It's a Wonderful Life facts for kids
Quick facts for kids It's a Wonderful Life |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Frank Capra |
| Produced by | Frank Capra |
| Screenplay by | Frances Goodrich Albert Hackett Jo Swerling Frank Capra |
| Starring | James Stewart Donna Reed Lionel Barrymore Henry Travers |
| Music by | Dimitri Tiomkin |
| Cinematography | Joseph Walker |
| Editing by | William Hornbeck |
| Studio | Liberty Films |
| Distributed by | RKO Radio Pictures |
| Release date(s) | December 20, 1946 |
| Running time | 130 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $3.18 million |
| Money made | $3,300,000 |
It's a Wonderful Life is a classic American Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film from 1946. It was produced and directed by Frank Capra. The movie is based on a short story called The Greatest Gift, written by Philip Van Doren Stern.
Even though the film did not earn much money when it first came out, it has become a beloved classic. Many people around the world watch it every Christmas season. It is now seen as one of the most loved films in American cinema.
The film is considered one of the best movies ever made. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The American Film Institute has also recognized it as one of the 100 best American films. It even topped their list of the most inspirational American films. Director Frank Capra said this was his favorite film he ever made. He watched it with his family every Christmas.
Contents
Meet the Main Characters
The story of It's a Wonderful Life follows a kind man named George Bailey. He always puts others first.
George Bailey's Story
- James Stewart plays George Bailey, a man who dreams of traveling the world. However, he stays in his small town to help his family's business.
- Donna Reed plays Mary Hatch, who becomes George's loving wife.
- Lionel Barrymore plays Mr. Potter, a wealthy and mean banker. He is George's main opponent.
George faces many challenges. He feels like a failure and wishes he had never been born. An angel named Clarence then shows him what life would be like if he had never existed. This helps George see how much he has truly impacted others.
Film's Special Features
Over the years, It's a Wonderful Life has been released in different ways. This includes versions with added color.
Colorized Versions of the Film
Three colorized versions of the film have been made. The first was released in 1986 by Hal Roach Studios. Another was made in 1989 by Republic Pictures, the film's owner. Director Frank Capra and actor James Stewart did not like these colorized editions. A third colorized version came out in 2007. It was approved by Capra's family.
Similarities to a Classic Tale
Film experts have noticed that It's a Wonderful Life is similar to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. In both stories, a main character gets to see their life from a new perspective. They learn important lessons about kindness and how much they matter to others. This leads to a happy realization and a new appreciation for their life.
Images for kids
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Director Frank Capra
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James Stewart and Gloria Grahame as George Bailey and Violet Bick
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Young George (Bobbie Anderson) with Violet and Mary in Mr. Gower's drugstore
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"What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary."
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Karolyn Grimes as Zuzu Bailey
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See also
In Spanish: Qué bello es vivir para niños
