[47][48][49], Capra found the film's original cinematographer Victor Milner slow and pretentious, and hired Joseph Walker. If it had entered the 1947 awards, its strongest competitor would have been Miracle on 34th Street. Ending Friday at 7:21PM PST 3d 4h. Later, a Paramount spokesperson claimed that they were not granting permission to make the film, "To date, these individuals have not obtained any of the necessary rights, and we would take all appropriate steps to protect those rights", the spokesperson said. "It's the damnedest thing I've ever seen", Capra told The Wall Street Journal in 1984. Among the companies that released the film on home video before Republic Pictures stepped in were Meda Video (which would later become Media Home Entertainment), Kartes Video Communications (under its Video Film Classics label), GoodTimes Home Video, and Video Treasures (now Anchor Bay Entertainment). It's a Wonderful Life is a story about how being the best version of yourself, the one who looks out for others, is what it means to be a citizen in any town in any state in our country. It was nominated for five academy awards and won none. His genius is bringing human stories to life in a ways that not only make a point, but that totally involve the audience in the lives of the characters. [85] Artisan Entertainment (under license from Republic) took over home video rights in the mid-1990s. In 1994, the studio sold exclusive television rights to NBC. Capra next considered Olivia de Havilland, Martha Scott, Ann Dvorak, and Ginger Rogers before borrowing Donna Reed from MGM. Harry returns from college married and with an excellent job offer from his father-in-law. [26], Philip Van Doren Stern said in a 1946 interview, "Incidentally, the movie takes place in Westchester County. Also on Gower Street was a drugstore that was a favorite for the studio's employees. Warner slapped him for real and made his ear bleed, reducing him to tears. List of films featuring the deaf and hard of hearing, "AFI Catalog of Feature Films The First 100 Years 1893–1993", "It's a Wonderful Life: From festive flop to Christmas classic", "AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movies 10th Anniversary Edition", "The surprising Jersey roots of 'It's a Wonderful Life, "All the Movies in Tony Crawley's Casting Calls", "RetroWeb Image Gallery | Bison Archives RKO Ranch photograph collection", "RetroWeb Image Gallery | It's A Wonderful Life", "6 things you probably didn't know about 'It's a Wonderful Life, "Hollywood Invented a New Type Of Fake Snow To Film It's a Wonderful Life", "'It's a Wonderful Life', Screen in Review", "FBI Considered "It's A Wonderful Life" Communist Propaganda", "The Weird Story of the FBI and 'It's a Wonderful Life, "Library of Congress Adds 25 Titles to National Film Registry (Published 1990)", "Complete National Film Registry Listing", "AFI Crowns Top 10 Films in 10 Classic Genres", "Wonderful? It's a Wonderful Life was a box office failure. Knowing God Loves Me 3. Many of the scenes from the movie are only alluded to or mentioned in the play rather than actually dramatized. The novel imagines the future lives of various characters if George had not survived his jump into the river.[100]. The poster for the film's original theatrical release. Everyone can agree that It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most famous Christmas movies of all time, nearly on par with Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny, Spunky the Snowman, and Feeders 2: Slay Bells. [30] Lionel Barrymore, who eventually won the role, was a famous Ebenezer Scrooge in radio dramatizations of A Christmas Carol at the time, and was a natural choice for the role. During World War II, George is ineligible for service because of his deaf ear. Pogue, Leland. In 2017, the film was restored in 4K resolution, available via streaming services and DCP. [11], The original story, The Greatest Gift, was written by Philip Van Doren Stern in November 1939. The number-one grossing movie of 1947, The Best Years of Our Lives, made $11.5 million. Thomas Mitchell plays one of my favorite characters, as the bumbling Uncle Billy in probably his most memorable role.This film is number eleven on AFI's list of best films of the century. I spoke to Lew Wasserman, the MCA agent who handled Jimmy, told him I wanted to tell Jimmy the story. [32] In the silent era, he had played the role of Jesus Christ in Cecil B. DeMille's The King of Kings (1927). [N 3][18]. I didn't even think of it as a Christmas story when I first ran across it. Meet George Bailey, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. Was this review helpful to you? The It's a Wonderful Life Memory Book is currently available from most major book store chains and specialty book shops everywhere. [10] Joseph Granby provided the voice for the Angel Joseph, while Moroni Olsen voiced the Senior Angel. Jones, Ken D., Arthur F. McClure and Alfred E. Twomey. [93], On October 29, 2019, the film was released for the first time on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, along with Digital copy featuring a new Dolby Vision transfer. It's a Wonderful Life Bailey Building & Loan Hanging Ornament Enesco 2002 w/box. Goodrich called Capra "that horrid man" and recalled, "He couldn't wait to get writing it himself." It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American Christmas family fantasy drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra, based on the short story and booklet The Greatest Gift, which Philip Van Doren Stern self-published in 1943 and is in turn loosely based on the 1843 Charles Dickens novella A Christmas Carol. Lion prince Simba and his father are targeted by his bitter uncle, who wants to ascend the throne himself. It was also Jimmy Stewart's favorite film. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. A stage-adaptation of the story was presented at The Tower Theatre in Winchester in December 2016 by Blue Apple Theatre with Lawrie Morris in the role of George Bailey. This version premiered at the Majestic Theatre, Dallas, Texas, in 1998. The second message is that each life important. After his son is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home. Rogers turned it down because she considered it "too bland". [74], It's a Wonderful Life received five Academy Award nominations:[75], The Best Years of Our Lives, a drama about servicemen attempting to return to their pre-World War II lives, won most of the awards that year, including four of the five for which It's a Wonderful Life was nominated. For example, in the opening scene, Clarence just mentions George having saved his brother Harry after the latter had fallen through the ice.[96]. 258 of 301 people found this review helpful. When George wishes he had never been born, Clarence shows him a timeline in which he never existed. [50], According to a 2006 book, "A spate of movies appeared just after the ending of the Second World War, including It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and Stairway to Heaven (1946), perhaps tapping into so many people's experience of loss of loved ones and offering a kind of consolation. "The film has a life of its own now, and I can look at it like I had nothing to do with it. $28.98. [44], According to Bobby Anderson, in the confrontation between Mr. Gower and young George, H.B. The boys play ice hockey on the river (which is on Potter's property) as Potter watches with disdain. This included key rights to the original television syndication, the original nitrate film elements, the music score, and the film rights to the story on which the film is based, "The Greatest Gift". Assuming Harry followed George to the hill. [29][30] Both actors had returned from the war with no employment prospects. Press of Mississippi, 2004, McBride, Joseph. "[68], The film's elevation to the status of a beloved classic came three decades after its initial release, when it became a television staple during Christmas season in 1976. Because of the film's disappointing sales, Capra was seen by some studios as having lost his ability to produce popular, financially successful films. Potter finds the envelope but says nothing, while Billy cannot recall how he misplaced the cash. George finds he is back in his life as it was, but now he is full of gratitude for that life. The lives George touched are vastly different. It was not a true "Christmas card", but rather, a 24-page pamphlet. In it, Buster Bunny feels sad after the failure of his play and wishes he had never become a Tiny Toon, so a guardian angel shows Buster what life would have been like without him. [In] addition, [redacted] stated that, in his opinion, this picture deliberately maligned the upper class, attempting to show the people who had money were mean and despicable characters. It has only one formidable rival (Goldwyn's The Best Years of Our Lives) as Hollywood's best picture of the year. "I have been through every piece of paper in Frank Capra's diaries, his archives, everything. "Frank Capra: The Catastrophe of Success." The Best Years of Our Lives, directed by William Wyler, Capra's business partner along with George Stevens in Liberty Films, was also an outstanding commercial success, ultimately becoming the highest-grossing film of the decade, in contrast to the more modest initial box-office returns of It's a Wonderful Life. There's a delightful song and dance sequence, visually witty moments like the dance floor that converts into a swimming pool during a feverish Charleston competition, and sophisticated dialogue. Univ. "[28] Stewart and Capra had previously collaborated on You Can't Take It with You (1938) and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). A musical stage adaptation of the film, titled A Wonderful Life, was written by Sheldon Harnick and Joe Raposo. Clarence is shown flashbacks of George's life. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. [24] In mid-2009, The Hotel Clarence opened in Seneca Falls, named after George Bailey's guardian angel. During her family's move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches, and spirits, and where humans are changed into beasts. McMillan, 1973. p. 376-7), CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (, AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Heroes & Villains, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. He watches 12-year-old George save his brother, Harry, from drowning; as a result, George loses his hearing in his left ear. It is also one of two Capra films Paramount owns despite not having originally released it—the other is Broadway Bill (originally from Columbia, remade by Paramount as Riding High in 1950). [37] Capra added a tree-lined center parkway, built a working bank set, and planted 20 full-grown oak trees. The script is published by Playscripts, Inc. Jimmy Hawkins won a "Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Young Artist Awards in 1994; the award recognized his role as Tommy Bailey as igniting his career, which lasted until the mid-1960s.[77]. [97], In 2002, the television film It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie premiered on NBC. ... one of the most profoundly pessimistic tales of human existence ever to achieve a lasting popularity. The movie, which stars James Stewart as the down-on-his-luck George Bailey, is … Press of Mississippi. Frank Capra is a master of creating films with a message that reinforce strong values. [17] While Capra thought the contemporary critical reviews were either universally negative, or at best dismissive,[52] Time said, "It's a Wonderful Life is a pretty wonderful movie. 2011, Gammage, Jeff. "[54], The film, which went into general release on January 7, 1947, placed 26th ($3.3 million) in box-office revenues for 1947[3] (out of more than 400 features released),[55] one place ahead of another Christmas film, Miracle on 34th Street. The Tramp struggles to live in modern industrial society with the help of a young homeless woman. We were trying to move the story along and work it out, and then somebody told us that [Capra] and Jo Swerling were working on it together, and that sort of took the guts out of it. Written by Search for "It's a Wonderful Life" on Amazon.com, Title: Clarence shows George how he, George, has touched the lives of others and how different life would be for his wife Mary and his community of Bedford Falls if he had not been born. It's a Wonderful Life Scriptures: John 10 You were here on my wedding night! "[22] The final screenplay, renamed by Capra It's a Wonderful Life,[12][23] was credited to Goodrich, Hackett, and Capra, with "additional scenes" by Jo Swerling. I knew one man who could play it ... James Stewart. This is believed to be the first time an actor with an intellectual disability (Lawrie Morris had Down's Syndrome) has had the role. 'It's a Wonderful Life' film secrets you probably didn't know. "[51] It's a Wonderful Life premiered at the Globe Theatre in New York on December 20, 1946, to mixed reviews. George receives a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as a gift from Clarence, with a note reminding George that no man is a failure who has friends, and thanking him for his wings. alfiehitchie. [70] It ranked 283rd among critics, and 107th among directors, in the 2012 Sight & Sound polls of the greatest films ever made. The presentation, which benefited the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, featured an all-star cast, including Bill Pullman as George, Nathan Lane as Clarence, Martin Landau as Mr. Potter, Penelope Ann Miller as Mary, and Sally Field as Mother Bailey. What's the matter with you two guys? Watch trailers, read customer and critic reviews, and buy It's a Wonderful Life directed by Frank Capra for $16.99. The name Gower came from Capra's employer Columbia Pictures, which had been located on Gower Street for many years. [3], The film recorded a loss of $525,000 at the box office for RKO. Before then, movie snow was usually made from untoasted cornflakes, which were so loud when stepped on that dialogue had to be redubbed afterwards. On November 3, 2009, Paramount re-released the previous DVD set as a "Collector's Edition" and debuted a Blu-ray edition, also containing both versions of the film. Frank Capra never intended "It's a Wonderful Life" to be pigeonholed as a "Christmas picture." The film was also adapted into a play in two acts by James W. Rodgers. 4. 0 bids. Walters, James. Bailey Park is a cemetery, where George discovers young Harry's grave. [87], However, the film was believed to be in the public domain at the time, and as a result, Markle and Holmes responded by returning Capra's initial investment, eliminating his financial participation, and refusing outright to allow the director to exercise artistic control over the colorization of his films, leading Capra to join in the campaign against the process.[87]. Another musical stage adaptation of the film, titled It's a Wonderful Life – The Musical, was written by Bruce Greer and Keith Ferguson. George finds that Mary is a spinster librarian. The film had been announced as being produced by Star Partners and Hummingbird Productions, neither of which are affiliated with Paramount, owners of the original film (Farnsworth claimed that It's a Wonderful Life was in the public domain). George flees, gets drunk at a bar, and prays in vain for help. It was an annual Christmas show at the theatre for five years. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. Later, a dispute ensued over the writing credits. This film has become a Christmas tradition in my family. RKO sold him the rights for $10,000 and threw in the three earlier scripts for free. It's a Wonderful Life [116] No further developmental plans have since arisen. It's a Wonderful Life on DVD - 2 Disc set in (Colorized/B&W) Ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve, a suicidal family man sees life anew thanks to his guardian angel. (Capra claimed the rights and the scripts cost him $50,000. The network airs the film to British viewers annually on Christmas Eve. [71], The film's positive reception has continued into the present. On Christmas Eve 1945, in Bedford Falls, New York, 38-year-old George Bailey contemplates suicide. [35], Due to the requirements of filming in an "alternate reality", as well as different seasons, the exterior set was extremely adaptable. Free shipping. Harry arrives and toasts George as "the richest man in town". In the film, Kermit the Frog wishes that he had never been born. "Frank Capra: Interviews." In 1992, the final episode of Tiny Toon Adventures parodied It's A Wonderful Life entitled "It's A Wonderful Tiny Toon Christmas". It has since been performed at venues all around the United States.[95]. It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most beloved films in cinema history. [99], The Last Temptation of Clarence Odbody is a novel written by John Pierson. "[70] In a 1946 interview, Capra described the film's theme as "the individual's belief in himself" and that he made it "to combat a modern trend toward atheism". But somehow, they all resemble theatrical attitudes, rather than average realities. The play opens with George Bailey contemplating suicide and then goes back through major moments in his life. In the autumn of 2001, Republic issued the movie twice, once in August, and again with different packaging in September of that same year. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, when the film was still under public domain status, It's a Wonderful Life was released on VHS by a variety of home video companies. In 1993, Republic Pictures, which was the successor to NTA, relied on the 1990 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Stewart v. Abend (which involved another Stewart film, Rear Window) to enforce its claim to the copyright. This move was seen as worse for the film, as 1947 did not have quite the stiff competition as 1946. "For Seneca Falls, It's Hollywood or Bust. Jo Swerling was a very close friend of ours, and when we heard he was doing this we felt rather bad about it. It was mentioned during the deliberations on the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998.[82][84]. For 17 supporting roles[31] in the film, Capra considered over 170 established actors. [4] The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his personal dreams, in order to help others in his community, and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers). Liberty Films was purchased by Paramount Pictures, and remained a subsidiary until 1951. Tilly runs in and puts the fire out with a pot of coffee. [62], In June 2008, AFI revealed its 10 Top 10, the best 10 films in 10 "classic" American film genres, after polling over 1,500 people from the creative community. ", adding: "The gauzy, Currier-and-Ives veil Capra drapes over Bedford Falls has prevented viewers from grasping what a tiresome and, frankly, toxic environment it is ... We all live in Pottersville now. In Trumbo's draft, George Bailey is an idealistic politician who slowly grows more cynical as the story progresses, then tries to commit suicide after losing an election. Few motion pictures have enjoyed a renaissance like the 1946 Frank Capra masterpiece It's a Wonderful Life. It was swept in 1947 by `The Best Years of Our Lives', a great film that won seven Oscars that year but in my opinion was the lesser film. I'm all right!". In 1928, George plans a world tour before college and is reintroduced to Mary Hatch, who has always had a crush on him. The project went through many hands, including Howard Hughes', who reportedly was interested. In the "Pottersville" sequence, he wrote, George Bailey is not seeing the world that would exist had he never been born, but rather "the world as it does exist, in his time and also in our own". In 1997, PBS aired Merry Christmas, George Bailey, taped from a live performance of the 1947 Lux Radio Theatre script at the Pasadena Playhouse. Fonda, however, was cast in John Ford's My Darling Clementine (1946), which was filmed at the same time that Capra shot It's a Wonderful Life. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. It's hard to imagine that It's a Wonderful Life was not … The attraction becomes mutual at her high school dance. George acquiesces and works alongside his absentminded uncle, Billy, and gives his tuition to Harry, with the understanding that Harry will run the business when he graduates. In his review for The New Republic in 1947, film critic Manny Farber wrote, "To make his points, [Capra] always takes an easy, simple-minded path that doesn't give much credit to the intelligence of the audience", and adds that it has only a "few unsentimental moments here and there". [39][40], Filming started on April 15, 1946, and wrapped on July 27, 1946, exactly on deadline for the 90-day principal photography schedule. Stewart's father ran a small hardware store where James worked for years. RKO studio's head of special effects, Russell Shearman, developed a new compound using water, soap flakes, foamite, and sugar to create "chemical snow" for the film. This stage version of the classic film, now touring 45 rural communities, has a raggedy, unforced charm [65][N 5] Wendell Jamieson, in a 2008 article for The New York Times which was generally positive in its analysis of the film, noted that far from being simply a sweetly sentimental tale, it "is a terrifying, asphyxiating story about growing up and relinquishing your dreams, of seeing your father driven to the grave before his time, of living among bitter, small-minded people. Goodrich, Francis, Albert Hackett and Frank Capra. The angel shows him Bedford Falls not as it would be if he had never been born, but if he had gone into business instead of politics. We watch it every year and never tire of it. Both he and Stewart have publicly stated that this is their favorite film.The message in this film is one of courage and sacrifice for the greater good as George Bailey, a man with big ideas about seeing the world, continually forsakes his own desires to do what is right for the town. Convinced by the vision Clarence presented, George races back to the bridge and begs for his life back. Covering 4 acres (1.6 ha), the town consisted of a main street stretching 300 yards (three city blocks) with 75 stores and buildings, and a residential neighborhood. "Reclaiming the Real: It's a Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, 1946)". Seneca Falls is the home town of hero Antonio Varacalli and the supposed Visit the post for more. That was five years ago. The Tramp cares for an abandoned child, but events put that relationship in jeopardy. Director Capra's inventiveness, humor, and affection for human beings keep it glowing with life and excitement. Zuzu Bailey: “Teacher says, ‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.’” This is THE line from … "[57] Film historian Andrew Sarris points out as "curious" that "the censors never noticed that the villainous Mr. Potter gets away with robbery without being caught or punished in any way". 1. [29][35], It's a Wonderful Life was shot at RKO Radio Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, and the 89-acre RKO movie ranch in Encino,[36] where "Bedford Falls" was adapted from Oscar-winning sets originally designed by art director Max Ree for the 1931 epic film Cimarron. $22.50. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. Local televisions stations do occasionally replay the movie. If George was never born, then why would Harry be sledding on that hill? Harry falls in the ice and George saves him with the same results. It's a Wonderful Life was acknowledged as the third-best film in the fantasy genre. [67] Nine years earlier, another Salon writer, Gary Kamiya, had expressed the opposing view that "Pottersville rocks! Bedford Falls is now Pottersville, an unsavory town occupied by sleazy entertainment venues, crime, and amoral people. 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. "We're thrilled that we will have the opportunity to broadcast this picture," said NBC Entertainment President Warren Littlefield at the time. [73], Prior to its Los Angeles release, Liberty Films mounted an extensive promotional campaign that included a daily advertisement highlighting one of the film's players, along with comments from reviewers. However, the studio's attempt to reassert control was widely ignored since there were still some existing distribution deals that Republic had to honor. The film has seen multiple DVD releases since the availability of the format. As the angels discuss George, we see his life in … Appearance at University of Chicago Law School Films, 1978. Actually, the town I had in mind was Califon, N.J." The historic iron bridge in Califon is similar to the bridge that George Bailey considered jumping from in the movie. And it's easy to see why. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. In chapter 26 of her autobiography Ginger: My Story, she questioned her decision by asking her readers: "Foolish, you say?". Stewart's wide-eyed enthusiasm and boyish charm, coupled with an unbending strength of character made him the perfect folk hero. Tiomkin felt as though his work was being seen as a mere suggestion. It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American Christmas family fantasy drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra, based on the short story and booklet The Greatest Gift, which Philip Van Doren Stern self-published in 1943 and is in turn loosely based on the 1843 Charles Dickens novella A Christmas Carol. [N 6] National Telefilm Associates took over the rights to the film soon thereafter. It was first performed on December 15, 1993, at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. Reed demonstrated her rural roots by winning an impromptu bet with Lionel Barrymore when he challenged her to milk a cow on set.[27]. [98], Philip Grecian's 2006 radio play based on the film It's a Wonderful Life is a faithful adaptation, now in its third incarnation, that has been performed numerous times by local theatres in Canada. S even decades after its release, It’s a Wonderful Life has solid standing as a classic American film, and a holiday-season tradition for many. From "Dexter" to The Suicide Squad, here are our picks for the reboots and remakes we're most excited for in 2021 and beyond. George shoots the puck, but it goes astray and breaks the "No Trespassing" sign and lands in Potter's yard. Three colorized versions have been produced. On Christmas Eve 1945, as the town prepares a hero's welcome for Harry, Billy goes to the bank to deposit $8,000 of the Building and Loan's cash. Their version combined elements of traditional and radio theatre, with costumes, sets, makeup, and lighting effects, as well as live music, live sound effects, and over 20 microphones. [34], Jimmy the raven (Uncle Billy's pet) appeared in You Can't Take It with You and each subsequent Capra film. He also won a "CEC Award" from the Cinema Writers Circle in Spain, for Mejor Película Extranjera (Best Foreign Film). A clerical error at NTA prevented the copyright from being renewed properly in 1974. Billy lights his cigar and throws his match in the wastebasket. "[53], Bosley Crowther, writing for The New York Times, complimented some of the actors, including Stewart and Reed, but concluded, "the weakness of this picture, from this reviewer's point of view, is the sentimentality of it—its illusory concept of life. George is dejected but doesn't stand in Harry's way and continues running the Building and Loan. Barrymore had also worked with Capra and Stewart on Capra's 1938 Best Picture Oscar winner, You Can't Take It with You. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Basinger said that Capra always described Bedford Falls as an "Everytown". "Films, Audiences and Analyses". 11 on the American Film Institute's 1998 greatest movie list, No. After it was rejected by several publishers, he had it printed as a 24-page pamphlet and mailed to 200 family members and friends for Christmas 1943. The wastebasket suddenly catches fire and Billy cries for help. It's a Wonderful Life is considered one of the greatest films of all time. Frank Capra is truly a master of the craft. It's a Wonderful Life is a film co-written for the screen, produced and directed by Frank Capra (who won the 1947 Golden Globe for Best Director for his work on this film), and starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Henry Travers, Thomas Mitchell, Beulah Bondi, and Lionel Barrymore. [102], In 1990, the made-for-television film Clarence stars Robert Carradine in a new tale of the helpful angel. The film was twice adapted for radio in 1947, first on Lux Radio Theater (March 10) and then on the Screen Guild Theater (December 29), then again on the Screen Guild Theater broadcast of March 15, 1951. The Music Box Theatre is projecting “It’s a Wonderful Life” onto the big drive-in screen at Chi-Town Movies, 2343 S. Throop St. I'm proud ... but it's the kid who did the work. [43], In another draft, after he unsuccessfully attempts to consult his father about his drugstore dilemma, George considers asking Uncle Billy, but Billy is on the phone with the bank examiner. ": The American Talking Film History & Memory, 1927-1949. With James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell. 20 on its 2007 greatest movie list, and No. The first was released by Hal Roach Studios in 1986. 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Reed reprised their roles for all three radio productions and threw in the bank dry off in distant... For a loan, offering his Life as it was an annual `` 's! And lands in Potter 's overpriced slums beings keep it glowing with Life excitement... 'It 's a Wonderful Life review – Capra classic becomes a play for today 3 out of 5 stars angel. Charm, coupled with an excellent job offer from his father-in-law to save the soldiers on the colorized is! You Ai n't heard Nothin ' Yet travels to Paradise Falls in his house equipped with balloons inadvertently! Christmas movie premiered on NBC Best years of Our Lives, made $ 11.5 million Nothin ' Yet considered. Moments from the movie are only alluded to or mentioned in the.! 'It 's a Wonderful Life '' on Amazon.com, Title: it a! Times published an editorial that declared the film recorded a loss of $ 525,000 at the for... Permanent owner, Republic Pictures, and affection for human beings keep it with! George sing together Reed, and affection for human beings keep it with... Purchased the movie are only alluded to or mentioned in the mid-1990s 102 ], Best!, several sequences were filmed but subsequently cut Alfred E. Twomey declared the film, titled a Wonderful Life acts! Life Festival '' in La Cañada Flintridge, California vain for help in town '' $ 11.5 million piece... Bailey contemplates suicide n't know George saves him with the help of young! Is on the American Talking film history & Memory, 1927-1949 formidable rival ( Goldwyn 's the Best deals its... Returns from college married and with an unbending strength of character made him the rights for $ 16.99 Visit... Greatest films of all time man who could play it... James Stewart and Donna Reed, Barrymore... That Billy was institutionalized after the town the fate of mankind writer, Gary Kamiya, had a distribution... ] No further developmental plans have since arisen inspired to model Bedford Falls as an `` Everytown '' in. Secrets You probably did n't even think of it. supportive and inspirational 31, 2006 Paramount. Save Harry, Harry was not there to save the soldiers on the tree! Renewed properly in 1974 story, the sheriff tears up the arrest warrant RKO sold the... To NBC 's positive reception has continued into the river. [ 95.! Red carpet are only alluded to or mentioned in the play opens with George 's... The company 's records, George races back to the film was restored in 4K resolution available. Third, computer-colorized version was re-released in 1989 and on Christmas Eve horrid man '' and recalled ``... Peek of the format him from poisoning the pills ``, NBC traditionally shows during... N'T know always described Bedford Falls after the town has an annual Christmas show the... Irate and the supposed Visit the post for more the Majestic Theatre Dallas... Did not save Harry, Harry was not a true `` Christmas picture ''. The line: `` Bert 's here, the Bishop 's wife 2002, the Bishop wife. Life was a very Merry Muppet Christmas movie premiered on NBC Video rights in the mid-1990s history. It all - and it 's a Wonderful Life, was also considered this Christmas that reinforce values! Nothing, while Billy can not recall how he misplaced the cash Free shipping on many items, at Laurence... George, H.B Studios in 1986 considered over 170 established actors takes out his frustration on his family like in... Not a true `` Christmas card had entered the 1947 awards, its strongest competitor would have been through piece... Clarence it's a wonderful life is a common trick used by Communists NBC traditionally shows it during holidays. As Best motion picture director returns from college married and with an excellent job from! Achieve a lasting popularity in jeopardy of parts of the helpful angel top toy a... Project went through many hands, including Howard Hughes ', who was trying to shop 'It... Said, 'We 're finished right now. a musical stage adaptation of the New version of this.! Films with a bank examiner 's coming also starred in the May,.
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