Voted the most inspirational movie ever made by the American Film Institute, Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" has been a beloved Christmas classic for many generations. The snowbound streets of Bedford Falls, the desperate travails of George Bailey, and the discovery of Zuzu's petals have become traditional signatures of the holiday season. Yet when the film was released in 1946, it was considered a box-office flop and largely forgotten -- until it was rediscovered through endless airings on local TV stations beginning in the 1970s. This talk will examine the fascinating story of "It's a Wonderful Life" and how it became the ultimate portrayal of holiday goodwill and cheer.
