Potter, even before the story starts, has already tried many times (albeit fruitlessly) to nab the Building & Loan company from Peter Bailey, proprietor for many years. Thus, he will stop at nothing so long as it means more money in his coffer and the downfall of the Bailey Building & Loan. His business propositions may seem fair, even charitable at first, but his ulterior motives are of a far more sinister nature. During the length of the film he seems particularly deft in the ways of finance and business, much to the chagrin of the good people of Bedford Falls.

If there's one thing he's talented at besides making people's lives miserable, it's his ability to manage, plan, and keep order. Though he is also a mill owner, banker and slumlord, Mr. Be it 'saving' George Bailey's clients during a bank run or offering George the job of his dreams, all are thinly veiled plots to fill his own wallet. Potter does in the film is motivated by money. Potter is heartless, cold, apathetic, and downright evil. Potter was portrayed by veteran actor Lionel Barrymore. He occupies slot #6 on the American Film Institute's list of the 50 Greatest Villains in American film history (in its list entitled AFI's 100 Years. Potter' or just 'Potter') is a fictional character in the 1946 Frank Capra film ' It's a Wonderful Life'.

Hand of fate mister lionel