WGTC Weekly Throwdown: Which Is The Most Memorable Phone Call In Film?

Alex: Sam calls Donna Reed and James Stewart in It’s A Wonderful Life

When I’m asked to think of the most iconic anything in cinema, my go to film is It’s A Wonderful Life. After all, if I can’t pick something iconic from one of the most iconic films of all time, where am I going to find anything good? So when it came to picking the best phone call in the history of cinema, it wasn’t even a question that the call from It’s A Wonderful Life was my choice.

For those who haven’t watched the film in the last couple years (shame on you), I’m referring to the scene where George has just stormed out of Mary’s house but is forced to return since he forgot his hat. Mary happens to be on the phone with their friend Sam at this point and Sam wants to talk to George. Sam plays the expert matchmaker without even knowing it. His desire to have both of them on the phone brings the two close together and that’s when it’s game over for Mary and George. It doesn’t even matter what Sam’s talking about. They’re done listening to him the moment they catch the sweet scent of the other and feel the warmth radiating between them. Thank god speakerphone hadn’t been invented yet, or we would’ve been deprived of this immaculate scene.

The way that the lovely Donna Reed stares longingly toward James Stewart is one of the most magical looks ever given in a movie. Ever. It’s phenomenal. The whole scene is acted better than perhaps any I’ve ever seen. It’s nearly flawless. From intense anger to completely and utterly falling for the other, both actors fly through an array of emotions in an unrivaled way. The way the scene lingers and the tension builds to such a peak of passion shows the master direction that Frank Capra provided for the film better than any other moment.

An incredibly romantic film, this call may be the most romantic moment of all. Get this, Stewart was nervous about the scene since it was his first romantic one since he returned to acting from the war. He was worried that he would be out of practice. His worry was completely unwarranted as he did the scene so perfectly that they used the first, unrehearsed take. In fact, it even had to be cut since part of the embrace was too passionate to pass the censors. You go Jimmy!

So take your horror dials and anger on a phone, I want two people on one end of the line, passionately kissing by the end of my calls.