It's a Wonderful Life

Story

It’s a Wonderful Life is about George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams in order to help others. One Christmas Eve in a fit of despair he wishes he had never been born. An angel, Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and the difference he has made to the people around him and his community.

Why we chose it

A film that has become a Christmas classic. It reminds us that all lives are valid, and even if life does not go the way you planned everyone is still important. It is a very old-fashioned film, with some old-fashioned ideas and tropes but those core values hold true: no one is insignificant.

Where it came from

It’s a Wonderful Life is based on the book The Greatest Gift by Phillip Van Doren Stern. It was refused by publishers but bought by RKO Pictures in April 1944, this was then sold to Frank Capra’s Production Company who then decided to make the film.

Where it went next

The film was released to mixed, if not negative reviews. However, the film has endured and has become a Christmas staple, often being counted in lists of great or significant films. In 1990, the film was deemed culturally, historically or aesthetically significant by the United States Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in their National Film Registry.

Associated stories

Other Frank Capra films include It Happened One Night, Mr Deeds Goes to Town and Mr Smith Goes to Washington.