Uncle Billy and the Trash Cans.

[S Hummel]

I've read several times where the scene where Uncle Billy falls over trash cans was an accident. For example:
As Uncle Billy is leaving George's house drunk, it sounds as if he stumbles over some trash cans on the sidewalk. In fact, a crew member dropped some equipment right after Uncle Billy left the screen. Both actors continued with the scene ("I'm all right, I'm all right!") and director Frank Capra decided to use it in the final cut. He gave the clumsy stagehand a $10 bonus for "improving the sound."

But, in the bood "The It's A Wonderful Life Book", it has what they call "Final Script". In it, it already has written in the "crash" sounds. "There is a CRASH of cans and bottles, . . ."

This seems to indicate it wasn't an accident, and was already written into the script.

Is the "Accident" story just that? As Story?

[foytfan]

Boy, almost 2 years and no answer!!

[Kevin M]

I'd say it was an accident - look at the expression on Jimmy Stewart's face - he's almost laughing - it was't something he expected!

[BIGFAN]

In his 2003 book, "It's a Wonderful Life- A Memory Book", Stephen Cox, at page 87, dispells this myth, that this was a legend for the very reason stated by our friend above; "it was planned and written in the final script, even according to the earlier treatments." (Yes, I do have too many of the books!) ;D ;D

[foytfan]

T :Dhank you. The original poster wasn't my friend, it was me. I couldn't log in so created a new account.

Thanks again.