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With Modern Technology how would
“It’s a Wonderful Life” be different today?

Madison is constantly facing the lack of modern technology in the old timey shows. This got me thinking about the Thanksgiving John Hughes’ classic, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” and how that movie would be completely moot today with smartphones (or even Zoom calls. Did Steve Martin REALLY have to go to NYC for that meeting?) So I thought it might be fun to image what would be different in “It’s a Wonderful Life” if it took place in our modern day?

Harry Bailey’s life was never in danger. What modern-day 12 year old boys would be sliding down a hill on a shovel onto a frozen lake? They’d be warm and dry at home playing video games.

It would’ve been illegal for George to work at Gower’s drug store. But he probably wouldn’t have needed to work that young because his mother would actually have a job for a dual income. How did they ever afford the housekeeper, Annie?? Which if they had a housekeeper today, would not be a live-in servant and hopefully not a stereotype, either.

George still might’ve had to stick around to help his father and uncle at the Bailey Building and Loan, but he easily could’ve been taking online courses and getting his college degree.

George would’ve been on social media with Mary and not be so surprised by how she grew up. If anything, he’d probably be on one of those pages for Bedford Falls High alum. They would’ve started their relationship through messaging and texts before going out “officially.” And  Sam Wainwright’s exploits with other women would’ve been all over his socials, causing Mary to drop him way earlier.

With more reliable cars, even for those on a lower budget, George could’ve gotten a vehicle that he could at least drive down to NYC for travel, if not other local trips around the area, allowing him a chance to get out of town for at least short outings, and then could work remotely if he had extended stays out of town.

The FDIC would protect the Bedford Falls Bank from having a run.

Uncle Billy would have alerts set up on his phone so he never forgot anything. And the deposit at the bank would’ve been done remotely from his office computer, no transaction with paper money.

Harry Bailey would’ve shot down that enemy plane remotely with a drone.

Ernie the cab driver would be run out of a job by ride sharing, try it for a while, then realize he can’t support a family on it, turning him into the angry Ernie who’s family left him we see in the “George was never born” timeline.

Bert the cop would face termination for firing at George into a crowd of people.

Violet never would’ve needed to borrow money from George. She’d have an OnlyFans account and be wealthier than Potter.

Potter would’ve been elected President of the United States.

Feel free to email any ideas you have about how “It’s a Wonderful Life” might be in our modern day! MadisonOnTheAir@gmail.com

Check out other Madison’s Musings!