| Mary Hatch Bailey | |
|---|---|
| It's a Wonderful Life character | |
 Donna Reed (left) as Mary Hatch Bailey | |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | Mary Hatch Bailey |
| Occupation | Housewife |
| Spouse | George Bailey (m. 1932–) |
| Children | Pete (born 1934) Janie (born 1935) Zuzu (born 1940) Tommy (born 1941) |
| Relatives | Father: Unknown Mother: J. W. Hatch Brother: Marty Hatch Brother-in-law: Harry Bailey Mother-in-law: Irene Bailey Father-in-law: Peter Bailey (deceased) |
Mary Hatch Bailey is a fictional character in Frank Capra's 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life. She is the sweetheart and later wife of protagonist George Bailey (played by James Stewart as an adult and Bobby Anderson as a child). Mary is played by Donna Reed as an adult and Jean Gale as a child. She is loosely based on Mary Pratt, a character in Philip Van Doren Stern's 1943 short story The Greatest Gift.[1]
Mary Hatch is viewed by some as either the hero of the film[2][3] or a key, significant, and strong character in the film's story, including its romance.[4][5]
- ^ Cronin, Brian (December 9, 2018). "Movie Legends: Did It's A Wonderful Life Originate as a Christmas Card?". CBR. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018.
- ^ Teachout, Eric (December 25, 2018). "The Hero of 'It's A Wonderful Life' Isn't George Bailey". The Minnesota Sun. Archived from the original on August 17, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ Wallace, Jeff (December 22, 2018). "THIS AND THAT: She made it a wonderful life for George". Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 8, 2021. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ Walsh, Carol Parker (December 4, 2016). "The Feminine Power in It's a Wonderful Life". Archived from the original on September 9, 2021. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ Benoit, Sophia (2021). Well, This Is Exhausting: Essays. New York City: Simon & Schuster. p. 70. ISBN 978-1982151935.