Revisionism

The financial crisis is making Martin Kelner look at "It's A Wonderful Life" in a very different light:

... we might have to take a revisionist view of It's A Wonderful Life when it resurfaces this Christmas. The saintly Stewart, you may recall, lent money to the poor people of Bedford Falls, with no real guarantees the money would ever be paid back, while the villainous Barrymore said it was madness granting loans to every redneck hick from the sticks (I am paraphrasing) who could write his name on a piece of paper. Turns out Barrymore was right and that the whole movie is based on a flawed premise. Into the water with you, James Stewart.

So instead of a heartwarming classic about the fundamental decency of man, it should be regarded as a cautionary tale for bankers. Don't think my Christmas dinner will taste as good this year somehow...