Harry is first seen as a 9-year-old sliding on a shovel through ice until he falls and slips. His then-12-year-old brother George, with help from his friends, saves him from drowning, only to get his left ear infected and become half-deaf. Because of this, George cannot join the army, even as he ages. Much later, when Harry graduates from high school, he is intended to take over the Bailey Building and Loan Association. George gives Harry his own college money so Harry could go to college. Finally, Harry makes a toast to George when the latter becomes the richest man in Bedford Falls.