GLASS half full, glass half empty… so what will it be?

Today’s throwaway expression seems to perfectly sum up our modern era of endless personal development programmes, self-help manuals and all the other paraphernalia of the navel-gazing age.

And in that sense, this revival of the 1946 classic doesn’t sit all that well with the modern creed that failure may actually be just another form of success… only different.

It’s no coincidence that Frank Capra’s morality ballad with the main character of George Bailey – once so memorably played by movie legend James Stewart – was created at the time when America was in the throes of post-war upheaval and national doubt.

These days, the troubled George would be attending counselling sessions or psycho-analysis. Instead, he contemplates a one-way trip off Bedford Falls bridge.

Director Guy Retallack doesn’t seem at all concerned that the 1940s America of mom’s apple pie and Uncle Sam might as well be located on another planet.

Instead, he develops the story of the small-town businessman brought back from the brink by an angel via the medium of a period radio show with six actors playing the various roles.

They all seamlessly step up to the mark, but special mention should be made of Benjamin Chamberlain who is called upon to make some truly lightning-fast changes and also David Benson whose mean face is mirrored by even meaner actions.

Meanwhile, Richard Albrecht as the angel might as well be giving George a glimpse of Hell. No wonder chronic debt and social ruin appears far more attractive propositions than what the celestial Clarence is offering.

But it is Oliver Stoney’s commanding portrayal as the hapless George that keeps the audience on track, although it’s hard to feel one way or the other about a man whose tale of woe doesn’t really travel all that well.