Lauren Laverne Instagram – Haven’t watched for a few years as it was too hard after I lost my Dad. Xmas eve this was always our thing – the scene with Mr Gower was the only time I ever saw him cry, every year! Anyway this year it was time. I know it by heart but was still surprised by how great it is and the things that make it so: how hard it is for George to be good every step of the way, Lionel Barrymore’s perfect villainy, Uncle Billy’s executive dysfunction, Jimmy the Raven’s brilliant cameo, the crescendo of horror which peaks at Mary being an IN THE LIBRARY in the dystopian Pottersville – and the way the town changes the people in it. 80 years on it’s more relevant than ever and despite everything it’s still a Wonderful Life. Merry Christmas, all. X