It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most popular and beloved motion pictures ever made in Hollywood. The sentimental fantasy was released in 1946. Over the years, it has established itself as a classic and has been shown countless times on television during the Christmas season. Frank Capra was the director, and James Stewart was the star. Both Capra and Stewart were nominated for Academy Awards for their work in the film, which was also nominated as best picture of the year. However, the film did not receive any Academy Awards.
Stewart plays George Bailey, a small-town banker. Depressed by personal problems, Bailey considers suicide until an angel descends from heaven to show him how much good he has done throughout his life. George changes his mind about suicide once he recognizes that his life has made a valuable contribution to his family and other people in his town. The movie ends happily with the angel returning to heaven to receive his wings as his reward for guiding Bailey so successfully on earth. It’s a Wonderful Life has retained the affection of viewers not only because of its heartwarming story, but also because of its nostalgic portrait of small-town life in the United States.
The supporting players in the film included Donna Reed as Bailey’s loving and understanding wife and Lionel Barrymore as the villain in the story. Henry Travers won acclaim as Clarence the angel.
See also Barrymore (Lionel Barrymore) ; Capra, Frank ; Stewart, James .
