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It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

130 min  -  Drama | Fantasy  -   7 January 1947 (USA)
8.7
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Ratings: 8.7/10 from 156,750 users  
Reviews: 576 user | 172 critic

An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed.

Director:

Frank Capra

Writers:

Frances Goodrich (screenplay), Albert Hackett (screenplay), and 4 more credits »
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Title: It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

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Top 250 #30 | Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 5 wins See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Stewart James Stewart ...
Donna Reed Donna Reed ...
Lionel Barrymore Lionel Barrymore ...
Thomas Mitchell Thomas Mitchell ...
Henry Travers Henry Travers ...
Beulah Bondi Beulah Bondi ...
Frank Faylen Frank Faylen ...
Ward Bond Ward Bond ...
Gloria Grahame Gloria Grahame ...
H.B. Warner H.B. Warner ...
Frank Albertson Frank Albertson ...
Todd Karns Todd Karns ...
Samuel S. Hinds Samuel S. Hinds ...
Mary Treen Mary Treen ...
Virginia Patton Virginia Patton ...
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Storyline

George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George... Written by alfiehitchie  

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Angel | Christmas | Christmas Eve | Business | Small Town  | See more »

Taglines:

They're making memories tonight! See more »

Genres:

Drama | Fantasy

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, smoking and some violence (re-rating) (2012) See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life See more »

Filming Locations:

California, USA See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$3,180,000 (estimated)

Gross:

£682,222 (UK) (26 December 2010)
See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Liberty Films (II) See more »
Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

 | Spain: (25 fps) (DVD edition)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Color  | Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

After the war Frank Capra set up Liberty Films with George Stevens and William Wyler to make more serious, soul-searching films. This and State of the Union were Liberty's only productions. See more »

Goofs

Factual errors: 1919: No National Geographic Magazine mentions "Fiji" and "coconuts" in the same subject. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Mr. Emil Gower: I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, dear Father.
Giuseppe Martini: Joseph, Jesus and Mary. Help my friend, Mr. Bailey.
Ma Bailey: Help my son, George, tonight.
Bert: He never thinks about himself, God, that's why he's in trouble.
Ernie Bishop: George is a good guy. Give him a break, God.
Mary: I love him, dear Lord. Watch over him tonight.
Janie Bailey: Please, God, something's the matter with Daddy.
Zuzu Bailey: Please bring Daddy back.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in No Regrets (2004) See more »

Soundtracks

"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
(uncredited)
Traditional Song
Played as the theme of the angels See more »