It's a Wonderful Life is a Christmas tradition for many, my family included. (Always the B&W version never colorized version.)
Author Jimmy Hawkins' (he played Tommy Bailey, Geroge and Mary's youngest son) new book The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life offers some unique facts and insights into this beloved holiday film. Jimmy clearly has a love and admiration for this movie and it's evident in this book.
I thought I'd close the book and have more film trivia to share with family and friends. Instead, I walked away with the inspiration to never give up on your dreams.
Director Frank Capra had a clear vision for his first post-WWII movie. How different would this film look had he compromised on his concept?
I'd rate The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life as 4 out of 5 stars. Because I know the film backwards and forwards. I didn't feel there was a lot of trivia I didn't already know. I enjoyed this book as a tribute to the film, and it gave me a great appreciation for it.
When the movie premiered in 1946 (almost 80 years ago) it opened to a lukewarm reception from audiences and critics alike. Thanks to a clerical error, this film had since become a masterpiece. During his lifetime, Capra witnessed his favorite film (and Jimmy Stewart's) become the iconic Christmas classic it is today. How cool is that?!
Do you have any Christmas films you love to watch every year? I'd love to know.
