This article builds upon the firsthand experiences of the author, who has realized three important benefits from the presentation of commercially produced feature-length films within the classroom but after regularly schedule class hours: I,) the ability to provide students with examples of alternatives to the shallow market-oriented values of consumption and greed; 2.) the motivational aspects of providing students with an enjoyable and safe after-school activity, resulting in greater warmth and comradeship between teachers and pupils; and 3.) the linguistic achievements of enhanced vocabulary and overall comprehension of spoken English as aided by repetition, enhanced context and English subtitles. The major focus of this article is the need for teachers to act as counselors for emotionally confused students. The instructor can provide enlightenment-not through active direction or advice, but through the careful selection and showing of important films that challenge viewers to examine the strength and validity of their own inner values and belief systems. These points are demonstrated through the author's use of the classic American film, It's a Wonderful Life.
