The Making of It's a Wonderful Life

Films in Review is proud to present this exclusive short documentary produced and edited by Managing Editor, John Larkin.

Compiled purely from existing footage and photos, this short documentary reflects on the making of and enduring legacy of one of the greatest films ever made, the seminal holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life (1946).

Footage Sources:
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - The Legacy
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - Working with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed
Frank Capra on making IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
James Stewart - Interview w/ Michael Parkinson
"It's a Wonderful Life" | Jimmy Stewart's daughter reflects on her father and the Christmas classic
The Making Of Its A Wonderful Life - Tom Bosley

Music provided royalty free by:

CHANGE BEFORE GOING PRODUCTIONS:

[mal]

Frank Capra was my great uncle, grandmother’s brother

[ImmaWright]

Jimmy Stewart was a special, special human being. His genuineness showed thru and that's why the movie resonates to this day

[leddyzee]

So glad they cast the beautiful Donna Reed along side Jimmy

[johndavis]

No words are adequate. No explanation necessary. Possibly the most perfect movie ever made

[StephenGaristo-irff]

This .micing & touching movie so wonderfully done by Jimmy Stewart & Donna Reed has proven to be one of the, if not the greatest classic Christmas movie of all time. Jimmy Stewart displays genuine emotion in the bar scene when he prays to God ... " Dear Father in heaven, I'm not a praying man, but if you're up there, and you can hear me, show me the way. I'm at the end of my rope ... show me the That was not in the script, which may well be the reason why it was one the the most moving scenes in the film. Jimmy Stewarts, -- not just George Bailey's -- genuiness was on display in a most touching way. Remember -- George's wife & children were praying for him -- he in turn -- at the end of his rope -- prayed to God. God heard - and answered - he & his family's prayers - and answered in a most woderful way displayed by a most wonderful ending. " You see George.... you really had a wonderful

[kennethd]

I can watch Jimmy Stewart in anything and enjoy it. But It’s a Wonderful Life is just a whole different level. One of my favorite movies of all time.

[lazyhazeldaisy]

This film has just been listed number one as Britain's favourite Christmas film, it is just such a wonderful film and was James Stewart's favourite of all his films. 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

[onceatim]

Saw this just before Christmas at the Glasgow Film Theatre where they show it every year. It’s my favourite ever film with my favourite actor Jimmy Stewart. I go with my wife and 3 daughters who now also love it. Keeping the film and Jimmy’s memory alive feels good.

[DelightLovesMovies]

It's a Wonderful LIfe is one of the best films ever made that I watch every year.

[brentcooper]

I miss Jimmy Stewart. The world needs more people like him. I corresponded with him via mail a couple of times. What a warm kind man.

[music]

Watch this film every Christmas. George was so shocked when his brother addressed him as the richest man in town, he had never thought of himself that way, he thought because his dreams had not been met that his life was a failure, but in the eyes of all those people in the town he helped, he was a huge success. It makes me think of the words to a song I like "if you can't be with the one you love, then love the one you're with" At the end of the day we must all, be grateful for what we have and we all must love ourselves to achieve true happiness.

[normadesmond]

watched this movie een few days ago in our local cinema. And was still moved by James Stewards acting. It is a magical movie.

[brucerivard]

My all time favorite Christmas movie. Epic, totally epic! 🌲

[vrvaughn]

I had the good fortune to work with Jimmy Stewart briefly in 1978. He was a wonderful man…

[elwoodblues]

For all who seek to do the right thing but watch the bad people succeeding, who suspect that no good deed goes unpunished, "It's A Wonderful Life" is a reminder that showing love to others is supremely important, and the others will repay you for your love to them.

[guynorth]

I still catch Jimmy Stewart on old radio programs, ' the Six Shooter', something magical and comforting about him.

[ronniebishop]

The number one film in history for Christmas. The moral of the story is when you’re looking for success, sometimes you don’t have to look further than your own back yard. “ to my big brother George the richest man in town “!

[KRAFTWERKK]

This is one of the greatest life affirming stories mankind has to tell and it definitely became a christmas time classic for a VERY good reason. NOBODY is a mistake and everyones life matters. There is a lot of love towards mankind in this story and it speaks to a part of us that knows it is true. Also there's a radio drama version of this movie too, also staring Jimmy Stewart in it. And it is also wonderfully touching. Half as long though (just 1 hour) but still encapsulates the essence of this amazing story and it works great as a radio drama too.

[stevewright]

Jimmy Stewart was my favourite actor in anything he did when I was a kid, I can still watch his films/movies with enjoyment today at the age of 67.

[arthouston]

It was sometime after I graduated from high school, which had been a boarding school and really limited my access to vintage film, that I watched It’s a Wonderful Life for the very first time, and I still to this day remember being awestruck at the radiant beauty of a young Donna Reed. What an outstanding young woman she was. She was only 25 years old at the time.