It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American Christmas supernatural drama film directed by Frank Capra, based on Philip Van Doren Stern's 1943 short story 'The Greatest Gift,' which is loosely inspired by Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who sacrifices his personal dreams to help his community. On Christmas Eve, contemplating suicide, George is visited by his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, who shows him the significant impact he has had on others and how different the world would be without him.
1927: H. B. Warner's Role as Jesus Christ
In 1927, H. B. Warner played the role of Jesus Christ in Cecil B. DeMille's 'The King of Kings.' Warner later portrayed Mr. Gower, the pharmacist, in 'It's a Wonderful Life.'
1928: George Bailey's Life Plans and Family Business
In 1928, George Bailey plans a world tour before college but postpones his travels after his father's sudden stroke. He takes over the family business, Bailey Brothers Building and Loan, to prevent it from being dissolved.
1931: Bedford Falls Sets Adapted
In 1931, the sets for the fictional town of 'Bedford Falls' in 'It's a Wonderful Life' were adapted from the Oscar-winning sets originally designed by art director Max Ree for the epic film 'Cimarron.' This adaptation included a town covering 4 acres, featuring a main street, a residential neighborhood, and various stores and buildings. The date 1931 marks the origin of the sets used in the film.
1933: Preliminary approval for colorizing Lady for a Day
In 1933, It's a Wonderful Life director Frank Capra gave preliminary approval for colorizing his film Lady for a Day, following an enthusiastic response to the colorization of Topper from actor Cary Grant.
1938: Previous Collaboration Between Capra and Stewart
In 1938, Frank Capra and James Stewart collaborated on the film 'You Can't Take It with You,' which won the Best Picture Oscar.
1938: Lionel Barrymore's Previous Work with Capra and Stewart
In 1938, Lionel Barrymore worked with Frank Capra and James Stewart in the film 'You Can't Take It with You,' which won the Best Picture Oscar.
November 1939: Writing of 'The Greatest Gift'
In November 1939, Philip Van Doren Stern wrote the original story 'The Greatest Gift,' which later became the basis for 'It's a Wonderful Life.'
1939: Another Collaboration Between Capra and Stewart
In 1939, Frank Capra and James Stewart collaborated again on the film 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,' further solidifying their successful working relationship.
1941: Preliminary approval for colorizing Meet John Doe
In 1941, Frank Capra gave preliminary approval for colorizing his film Meet John Doe, based on the positive reception of colorized footage from It's a Wonderful Life.
1943: Publication of 'The Greatest Gift'
In 1943, Philip Van Doren Stern self-published 'The Greatest Gift' as a 24-page pamphlet and mailed it to 200 family members and friends for Christmas.
1943: Story and Booklet Publication
In 1943, Philip Van Doren Stern self-published the short story and booklet 'The Greatest Gift,' which is loosely based on Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' This story was the basis for the 1946 film 'It's a Wonderful Life.'
April 1944: RKO Pictures Acquires Story Rights
In April 1944, RKO Pictures bought the rights to Philip Van Doren Stern's story 'The Greatest Gift' for $10,000, with plans to turn it into a film vehicle for Cary Grant.
1945: George Bailey's Christmas Eve Crisis
On Christmas Eve 1945, George Bailey in Bedford Falls, New York, contemplates suicide. His family and friends' prayers reach Heaven, prompting guardian angel Clarence Odbody to intervene and save George.
1945: Seneca Falls' Inspiration Claim
In 1945, some residents of Seneca Falls, New York, believed that Frank Capra modeled Bedford Falls after their town. Seneca Falls holds an annual 'It's a Wonderful Life Festival' in December.
April 15, 1946: Filming Started
Filming of 'It's a Wonderful Life' began on April 15, 1946, starting a 90-day principal photography schedule. The production adhered strictly to its timeline.
July 27, 1946: Filming Wrapped
On July 27, 1946, the filming of 'It's a Wonderful Life' wrapped up, exactly on deadline after a 90-day shooting schedule.
December 1946: Release Moved Up
In December 1946, the release of 'It's a Wonderful Life' was moved up to make it eligible for the 19th Academy Awards. This decision was seen as a disadvantage, as it faced stiffer competition in 1946.
December 20, 1946: Premiere of It's a Wonderful Life
'It's a Wonderful Life' premiered at the Globe Theatre in New York City on December 20, 1946, to mixed reviews. While director Frank Capra felt the reviews were largely negative, Time magazine described it as a 'pretty wonderful movie' and one of Hollywood's best pictures of the year.
1946: Henry Fonda's Casting in My Darling Clementine
In 1946, Henry Fonda, James Stewart's best friend, was cast in John Ford's 'My Darling Clementine,' which was filmed at the same time as 'It's a Wonderful Life.' Fonda and Stewart had returned from the war with no employment prospects.
1946: Release of It's a Wonderful Life
In 1946, the film 'It's a Wonderful Life,' directed and produced by Frank Capra, was released. The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, who contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve and is saved by his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody.
1946: Capra's 1946 Interview
In a 1946 interview, Frank Capra described the theme of 'It's a Wonderful Life' as 'the individual's belief in himself,' noting that he made the film to combat modern trends toward atheism.
1946: Setting Confirmation by Philip Van Doren Stern
In a 1946 interview, Philip Van Doren Stern confirmed that the setting of 'It's a Wonderful Life' was inspired by Califon, N.J., specifically mentioning the historic iron bridge similar to the one in the film.
January 7, 1947: General Release
On January 7, 1947, 'It's a Wonderful Life' went into general release and placed 26th in box-office revenues for 1947, earning $3.3 million.
January 1947: Scheduled Release
The film 'It's a Wonderful Life' was originally scheduled to be released in January 1947 but was moved up to December 1946 to make it eligible for the 19th Academy Awards.
March 1947: 19th Academy Awards
In March 1947, 'It's a Wonderful Life' competed in the 19th Academy Awards, having been released earlier to qualify for the event.
May 26, 1947: FBI Memo on It's a Wonderful Life
On May 26, 1947, the FBI issued a memo suggesting that 'It's a Wonderful Life' was an attempt to discredit bankers and the upper class, seeing it as a trick used by Communists. Film historian Andrew Sarris later noted the curious fact that the villain Mr. Potter gets away with robbery without being caught.
1947: Manny Farber's Critique
In 1947, film critic Manny Farber wrote a review for The New Republic criticizing 'It's a Wonderful Life' for taking a simple-minded path that he felt did not credit the audience's intelligence.
1947: Two radio adaptations of It's a Wonderful Life
In 1947, It's a Wonderful Life was adapted for radio twice, first on Lux Radio Theater on March 10 and then on Screen Guild Theater on December 29, with James Stewart and Donna Reed reprising their roles for both productions.
May 8, 1949: Radio adaptation on Screen Directors Playhouse
On May 8, 1949, James Stewart starred in a radio adaptation of It's a Wonderful Life on the Screen Directors Playhouse.
March 15, 1951: Radio adaptation on Screen Guild Theater
On March 15, 1951, It's a Wonderful Life was adapted for radio on the Screen Guild Theater, with James Stewart and Donna Reed reprising their roles.
1951: Liberty Films purchased by Paramount Pictures
In 1951, Liberty Films was purchased by Paramount Pictures and remained a subsidiary until 1951.
1954: RKO Ranch Razed
In 1954, RKO's movie ranch in Encino, which was used for 'It's a Wonderful Life,' was razed.
1955: M. & A. Alexander purchased the movie
In 1955, M. & A. Alexander purchased the rights to It's a Wonderful Life, including key rights to the original television syndication, the original nitrate film elements, the music score, and the film rights to the story on which the film is based, The Greatest Gift.
1955: Paramount reacquired distribution rights
In 1955, Paramount reacquired the distribution rights for It's a Wonderful Life through parent company Viacom's 1998 acquisition of Republic's then-parent, Spelling Entertainment.
1971: Philip Van Doren Stern renewed the copyright of The Greatest Gift
In 1971, Philip Van Doren Stern renewed the copyright of The Greatest Gift, the story upon which It's a Wonderful Life is based.
1974: Clerical error prevented copyright renewal
A clerical error at NTA in 1974 prevented the copyright of It's a Wonderful Life from being renewed properly. Despite this, television stations still had to pay royalties due to the story's derivative work status.
1974: Copyright Expiry and Public Domain Entry
In 1974, the copyright for the film 'It's a Wonderful Life' expired due to a lack of renewal, allowing it to enter the public domain. This enabled the film to be broadcast without licensing or royalty fees, eventually turning it into a Christmas classic.
1976: TV Christmas Staple
In 1976, 'It's a Wonderful Life' became a television staple during the Christmas season, elevating its status to that of a beloved classic. This came as a surprise to Frank Capra and others involved with the production.
1984: Capra's Reflection
In 1984, Frank Capra reflected on the film's lasting impact, stating in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that the film had taken on a life of its own, likening it to a parent watching their child grow up to be President.
1986: First Performance of 'A Wonderful Life'
In 1986, a musical stage adaptation of 'It's a Wonderful Life' titled 'A Wonderful Life,' written by Sheldon Harnick and Joe Raposo, was first performed at the University of Michigan. However, a planned professional production was delayed due to legal issues with the estate of Philip Van Doren Stern.
1986: Saturday Night Live 'Lost Ending' Skit
In 1986, a skit on Saturday Night Live featured William Shatner introducing the 'lost ending' of 'It's a Wonderful Life.' In this comedic version, George Bailey (played by Dana Carvey) and the citizens of Bedford Falls discover that Mr. Potter (played by Jon Lovitz) has stolen George's money and take turns beating him up in his office.
1986: First colorized version released by Hal Roach Studios
In 1986, the first colorized version of It's a Wonderful Life was released by Hal Roach Studios, marking the beginning of multiple colorized editions of the film.
1989: Second colorized version produced by Republic Pictures
In 1989, a second colorized version of It's a Wonderful Life was produced by Republic Pictures. This version faced criticism from both Capra and Stewart, but was re-released to VHS via Video Treasures that same year.
1990: National Film Registry Selection
In 1990, 'It's a Wonderful Life' was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the United States Library of Congress, being deemed 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.'
1990: Selected for Preservation in the National Film Registry
In 1990, 'It's a Wonderful Life' was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being deemed 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.'
1990: U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Stewart v. Abend
In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Stewart v. Abend, a case involving another Stewart film, Rear Window, which later played a role in Republic Pictures' 1993 claim to the copyright of It's a Wonderful Life.
1990: Premiere of TV Film 'Clarence'
In 1990, the made-for-television film 'Clarence' premiered, starring Robert Carradine in a new tale of the helpful angel Clarence Odbody.
1991: Arena Stage Performance of 'A Wonderful Life'
In 1991, the musical adaptation 'A Wonderful Life' was performed in Washington, DC, by Arena Stage. This followed a delay caused by legal wrangling with the estate of Philip Van Doren Stern.
1992: Tiny Toon Adventures Parody
In 1992, the final episode of Tiny Toon Adventures parodied 'It's a Wonderful Life' in an episode titled 'It's a Wonderful Tiny Toon Christmas.' In the episode, Buster Bunny feels despondent after the failure of his play and wishes he had never become a Tiny Toon, leading a guardian angel to show him what life would have been like without him.
December 15, 1993: First Performance of James W. Rodgers' Adaptation
On December 15, 1993, James W. Rodgers' two-act play adaptation of 'It's a Wonderful Life' was first performed at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. The play opens with George Bailey contemplating suicide and revisits major moments in his life, with many scenes from the movie being alluded to rather than dramatized.
1993: Republic Pictures enforced its claim to the copyright
In 1993, Republic Pictures enforced its claim to the copyright of It's a Wonderful Life based on the 1990 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Stewart v. Abend. They made a deal with Turner Broadcasting System for limited airings on TNT and TBS, although the studio's attempt to reassert control was largely ignored due to existing distribution deals.
1993: Release of It's a Wonderful Life on CD-ROM
In 1993, Kinesoft Development, with the support of Republic Pictures, released It's a Wonderful Life on CD-ROM for Windows PC. This early digital release included features such as the ability to follow along with the complete shooting script as the film played.
April 1994: Computer Gaming World review of It's a Wonderful Life CD-ROM
In April 1994, Computer Gaming World reviewed the CD-ROM version of It's a Wonderful Life, noting that while the picture quality had room for improvement, the effort was commendable and would please fans of the film.
1994: Jimmy Hawkins wins Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award
In 1994, Jimmy Hawkins received the Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award from the Young Artist Awards. This award recognized his role as Tommy Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life, which ignited his acting career.
1994: NBC acquired exclusive television rights
In 1994, NBC acquired exclusive television rights to It's a Wonderful Life. NBC Entertainment President Warren Littlefield announced that the network would broadcast the original director's cut in black and white, as Frank Capra intended.
1996: Elmo Saves Christmas References Name Origin Rumor
In 1996, the holiday special 'Elmo Saves Christmas' referenced the rumor that the Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie were named after characters in 'It's a Wonderful Life.' In the special, Bert and Ernie are surprised by a line from the movie playing on a TV set: 'Bert! Ernie! What's the matter with you two guys? You were here on my wedding night!'
1997: Introduction of 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play'
In 1997, 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,' a stage adaptation presented as a 1940s radio show and adapted by Joe Landry, began being produced around the United States. The script is published by Playscripts, Inc.
1997: PBS Airs 'Merry Christmas, George Bailey'
In 1997, PBS aired 'Merry Christmas, George Bailey,' a live performance of the 1947 Lux Radio Theatre script taped at the Pasadena Playhouse. The presentation, which benefited the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, featured an all-star cast including Bill Pullman as George, Nathan Lane as Clarence, Martin Landau as Mr. Potter, Penelope Ann Miller as Mary, and Sally Field as Mother Bailey.
1998: Premiere of 'It's a Wonderful Life – The Musical'
In 1998, another musical adaptation of 'It's a Wonderful Life,' titled 'It's a Wonderful Life – The Musical,' premiered at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas, Texas. This version, written by Bruce Greer and Keith Ferguson, became an annual Christmas show at the theater for five years and has since toured various venues across the United States.
1998: Recognition by American Film Institute
In 1998, 'It's a Wonderful Life' was recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made, ranking No. 11 on their greatest movie list.
1998: Paramount reacquired distribution rights
In 1998, Paramount reacquired distribution rights for It's a Wonderful Life through Viacom's acquisition of Republic's parent company, Spelling Entertainment, marking the first time since 1955 that Paramount held these rights.
1998: Deliberations on the Copyright Term Extension Act
In 1998, It's a Wonderful Life was mentioned during the deliberations on the Copyright Term Extension Act, reflecting its impact as a perennial holiday favorite due to repeated showings each holiday season.
1999: Correction on Bert and Ernie Name Origin
In 1999, the San Francisco Chronicle issued a correction for its 1996 'Annual Xmas Quiz,' which erroneously claimed that the Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie were named after characters in 'It's a Wonderful Life.' Series writer Jerry Juhl confirmed that the shared names were a coincidence, according to producer Jon Stone.
2001: Multiple DVD releases by Republic Pictures
In 2001, Republic Pictures released It's a Wonderful Life on DVD twice, once in August and again in September with different packaging.
2002: Channel 4 Ranking
In 2002, Channel 4 in the United Kingdom ranked 'It's a Wonderful Life' as the seventh-greatest film ever made in its poll 'The 100 Greatest Films'. The channel also airs the film annually on Christmas Eve.
2005: Staged Concert Version of 'A Wonderful Life' in New York City
In 2005, 'A Wonderful Life' saw a revival through a staged concert version in New York City. This was part of several productions by regional theatres in the 21st century.
2005: Tony Palermo's Stage Adaptation
In 2005, Tony Palermo's stage adaptation of 'It's a Wonderful Life' premiered, presenting the story as actors making a radio play complete with live sound effects.
2005: Home video rights reverted to Paramount
In 2005, home video rights for It's a Wonderful Life reverted to Paramount after being held by Lions Gate Entertainment, which had acquired them through Artisan Entertainment's earlier acquisition of Republic's license.
October 31, 2006: 60th Anniversary Edition DVD release
On October 31, 2006, Paramount released a newly remastered 60th Anniversary Edition DVD of It's a Wonderful Life.
2006: Book Publication
In 2006, a book was published noting that 'It's a Wonderful Life' was part of a spate of movies that appeared just after the end of World War II, offering consolation to people who had experienced the loss of loved ones.
2006: Philip Grecian's Radio Play Adaptation
In 2006, Philip Grecian's radio play adaptation of 'It's a Wonderful Life' was introduced. This faithful adaptation has been performed numerous times by local theatres in Canada and is now in its third incarnation.
November 13, 2007: Special edition DVD release
On November 13, 2007, Paramount released a two-disc special edition DVD of It's a Wonderful Life, featuring both the original theatrical black-and-white version and a new colorized version by Legend Films.
2007: Third colorized version by Legend Films
In 2007, Legend Films produced the third colorized version of It's a Wonderful Life, which was released on DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming services using the latest colorization technology.
2007: AFI's 2007 Greatest Movie List
In 2007, the film 'It's a Wonderful Life' was ranked No. 20 on the American Film Institute's greatest movie list, further solidifying its status as a classic.
June 2008: AFI 10 Top 10
In June 2008, the American Film Institute (AFI) revealed its 10 Top 10 list, acknowledging 'It's a Wonderful Life' as the third-best film in the fantasy genre.
2008: Wendell Jamieson's Analysis
In 2008, Wendell Jamieson of The New York Times offered a more critical analysis of 'It's a Wonderful Life,' describing it as a 'terrifying, asphyxiating story' about growing up and compromising one's dreams.
November 3, 2009: Collector's Edition and Blu-ray release
On November 3, 2009, Paramount re-released the previous DVD set as a Collector's Edition and debuted a Blu-ray edition of It's a Wonderful Life, containing both the original and colorized versions of the film.
December 10, 2010: Opening of 'It's a Wonderful Life' Museum
On December 10, 2010, the 'It's a Wonderful Life' Museum opened in Seneca Falls, New York. Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu in the movie, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.
2010: Richard Cohen's Essay
In 2010, Richard Cohen wrote an essay for Salon describing 'It's a Wonderful Life' as 'the most terrifying Hollywood film ever made,' suggesting the 'Pottersville' sequence represents the world as it exists both in George Bailey's time and in modern times.
2011: Publication of 'The Last Temptation of Clarence Odbody'
In 2011, the novel 'The Last Temptation of Clarence Odbody,' written by John Pierson, was published. The novel imagines the future lives of various characters if George had not survived his jump into the river.
2012: Sight & Sound Polls
In 2012, 'It's a Wonderful Life' ranked 283rd among critics and 107th among directors in the Sight & Sound polls of the greatest films ever made.
2014: Planned Shooting of 'It's a Wonderful Life' Sequel
In 2014, producers were considering directors and hoped to shoot the sequel to 'It's a Wonderful Life' with a $25–$35 million budget in Louisiana early in the year. The film was titled 'It's a Wonderful Life: The Rest of the Story.'
2015: Development of 'It's a Wonderful Life' Sequel
In 2015, a purported sequel to 'It's a Wonderful Life' titled 'It's a Wonderful Life: The Rest of the Story' was in development. The sequel was to follow the angel of George Bailey's daughter Zuzu as she teaches Bailey's evil grandson how different the world would have been if he had never been born. The film was written by Bob Farnsworth and Martha Bolton.
December 2016: Blue Apple Theatre's Adaptation
In December 2016, Blue Apple Theatre presented a stage adaptation of 'It's a Wonderful Life' at The Tower Theatre in Winchester. Lawrie Morris, an actor with Down's Syndrome, played the role of George Bailey, marking the first time an actor with an intellectual disability had taken on the role.
2016: Documentary Featuring 'It's a Wonderful Life' Scenes
In 2016, scenes from 'It's a Wonderful Life' were featured in the documentary 'Abacus: Small Enough to Jail.' Abacus Federal Savings Bank founder and chairman Thomas Sung discussed how the film influenced him.
2017: 4K resolution restoration
In 2017, It's a Wonderful Life was restored in 4K resolution and made available via streaming services and DCP.
July 2019: Announcement of New Stage Musical Adaptation
In July 2019, it was announced that another stage musical adaptation of 'It's a Wonderful Life' was in development. The music and lyrics were by Paul McCartney, with lyrics and book by Lee Hall, and produced by Bill Kenwright. This marked McCartney's debut in musical theatre.
October 29, 2019: Release on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
On October 29, 2019, It's a Wonderful Life was released for the first time on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, featuring a new Dolby Vision transfer and a digital copy.
December 2019: David Ossman's 'Cinematic Audio' Adaptation
In December 2019, David Ossman of the Firesign Theatre produced and directed a 'cinematic audio' adaptation of 'It's a Wonderful Life' at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. This version combined elements of traditional and radio theatre, with live music, sound effects, costumes, sets, makeup, and lighting effects.
2020: Expected Debut of New Stage Musical Adaptation
The new stage musical adaptation of 'It's a Wonderful Life,' with music and lyrics by Paul McCartney, was set to debut in late 2020. However, the debut has yet to be announced.
2021: Technician's Accident Included in Film
In 2021, it was noted that during the filming of 'It's a Wonderful Life,' a technician accidentally knocked over some equipment during a scene where Uncle Billy gets drunk. The director Frank Capra decided to keep the ad-libbed line 'I'm all right! I'm all right!' and rewarded the technician with $10, appreciating the 'sound improvement.'
December 2023: Surviving Filming Locations
As of December 2023, two locations from the film 'It's a Wonderful Life' still survive. The swimming pool from the high-school dance sequence is located in the gymnasium at Beverly Hills High School and is still in use. The other surviving location is the 'Martini home' in La Cañada Flintridge, California.
January 2024: Modern Remake in Development
As of January 2024, a modern remake of 'It's a Wonderful Life,' written and directed by Kenya Barris, is in development at Paramount Pictures.
January 19, 2024: Announcement of Modern Remake
On January 19, 2024, it was announced that Kenya Barris would write and direct a modern remake of 'It's a Wonderful Life' for Paramount. The remake intends to cast a person of color in the role of George Bailey. Barris highlighted the timeless and community-focused story as fitting for a person of color.