Movie Description A good but slightly ineffectual man tries to off himself after an error that really wasn't his fault. In Christmas Carol fashion, his crusty-but-lovable guardian angel shows up to give him a tour of the world without his presence, and it isn't a pretty place. Moral courage, small-town American life, civic cooperation, and family love are glorified; corporate greed and self-involvement are vilified; at the climax, a blanket of snow like spun sugar makes everything pure and clean like redemption itself.
| Credits | | Producer: | Frank Capra | | Cast: | Bob Scott, Charles Lane, Charles Williams, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Ward Bond |
| Details | | Edition: | 45th Anniversary Edition |
Notes IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1990., This special 45th anniversary edition includes the original film, plus the featurette "The Making of It's a Wonderful Life." This film was released through Liberty Films, an independent studio created by William Wyler, Frank Capra, Sam Briskin and George Stevens to give directors more free reign in their films - similar to the recent move by Spielberg, Katzenberg and Geffen.
Editorial Reviews "...As appealing as ever..." Sight and Sound - Danny Leigh (02/01/2001)
"...With the power to melt the coldest of hearts. James Stewart gives a flawless performance..." Total Film - Paul Roland (06/01/2000)
"...It looks more masterful than ever..." Entertainment Weekly - Entertainment Weekly Staff (01/11/2002)
"George Bailey's everyman charm reminds us that it doesn't take a war to make a hero." Premiere - Premiere Staff (04/01/2004)
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