“It’s a Wonderful Life” will return to theaters in December to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the legendary film.
Turner Classic Movies announced via Fathom Events that it will bring Frank Capra’s classic Christmas film back to theaters for two days, December 18 and December 21.
“Embraced as a cherished holiday tradition by families around the world, Frank Capra’s heart-warming masterpiece now celebrates 75 years with this big-screen event,” a description on the movie site read.
“George Bailey (James Stewart) sets aside his dreams of world travel to run his father’s small community bank, and protect the people of Bedford Falls from greedy businessman Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore),” it added. “When a costly mistake pushes George to the brink of despair, a visit from a kindly angel (Henry Travers) will show George how one good man’s life can change the world forever.”
The picture first played in cinemas in the United States on January 7, 1947. Despite its enduring popularity, the film was not a box office hit when it was released. The film’s themes dealt with serious matters such as suicide and avarice, as well as love and faith. The fact that this film has risen in popularity over the years speaks a lot about how our culture has evolved.
Stewart, a recently returned Army Air Corps squadron leader grounded by PTSD after 20 combat missions over Europe in a B-24, was Capra’s initial choice to portray Bailey. According to the Chicago Tribune, the actor initially refused to work on the film because of its grim tone. Stewart agreed to take on the post as a last resort and in the absence of any other offers.
In “Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe,” author Robert Matzen discusses Stewart’s struggle with the role.
“The war had changed Jim [Stewart] down to the molecular level,” Matzen wrote. “He could never begin to articulate what those four-and-a-half years, including fifteen months in combat, had done to him. One thing he could do was express a bit of it on-screen.”