderful Life

Michelangelo Merisi Da Caravaggio Nativity With St Francis And St Lawrence WGA04193
RKO Radio Pictures

It's A Wonderful Life is one of the world's favourite movies, an ever-present on Best Films Ever OMG lists and a much-loved way for TV networks to fill up a couple of hours of their Christmas schedules.

One of the criticisms leveled at the movie is that the slimy Mr. Potter, who steals deposit money to kick off hero George's various woes, seems to get away with being a titanic jerk. He never gets the punishment the movie's sense of morality suggests he should receive.

In fact, he does, but fate has decreed you're not allowed to see it.

An alternative ending was filmed featuring Mr. Potter keeling over of a heart attack while counting his ill-gotten wad. Director Frank Capra thought this was a bit mean, and unnecessary since the movie is about everyman hero George and not grasping ratbag Potter, so he ditched the ending.

The footage of the alternative ending has never turned up.

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Ben Counter is a fantasy and science fiction writer, gaming enthusiast, wrestling fan and miniature painting guru. He was raised on Warhammer, Star Wars and 1980s cartoons that, in retrospect, were't that good. Whoever you are, he is nerdier than you.