Capra’s paean to small-tow n values and the ordinary guy w ho does the right thing is a classic story of redemption and second chances, with James Stew art as a man w ho’s come to the end of his rope one Christmas Eve and Donna Reed as the high-school sweetheart w ho became his w ife. The supporting cast includes Lionel Barrymore, Beulah Bondi, Ward Bond and Gloria Grahame.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE was the first release from Liberty Films, the pioneering independent label founded by Capra and fellow producer-directors William Wyler and George Stevens, and w ent on to become not just a perennial holiday favorite, but one of the most beloved of all American movies.

After George Bailey (James Stew art) 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.

USA, 1946, In English, 130 minutes, Rated PG, Directed by Frank Capra