So we’ve got two lights in the sky speaking, both obviously male, the superior one is unnamed but the other is called “Joseph”. Then, of course, in come Clarence.
SO am I the only one who always thought Joseph was THE stepfather of Jesus Joseph? And maybe his superior is, if not God, then Peter or Michael?
You’re not alone. I always assumed that was daddy Joe talking to Clarence. I mean, he’d probably get a good gig in heaven, what with having to put up with years of “you’re not my real dad” whining from the kid.
That’s what I always thought, too. It makes more sense than some random angel called Joseph, doesn’t it? I figured if you’re good enough to be Jesus’ father on earth, you’re good enough to chat with the Big Guy about losers like George Bailey.
I’d always taken it that way, too. Why are you asking, did you meet someone who understood it differently?
I thought no man’s a loser who has friends?
No, I was just watching some YouTube spoofs on IAWL & the Q occured to me.
I always figured it was Joseph (father of Jesus) and Gabriel, or maybe God.
For years I resented this movie for implying that vituous humans can at some point become angels, which is terrible theology. But one day I just decided to let it go and enjoy the movie anyway, and now it’s one of my favorites.
It never once occurred to me that Joseph was supposed to be that Joseph. I just thought he was an angel named Joseph, just like Clarence is just some random dude named Clarence. I don’t recall ever even considering that he might be Mary’s husband Joseph.
I guess I’m in the minority here.
I always assumed it was Joseph, Mary’s husband. I never gave it a bunch of thought though.
This makes two of us. I thought he was a random Joseph.
That always confused me when I was a child. Angels are supposed to be original creations of God, celestial beings acting as warriors, messagers and heralds, guards with flaming swords, or just an immense chorus of adoration. So whence the idea that dead people are transformed into angels?
[Archie Bunker]Guys go to Heaven and get wings! End of story![/Archie Bunker]
Make that three. I’ve seen this movie literally dozens of times and the idea that Joseph = Jesus daddy never even crossed my mind. It’s an interesting thought though.
This scene is one of my favorites. Horray for 1940s special effects!
I figured it for a random Joseph as well.
Never noticed the names, but did notice the conceit that 1946 Heaven would be run by short-tempered white guys, just like everything on earth was.
Another vote for Joseph, father of Jesus. I also always assumed the second voice was Peter, I don’t know why.
Another one for random Joseph.
I love this movie, though! It’s in my top ten.
I thought it was a random Joseph too. Stepfather Joseph was never really a significant religious figure, was he? And I see no reason why having him there would be of any significance; it may as well be a random Joseph.
Well, I think St. Joseph is the patron saint of carpenters and the sudden need to leave town in a hurry or something. 
Close, no man is a FAILURE who has friends. Definitely possible to still be a loser, though!
Count me as another one who thought it was a random Joseph.
I can’t wait, I’m going to see it in the theater again in December, hosted by ZuZu! Second year in a row.
Another vote for random Joseph.