"...(H)e owns you" : that's what an out-of-reach British billionaire (with superyachts,etc.,being the asset-stripping owner of (now-closed-down-) department-store chains) told one of his lowly British employees whose job, pension and future had been snatched away through his slimy machinations: "I OWN YOU!" He's just one of the latter-day Potters who own (and often install) the political dummies who are rubber-stamped into office by the obliging, ignorant electorates.

If Uncle Billy had been running the B&L after George accepted Potter's offer, it would have been shut down in three seconds due to his incompetence.

Thing was that in the original script, Potter was going to be visited by Clarence and shown 5 years into the future if he didn't change his ways. Bailey Bros and Loan Company moves into his original bank. When Potter demands to know what happened to his bank and why George's savings and loan company is there, Clarence explained that he lost that during the town's successful lawsuit of him. He was forced to sell his house and his possessions to pay for the expensive reparations he's caused his town with his cruelty. Potter is later taken to his former mansion, now another affordable housing unit and park. Finally, Clarence takes Potter to his future self where he has been living alone in the former Potter's Field Slums. He expresses remorse for what he did to his town and it's far too late. Potter feels compassion for his future self as he dies alone. For the first time, he saw what it was like to have no one care for him in his town because of the terrible upbringing his parents made him endure. Potter finds himself feeling remorseful for his terrible behavior to everyone. He begs Clarence to give him another chance. At first, he refuses Potter's pleas explaining he deserved it. He doesn't give up and finally Clarence gives him one. However, he tells Potter that he must uphold it at all costs. If he betrays it once, this would be the road to his future and Clarence will not help him out. Potter makes good on his 2nd chance, returns the money to George and apologizes for his earlier behavior. When he asks what changed Potter's mind, he simply mentions they got a good friend who made him see the error of his ways. That friend is Clarence who gains his wings after saving George from a terrible mistake and reforming Potter.

You'd never encounter the real-life 'Potters', who cause a lot more misery than the small-time 'cartoon' one created in this picture.

We already know that in the alternate universe he owns everything. Why else is the town renamed Pottersville? Do we really need to see Mr. Potter in the alternate universe?

@@melissacooper4282 We dont really I suppose. Just thought it was an odd in a world where he ran everything we never see him

We didn't need to see him since he was already evil in the normal timeline. How much worse could he already be after the town has a different name, is crime ridden, slum ridden, full of strip bars, and is infested with unfriendly people?

Pretty much. Potter's losing money because the people who are now living in Bailey Park were at one time living in Potter's Field paying him rent. And more and more people are leaving his rental property to own houses in Bailey Park.

I think he's also saying the homes have gained value from being properly maintained by their owners, and from it being a neighborhood of mostly owners (there's a community there with investment).

I met a banker with integrity once at Comerica, his name was Ken. He was really good to everyone. Savings and loans are more like co-ops than banks, though.

It's a good movie and story, quit trying to pick it apart... Fuckin liberal

'Americans are always a couple of drinks away from believing that THEY can be millionaires!' (a quote from somewhere).

Funny though that everyone wants to come to America, because capitalism has the effect of improving lives. Think Henry Ford.

@@None-zc5vg Except a lot of people do become millionaires and they by and large don't have to cheat or steal as you'd assume, to do it. Read Millionaire Next Door by Dr. Thomas Stanley and Everyday Millionaire by Chris Hogan.

Others would have accepted this offer, but George has integrity and street smarts. The offer sounded wonderful to him, but then his sense kicked in when he shook Potter's hand. It was like he was wiping off some sort of disease there.

@@ddmck1972 Most if not all our political class take that handshake and have Potters character as well.

Well, it was the 1930's and 1940's . A rather big difference compared to now.

@@victordonavon292 Thank you Captains Obvious!! Can I sign up for your freakanomics course!

@@TheTrumpmancometh2024 Kid, you are aware that there is no need to behave like a jerk with name calling, sarcasm, and yelling in an infantile tantrum?

@@victordonavon292 Are you trying to call me a Liberal?? Did I hurt your feewings poor baby!

@@TheTrumpmancometh2024 Why are you throwing a tantrum? Projecting much?

@@henryblainesilver Considering Bernie bowed out of the presidential race, that's unlikely to happen.

George has a spine, Bernie does not. Don’t insult George Bailey like that.

Then you need new fucking glasses pal