It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra's timeless holiday classic about one man's extraordinary impact on everyone around him.
It's a Wonderful Life - Movie Information
- Original Title: It's a Wonderful Life
- Release Year: 1946
- Directed by: Frank Capra
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Family, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 20, 1946 (Canada - 14A), January 7, 1947 (United States - PG), December 20, 1946 (United Kingdom - U), December 10, 1947 (Germany - 6), December 10, 1947 (France - U), February 6, 1948 (Australia - G), February 14, 1947 (Brazil - L), December 20, 1946 (Mexico - B-15), March 11, 1948 (Italy), March 27, 1948 (Spain - APTA)
- Alternative Titles: Це прекрасне життя (UA), 멋진 인생 (KR), Qué bello es vivir (ES), Mens, Durf te Leven (NL), Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (US), Диван живот (RS), Az elet csodaszep (HU), Эта прекрасная жизнь (RU)
- Production Companies: Liberty Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
It's a Wonderful Life - Plot
George Bailey has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls. All that prevents rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town is George's modest building and loan company. But on Christmas Eve the business's $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin.
It's a Wonderful Life - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this beloved Frank Capra classic:
It's a wonderful laugh! It's a wonderful love!
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It's a Wonderful Life - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Frank Capra
Main Cast
- James Stewart
- Donna Reed
- Lionel Barrymore
- Thomas Mitchell
- Henry Travers
- Beulah Bondi
- Frank Faylen
- Ward Bond
- Gloria Grahame
- H.B. Warner
Writers
- Frank Capra
- Albert Hackett
- Frances Goodrich
Producers
- Frank Capra
It's a Wonderful Life - FAQs
What is It's a Wonderful Life about?
It's a Wonderful Life follows George Bailey, a selfless man who has spent his life serving the community of Bedford Falls. On Christmas Eve, a financial crisis drives him to despair — until his guardian angel shows him just how different the world would have been without him.
Is It's a Wonderful Life based on a true story?
Not exactly. The film is based on a 1943 short story called 'The Greatest Gift' by Philip Van Doren Stern. Stern self-published it as a Christmas card story, and RKO Pictures eventually purchased the rights. The characters and events are entirely fictional, though the themes resonate deeply with real human experience.
Who are the main actors in It's a Wonderful Life?
James Stewart leads the cast as the beloved George Bailey, with Donna Reed as his wife Mary. Lionel Barrymore plays the villainous Mr. Potter, Thomas Mitchell is the bumbling Uncle Billy, and Henry Travers brings warmth and gentle humor to the role of Clarence, George's guardian angel.
What does the ending of It's a Wonderful Life mean?
The ending reveals that a life lived for others has immeasurable worth. After seeing a bleak world without him, George returns grateful and humbled. The community rallies to save him financially, and Clarence earns his wings — a moving affirmation that no person who has friends is truly a failure.
Where can I stream It's a Wonderful Life?
You can stream It's a Wonderful Life on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free viewing options include Hoopla and Plex Channel.
Did It's a Wonderful Life win any awards?
The film received five Academy Award nominations in 1947, including Best Picture, Best Director for Frank Capra, and Best Actor for James Stewart. Though it didn't win any Oscars, it has since been recognized as one of the greatest American films ever made and was added to the National Film Registry in 1990.
Why was It's a Wonderful Life considered a flop initially?
Despite critical praise, the film underperformed at the box office in 1946, failing to recoup its production costs. It was considered a commercial disappointment for Frank Capra's Liberty Films. Its extraordinary reputation grew decades later, largely through repeated television broadcasts during the Christmas season in the 1970s and 1980s.
What is the age rating for It's a Wonderful Life?
It's a Wonderful Life is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for family viewing. The film contains some emotionally intense scenes — including a suicide attempt and themes of despair — but nothing graphic. It's widely considered one of the most family-friendly classics in cinema history.
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