I was surprised to see how many other reviewers rooted for Joseph Cotten's character to "get away with it" in this film. We found him completely unsympathetic, possibly because while a bank assistant manager's job at a large bank in Los Angeles (pre-climate-disaster-ridden and crime-ridden Southern California!) in 1952 may not be glamorous and may even be dull, it was a stable, middle class career with a secure future for someone who describes himself in the movie as a man who started as an assistant teller and who could ultimately look forward to eventually becoming the bank manager.
Add to that a glowingly gorgeous middle-aged Teresa Wright as his happy, stay-at-home wife, throw in a chipper and sweet young daughter, and my husband and I were thinking,"What in the world does he have to be unsatisfied with here?" George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" sacrificed for his family and community through many years before he became fed up with his life. I saw no evidence that Cotten's character ever broke a sweat to help another person.
The other problem is that, if you are planning a big score, you take some time to PLAN IT, which this knucklehead failed to do.
I'll grant you that the last 20 minutes were much more interesting than we had any reason to expect. So, go ahead and watch the film, and even cheer for him if you must.
Add to that a glowingly gorgeous middle-aged Teresa Wright as his happy, stay-at-home wife, throw in a chipper and sweet young daughter, and my husband and I were thinking,"What in the world does he have to be unsatisfied with here?" George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" sacrificed for his family and community through many years before he became fed up with his life. I saw no evidence that Cotten's character ever broke a sweat to help another person.
The other problem is that, if you are planning a big score, you take some time to PLAN IT, which this knucklehead failed to do.
I'll grant you that the last 20 minutes were much more interesting than we had any reason to expect. So, go ahead and watch the film, and even cheer for him if you must.