Angels-CLARENCE ODDBODY

Clarence, possibly the most recognized angel in cinematic lore, is the
affable, bumbling character who appears to George Bailey in the 1946
Frank Capra classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.
The story takes place on Christmas Eve in the tiny hamlet of Bedford
Falls. Our hero, George (played by Jimmy Stewart), so despondent
by the misplacement of savings and loan funds, muses that he is
better off dead than alive. Enter his celestial guide in the form of
Clarence Oddbody A-S 2 (angel second-class).
Capra’s opening sequence actually takes place in heaven—a
decidedly celestial sphere composed of swirling planets and shooting
stars. This is not a typical cinematic residence of the angels, but it is in
holding with the prevailing notion that angels reside somewhere in
the sky. We get the sense that these angelic beings are quite far
removed from Earth, and that their primary function is to act as overseers
to mankind. They are creatures of light that radiate when they
converse.
In this instance, it is decided that Clarence, the 200-year-old
clockmaker is to go to Earth to aid George, the latest misguided soul.
It is interesting to note that Capra employs a heaven that is composed
of a distinct hierarchy, and further that within this hierarchy angels
communicate according to a theory postulated by St. Thomas
Aquinas: higher angels can enlighten lower angels, however the lower
orders cannot reciprocate this enlightenment to their superiors.
Therefore, Clarence, as a mere angel second-class doesn’t have his
wings, and because of this deficit does not have the “sight” to view the
goings on of his earthly charge. Consequently his superior, Joseph,
must help him “see.” Joseph tells him, “If you ever get your wings
you’ll be able to see by yourself.”
Clarence saves his charge by jumping off the bridge from which
George is contemplating suicide, knowing full well that George will
instead save him. In a wonderfully wry exchange, a shivering Bailey
begins: “Who are you?”
Clarence: “I told you. I’m your guardian angel. I know everything
about you.”George: “Well, you look about like the kind of an angel I’d get.
Sort of a fallen angel aren’t ya? What happened to your wings?”
Clarence: “I haven’t won my wings yet. That’s why I’m an
angel second-class.”
George: “I don’t know whether I like it very much bein’ seen
around an angel without any wings.”
Clarence, realizing that it is not going to be easy making George
understand just how much of an effect his life has had on those around
him, decides to grant him his wish: that he had never been born. So
their night journey begins.
With history erased, Clarence, drolly played by Henry Travers,
takes George on an eye-opening sojourn. Bedford Falls, instead of the
hopeful town that George and his family helped create, is a frighteningly
decadent Sodom and Gomorrah under the thumb of the pontificating
town villain, Henry Potter.
George, so dismayed by what he sees, and the people he encounters
that don’t recognize him, comes to the realization that indeed, he
has made quite a contribution to his small world. “You see George,”
says Clarence, “you really had a wonderful life.”
George becomes a believer and prays, “Please God let me live
again!” His life, his family is restored and Clarence’s job is finished. In
a most touching final scene, amidst the swelling sounds of “Hark the
herald angels sing,” we hear the tinkling of a bell on the Bailey’s
Christmas tree. Zuzu, the smallest Bailey, explains, “Teacher says every
time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” And George, echoing our
own sentiments, whispers, “Atta boy Clarence!”