- Ladies and gentlemen, tonight marks a historic,
not to say unique moment
in the history of both television and cinema.
After a search of nearly 40 years,
the fabled lost ending
to Frank Capra's 1947 film "It's a Wonderful Life"
has been found.
Tonight, for the first time anywhere,
"Saturday Night Live" is proud to present
this priceless footage,
the fully realized vision of an authentic American genius.
So without further ado,
here is the lost ending of "It's a Wonderful Life."
["Angels We Have Heard on High"]
- They've been coming all evening.
They didn't ask any questions.
All they said was, "If George Bailey needs help,
we're here to help him."
- Aw, well, Mary, Mary, I never realized
I had so many friends.
And--and a man who has a friend is a rich man.
That's what Clarence said, and, by golly, he was right.
- We wouldn't have a roof over our head
if it wasn't for you, George.
- Thanks, Dave. Thank you.
- Pardon me. Pardon me.
- Harry! - Hello, George.
How are you? - Welcome home, Harry.
- Merry Christmas, George.
Now, wait a minute, everybody.
I've got a telegram here I want to read from London.
"Dear George. Stop.
"Mr. Gower cables you need cash, stop.
"My office instructed to advance you
"up to $8,000, stop.
Hee-haw and Merry Christmas, Sam Wainwright."
[all cheer]
- Merry Christmas.
all: [singing] Hark, the herald angels sing.
Glory to the newborn king.
- George!
all: [singing] Peace on Earth, and--
- Quiet, everyone!
I remembered!
I remembered what I did with the money,
the $8,000!
- That's great. That's great, Uncle Billy.
Well, what'd you do with it?
- I was in the bank.
I had it in a newspaper.
I remember giving it to someone!
- Who? - Well, who'd you give it to?
- No, wait!
Now, I just called Clarence at the bank.
He told me that Old Man Potter
deposited exactly $8,000 right after I left!
It was him!
[all gasp]
- Well, what are we waiting for?
Let's go get him!
[all yelling]
[dramatic music]
- Now, you stay where you are, George Bailey.
You're in enough trouble already.
- You made one mistake, Mr. Potter.
You double-crossed me, and you left me alive.
- Now, wait just a second.
I'll give you the money back.
- I don't want the money.
I want a piece of you, Potter.
Why, I ought to pound you.
[people yelling]
You think the world revolves around you and your money.
Well, it doesn't, Mr. Potter.
In the whole vast configuration of things,
you're nothing but a scurvy, low spider.
[people yelling]
[all gasp]
- Why--why, you're nothing but a fraud.
You're not even a cripple.
- Now, wait a second. I can explain that.
- Harry, Mary, hold him for me.
- Yeah, hit him, George!
[people yelling]
Mary, Mary, have a piece of this.
- Yeah, baby, you know it!
- Get him! Come on!
Go on, Mary.
[people yelling]
- That's it, baby.
men: [singing] Should old acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind.
Should old acquaintance be forgot...