Day 8 - Your *Favorite* Christmas Movie

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

RKO, 1946

PRINCIPAL CAST: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers

DIRECTOR: Frank Capra

PRODUCER: Frank Capra

SCREENWRITERS: Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra

The images of George Bailey running through the snowy streets of his sleepy town will forever remain a part of our culture.

Director Frank Capra's brilliant tale of a man who needs to be reminded of his value to society was nominated for many Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Actor (James Stewart) and Best Picture. Interestingly enough, Stewart had to be talked into doing this film by fellow cast member Lionel Barrymore. It's amazing to think that after an incredible career in film for many, many years, Stewart is still most often associated with this role, more than all others.

George Bailey is convinced that his life is worthless and plans to kill himself. He's stopped in the "St. Nick" of time by an angel who shows him what the world would be like without him. Dark stuff for a Christmas movie, but the incredible cast, led by Capra's unique vision, makes this one of the best films of all time. Sure you've seen it a zillion times-- you've seen the parodies, you've seen the clips in countless other movies, you've even seen the colorized version -- but do you remember when you first saw this film? Weren't you just completely in awe?

And what could be a greater testament to this movie's lasting appeal than the fact that there has never been a serious attempt to remake it. You just can't remake the best and there's no point in trying.

The movie that told us what a ringing bell really meant (it means an Angel just got his wings).

Some Quotes From the Movie

• To my big brother George Bailey, the richest man in town
• I wish I had a million dollars,hot dog!
• Is this the ear you can't hear in? George Bailey, I'll love you till the day i die!
• I'll show you some kissing that'll put hair back on your head!
• This is a very interesting situation.
• Look everybody! I'm giving out wings!!
• Why don't you go bother someone else. 2: Aw, well I'm sorry,..hey!
• ...and that's another thing, where do you get off calling me Nick?!

Some Links to More Info About the Movie

It'a Wonderful Life - Tribute to Frank Capra's Classic

It's a Wonderful Life - Home Page Tribute to Movie with LOTS of links

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provided the graphics used used here

The Holly and The Ivy sequenced by Don Carroll

This page created December 1999 as a gift for Momwisdom by Holly Secret Santa '99