It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
After George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George's wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there.
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Release Date: January 7th, 1946

PG |2 hr 9 min

Plot Summary

After George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George's wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there.

Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond

Director: Frank Capra

Genres: Comedy drama

Production Co: Liberty Films, RKO Radio Pictures Inc.

Distributors: RKO Radio Pictures

Keywords: Charming, 1930s, Fall, Marriage, Emotional, Small town, Rescue, Friend, Transformation, Heartwarming, Wife

Cast & Crew

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Ratings & Reviews

100
Michael WilmingtonChicago Tribune
The most well-loved of all Christmas movies. show more
100
The Hollywood Reporter
This couldn't be other than a Capra picture, the humanness of its story the dominant factor at every turn of situation. His direction of the individual characterizations delivered is also distinctively his, and the performances, from the starring roles of James Stewart and Donna Reed down to the smallest bit, are magnificent. When Capra is at his best, no one can top him. show more
100
Roger EbertChicago Sun-Times
It's one of those ageless movies, like "Casablanca" or "The Third Man," that improves with age. Some movies, even good ones, should only be seen once. When we know how they turn out, they've surrendered their mystery and appeal. Other movies can be viewed an indefinite number of times. Like great music, they improve with familiarity. It's a Wonderful Life falls in the second category. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com

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