It’s a Wonderful Life

Released: December 20, 1946

Studio: RKO

Genre: Christmas fantasy/drama/romance

Box Office (numbers in millions):

Domestic: 3.30 Worldwide: ?

Adjusted for Inflation:

Domestic: 147.30 Worldwide: ?

Directing: Frank Capra

Screenwriting: Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra

Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers

Review:

“An uplifting magical film, worth all of the praise it’s received.” ^VD “Only Capra and this cast could pull it off so well; this film seems to improve with age. ” ^LM The film – initially a flop – owes its current status as a “beloved holiday classic” ^MSN to a clerical error at the copyright office. The film was mistakenly moved into the public domain in 1974 which meant local TV stations could play the movie without paying royalties. ^MSN

The film was based on “The Greatest Gift,” a short story by Philip an Doren Stern which was originally written as a Christmas card. ^LM It “contains at least one true celluloid miracle: James Stewart’s engrossing performance as George Bailey, one of Hollywood’s most honorable, memorable and troubled American dreamers.” ^TV He plays “an average man in an average town who feels his life is worthless and decides to jump off a bridge.” ^VD “His crusty-but-lovable guardian angel Clarence (Travers), who is desperately trying to earn his wings, shows up to give him a tour of his town without his presence.” ^FS George learns “just how important he is to all the people around him” ^VD and “that wealth is measured in love and friendship.” ^FS

“Moral courage, small-town American life, civic cooperation, and family love are glorified while corporate greed and selfishness are condemned.” ^FS “It’s a film designed to grab your cockles and warm them till they smoulder,” ^T95 climaxing in “an idyllic Christmas card finale.” ^FS