THE 75-year-old classic movie is an American drama production.
It’s a Wonderful Life has always been associated with Christmas but is it an actual Christmas movie?
It’s a Wonderful Life is still finding success 75 years after it was first released
Is It’s a Wonderful Life a Christmas movie?
When the film was first released in 1946, it was considered a flop after receiving mixed reviews and failing to break even at the box office.
Once it began showing on TV during Christmas in the 1970s, it quickly became the classic we know and love today.
The film is centered around Christmas
The Film Magazine said: “this isn’t only a story true to the spirit of Christmas but a film with a philosophy and message that has managed to resonate throughout the decades.”
The film topped Radio Times annual readers poll to name the greatest Christmas film of all time in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Who stars in It’s a Wonderful Life and what is it about?
George Bailey was played by James Stewart. He was an American actor and military pilot.
Donna Reed played George Bailey’s wife, Mary Hatch Bailey. Donna was an American actress who appeared in 40 films during her career.
Henry Travers, was a British film and stage actor, best known for his portrayal of the angel, Clarence Odbody.
Other cast members include:
- Carol Coombs as Janie Bailey
- Karolyn Grimes as Zuzu Bailey
- Jimmy Hawkins as Tommy Bailey
- Larry Simms as Pete Bailey
- Thomas Mitchell as Uncle Billy Bailey
- Lillian Randolph as Annie
- Lionel Barrymore as Mr Potter
The film is focused on George Bailey, who is struggling with feeling overwhelmed by his commitments to his career, community and family.
He contemplates suicide before being visited by angel Clarence Odbody who shows him what life would have been like had he never been born.
Where to watch or stream It’s a Wonderful Life
You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video for free with your subscription.
You can also watch it on TV on Channel 4 on December 24, 2022 at 1:25pm.
