So, she is a "George Bailey" in real life. What a poetic footnote to one of my favorite movies.

Good for her. She did what "SHE" wanted to do and not what "EVERYONE ELSE" wanted her to do.

How can it be said that she gave up a promising career in Hollywood when she had only a bit role in "It's A Wonderful Life" and 2 years later, appeared in a movie which most have never heard of, and, finally, had another bit part in one other movie which was even lesser known than the 2nd movie in which she appeared? Writers can be so full of it !

To me.. this movie epitiomizes the holidays... so glad she was in it.. she really made the role special.. speaking of holidays I am getting all my gifts for under $15 this year. I am making spice mixes and packing them with a copy of this hilarious cookbook I found.. It's not for everyone cause it's a bit politically incorrect, but if you have a good sense of humor, check out "whipped and beaten culinary works" to find it.. the recipes for the spice mixes are on the site too..

Still such a beauty! Looks like she had a "Wonderful Life"!!

Now that's a Wonderful Life!!!!!

There ARE some good folks in this world!

Looks like her husband is going to hover over her until she dies.

Wow, for 86 years old, she is hot!

well if nothing else.......she had a Wonderful life!

OMG! You mean the media didnt pervert this, make up lies, and rape the truth, and make her Capra's "bit of stuff" on the side where they had some kind of affair that ended in drugs, sex, and death?

Somebody was asleep at the keyboard!!!!!

Another writer gets fired for printing the truth!!!!

until now i did not know a real woman still existed

What a nice story, it's heartwarming to know that some people choose love and family over wealth and fame. It's not Christmas at our house until we watch "It's a Wonderful Life". We gather to watch it every year and I'm not "permitted" to watch it until all are home from college etc. Blessings to you Ms. Patton!

mwood, you are obviously either very young, or just very ignorant.

God bless you, Virginia.

Sorry Helena, but that IS the essence of a REAL woman, choosing family (husband and kids) over fame and career.

VIn

I would rather raise a family in the hometown of the Michigan Wolverines than that cesspool of Hollywood, anyway. Good for her!

domt know???????????????

yes, it is difficult which to choose, a husband, and family life, or a career? I also was confused and did not know what to do, when I was torn between my boss, and my husband, (which to be with?), I tried to be with both, but it was difficult, but my heart wanted to be a full time mom, and Ihave been hapy ever since! no regrets, except that I could not make my own money, or be in the spotlight, like my hsuband was, for over 30 years, at IBM, but moving and traveling, and having the chance to be the boss of the home, has been a dream come true, and our son, is also the best, and we are both so proud of him, and he has been happy, and building a good career for himself too! He has got good parents who love him, and a good secure home foundations, and we will always be a close family!

She had her face in the limelight for just 15 minutes that will last her the rest of her life and after she is gone. Now , how many people can say that.

I have the honor of working with Ginny on a regular basis and she is such a wonderful woman.

she's still beautiful

It's a Wonderful Life is my all-time favorite Christmas movie. I am fortunate to own a DVD in both the black and white original and a colorized version (Violet wears nothing but shades of purple).

I often wondered why "Ruth Dakin Bailey" didn't appear after that film. While I am glad that she had a cozy life with her husband and children, it seems a shame that she left the profession. Pehaps Hollyweird will contract her for a cameo appearance or two in future Christmas movies.

Every year at thanksgiving we on the floor and as family we watch the movie.. is like a tradition to us. When i first saw this i didn't know how to speak english but i guessed every word in it. It's a wonderfull story and great acting from such a good actress. May God bless you and thank for the joy i feel in my heart whenver i watch ( (It's A Wonderfull Life)

Ms. Patton was, evidently, a very nice and lovely woman who had sense enough to get out of the movie industry when she did. According to her acting record, she did not have a promising career as her friend, Mr. Capra, stated. She appeared in 15 films over a 5-year period and was not even listed in the "credits" in 6 of those films. Two of the films were not even movies (they were "shorts"). The remaining 7 movies were relatively unknown except for "It's A Wonderful Life" and she only had a "bit" part in that. Mr. Capra was, evidently, being very kind concerning her acting ability.

But everyone's entitled to their opinion and definition of "promising," haha. Thanks for chiming in, regardless. :)

I understand, John. It all depends on what the word "promising" means! :)

STOP PICKING ON POOR ROBERT.ITS JUST JEALOUSY REARING ITS UGLY HEAD. GOOD FOR YOU MISS PATTON.

I had not seen this movie until I was in my 20's. my girlfriend who is now my wife of 26 years introduced me to this wonderful movie. It has such wonderful memories for me. I can't watch it without thinking about my wife and how my life is and the path we have taken together. This will forever stir emotion in me whenever I see it and think how wonderful my life is thanks to my wife.

'It's a Wonderful Life' is my all time favorite movie. One year beginning just before Thanksgiving into the New Year I watched it everytime it aired on tv. I kept track of it and determined, during that time, I'd watched in over 30 times. Each time I see Ms Patton at the railway station meeting George, I think she is one of the most beautiful actresses I've ever seen and can easily understand why George's brother fell in love with her. She was perfect for the role. To read today Ms Patton has had a wonderful, fulfilling life with her real life husband and children brings me much joy. I'm grateful Ms Patton was a part of one of America's all time great movies and being a part of my wonderful life.

I am 61, my husband is 63....we have been enjoying this movie for as long as I can remember. My husband has sacrificed a lot for others....and I call him "my" George Bailey. Two years ago, my daughter and family AND my next door neighbor's family were two of many who had to walk away from houses...houses that are still sitting empty......I cried and cried and asked everyone, "Where are the George Baileys and the Bedford Falls Savings and Loan in our world today. Ironically my son in law comes from a town named Bedford.

This movie is a snapshot of an earlier time in small town America. Anyone who isn't familiar with traditional America should watch this movie. Somtimes it's hard to remember a more traditional time in America and this classic makes us want to pass American traditions down to future generations.

Life would be much better if we were all in towns like Bedford. Now its more like Stepford.

Sad all the people from the great days of Hollywood are gone. Also I think I would take Hollywood over Ann Arbor. All those Wolverine fans and cold weather would get old.

Burt, the cab driver, and Ernie, the cop, went on, after appearing in "It's a Wonderful Life," to serve in World War II, and now, appear on the Muppets.

I cannot believe I am 67 years old and never seen this movie. And my favorite actor of all time was James Stewart! I am going to go see where I can find a DVD of it tomorrow.
This lady and her husband are real people and you can see their love for each other. They have been married 63 years - they have had "A Wonderful Life" and may they continue to do so.

She did what made her happy & that's all that really matters. It looks like she had a Wonderful Life. ☺

there's always one or 2 nay sayers on any subject that anyone comments on and 99% of the time they would'nt know nothing about nothing if it was a cobra reared up and bit them in the arse.

Very nice story. Merry Christmas to one and all...

I go to the Penn Theatre all the time but wasn't aware she was appearing there that day. Would have loved to have met her and asked her a couple questions about It's a Wonderful Life. She looks beautiful and certainly doesn't look her age. God Bless her and her husband. What a nice story! Merry Christmas to all out there who also love this Frank Capra Hollywood classic!

Many Blessings from a classic movie buff in Florida. May the angel guide you to many more wonderful encounters, and a sweet place in heaven.

I am so thrilled she had a goal and stuck to it. God Bless her and her family. What a wonderful life.

I prefer the Jewish version of this flick on SNL. Why doesn't Patton mention her more famous father from WW II in the article?

I loved "The Horn Blows at Midnight" too.

Joe Barnard

"It's a Wonderful Life" is a great movie and Ms Patton is one of the best, like all the supporting actors brought together by Frank Capra for this film. However, the real life story of the star of the film also needs to be told. As I recall, this was Jimmy Stewart's first movie after leaving active duty from World War II. Unlike other actors who played the role of heroes, his was a real exprience. In the movie he is rejected for service because of his bad ear, and served in the Civil Defense Patrol at home. In real life, when he tried to join, he was rejected because he was underweight. But he fattened up and was eventually accepted. He was already a civilian pilot and sooned made his way up through the ranks. He became the commander of a B-24 Liberater bomb squadron in North Africa. Lt. Colonel James Stewart flew twenty missions as commander until he was grounded by the War Department. The reason given was that he was a "national treasure" and it would be demoralizing to the country if he were to be killed or captured. But he did remain as commander of the squadron until he was promoted to full colonel. You may google me on all of this or visit the Mighty Air Force museum in Savannah, Ga. Jimmy Stewart seldom spoke about it himself!

For once, a "Wonderful" story!

i remember when jimmy stewart passed away.., they did a documentary on " abc news nightline with ted koppell " ( abc news shud have put that special on dvd/vhs with english subtitles/captions for us hearing impaired people ) & released it to the public if they havent alredy " about his life & career & honestly thought that she had passed aswell ! the only ones i wudve thought that wud be alive wud be the ones who played his kids & any others those kids ages..

Indeed, the primary adult actors have all died: Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Todd Karns (Harry Bailey) and Gloria Grahame (Violet), as well as some of the younger actors: Georgie Nokes (young Harry Bailey), Robert J. Anderson (young George Bailey) and those who already were old when the film was released (Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers). All the Bailey kids except Pete (Larry Simms) are still alive, as well.

Tell us more about the Jewish version on Saturday Night Live...nu, who knew?

Sharon

wow,what a world we live in !

Sounds like she had a wonderful life. I'm happy for her. Someone had to play the part and she got it and she did a wonderful job doing it.