The classic film It's a Wonderful Life celebrates George Bailey's contribution to his community. George, played by Jimmy Stewart, is a generous and compassionate proprietor of a local building and loan institution.

George offers loans to individuals denied by the bank headed by the greedy Mr. Potter. George helps countless young families move out of Potter-owned rentals and buy their own homes. Threatened by George and his loan company, Mr. Potter invites George to join his company. George sits in Mr. Potter's ornately carved chair, a symbol of Potter's success. A blazing fire roars in the fireplace, and the old miser sits in a wheelchair positioned in front of a massive desk. After offering George an expensive cigar, Potter paints a picture of the struggling life this young 28-year-old man, George Bailey, must have: a young wife, family needs, a business that is always struggling, and a salary of $40 a week.

"What's your point, Mr. Potter?" George asks.

"My point is I want to hire you," Potter responds. "I want you to manage my affairs and run my properties. George, I'll start you at $20,000 a year."

Shocked, George drops his lit cigar in his lap, and his eyes double in size. "$20,000 a year?" he asks in disbelief.

"You wouldn't mind living in the nicest house in town, buying your wife a lot of fine clothes, a couple business trips to New York a year…maybe once in a while Europe. You wouldn't mind that, would you, George?"

Looking over his shoulder, George asks, "You're not talking to someone else are you? This is me, George Bailey."

"I know who you are. George Bailey whose ship has just come in, providing he has enough brains to climb aboard."

George is enticed by the promise of materialistic security, though it would mean relinquishing his family business. Potter agrees to let George sleep on the decision for 24 hours and holds out his hand. As George grips the hand, he pulls back, coming to his senses.

"I don't need 24 hours. I know right now the answer is no. You sit around here, and you spin your little web, and you think the world revolves around you and your money. Well, it doesn't Mr. Potter. In the whole vast configuration of things, I'd say you were nothing but a scurvy little spider."

Elapsed Time: Measured from the beginning of the opening credit, this scene begins at 1:07:02 and lasts approximately five minutes.

Content: Unrated