The best films of James Stewart: #3 "It's A Wonderful LIfe" (1946)

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“It’s A Wonderful Life” is probably the film most closely identified with Stewart. For many, this perennial Christmas favorite is the only film they have seen Stewart in. Based on the 1939 short story “The Greatest Gift,” the film was directed by the legendary Frank Capra and his personal favorite of his films. Stewart was first and only choice to portray George Bailey and the actor accepted without reading the script. Jean Arthur was first choice to play his wife but had a Broadway commitment. Many big name actresses passed so it fell to then little known Donna Reed. You are all essentially familiar with the story of George Bailey and Clarence the Angel. George feels life has collapsed around him and contemplating suicide to claim life insurance for his family. Clarence is sent to save him and shows George how life would have been without him. “It’s A Wonderful Life” is small town Americana of faith and inspiration. The film received five Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Stewart. “It’s A Wonderful Life” was a major box office failure upon release diminishing Capra’s career at the time and languished little seen and unheralded for decades. A mistake caused it to fall into the public domain so anyone could slap it on video or show on TV. The classic yuletide status began in 1976 with network showings as it began gaining a reputation thanks to heavy marketing and promotion. A manufactured Christmas classic so to speak. By contrast, “Miracle on 34th Street” has been a Christmas classic since the moment of release.