Context

This famous line is spoken by Zuzu Bailey, played by Karolyn Grimes, in It's a Wonderful Life (directed by Frank Capra, 1946).

Interesting fact: Very few people have ever actually heard this line spoken, because it gets lost underneath the sound of their own sobbing and nose-blowing. If the ending of It's A Wonderful Life doesn't choke you up, you're probably a robot.

Zuzu, George's daughter, hears a bell ring and utters the immortal quote. It reminds us of Clarence, George Bailey's wingless guardian angel—and we suddenly we realize that bell must have been for him. Attaboy, Clarence!

Where you've heard it

No movie has gotten more play at the holidays over the years than It's a Wonderful Life. It is, perennially, the one you've got to watch when Christmas rolls around. So you've probably heard people quote it in December. Or… any freakin' time a bell rings. People really like to overdo it with this one.

Trisha Yearwood and Vince Gill know what we're talking about. So does the musical group Presents for Sally. And, because of the "angel" thing, you'll hear it referenced all the time in religious blogs and articles, too.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Zuzu is just a little girl… how could anyone be pretentious at such a young age? Well, we mostly agree, which is why her pretentious score is on the south side of 5, but we can't let her get away with that uppity "teacher says" bit. Take it down a notch, kiddo.