Merry Christmas, George Bailey (1997) (TV)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Matthew Diamond

Release Date:

25 December 1997 (USA)

Genre:

Fantasy

Plot Keywords:

Christmas | Filmed Radio Broadcast | Character Name In Title

Cast

Casey Kasem	...	Radio Announcer
Bill Pullman	...	George Bailey
Penelope Ann Miller	...	Mary Hatch Bailey
Nathan Lane	...	Clarence
Martin Landau	...	Pa Bailey / Mr. Potter
Sally Field	...	Mrs. Bailey / Narrator
Joe Mantegna	...	Joseph / Nick
Christian Slater	...	Harry Bailey
Jerry Van Dyke	...	Uncle Billy
Robert Guillaume	...	Mr. Gower
Carol Kane	...	Cousin Tilly / Mrs. Hatch
Bronson Pinchot	...	Mr. Carter
Dan Lauria	...	Bert
Craig Sheffer	...	Ernie Bishop / Ed / Bridgekeeper
Armelia McQueen	...	Mrs. Thompson

Runtime:

60 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

KCET

Trivia:

Bill Pullman plays George Bailey, and Mae Whitman plays Zuzu Bailey, one of his daughters. This is the second time that they have played the roles of father and daughter. In Independence Day (1996), Bill was President Whitmore and Mae was his daughter, Patricia Whitmore.

Movie Connections:

Version of It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

I Remember This!

Always a fan of "It's a Wonderful Life," I remember stumbling across this a few years ago. It was a well-done rendition of the classic, presented in radio style. In other words, it wasn't acted out visually, but rather was performed as though it was hitting the air waves for Christmas 1947. Very cool! The performances were great, too. Of course, Bill Pullman isn't James Stewart, but who is? No one can compare to Jimmy in the role of George Bailey, but Pullman does a decent job. If only there were some way to purchase the show on CD! It's like something you'd see advertised on public television, and the recording would be perfect to stick in the car during the holidays. Catch it if you can!!!