In Its a Wonderful Life, Frank Capra once again tells the story of the honourable, ordinary person, and no one could tell such stories better than him.
demolish the family's house bank after his father's death. Over the years, he becomes disillusioned with the job and the modest financial returns, and he is also innocently suspected of financial crime. The shame and despair bring him to the brink of suicide. It's not just his friends who have to help him change his mind, it also takes the intervention of angels to make him realise that life is wonderful and that the world would be a poorer place without his contributions.
When Its a Wonderful Life premiered at Christmas 1946, it was not a success; people found the film too depressing. In an administrative oversight, the rights to the film were not renewed when they expired in the 1970s, and it became public property, which TV stations in the USA used extensively. For the film, this led to increased interest and classic status.
Christmas is a time for simple messages, and no one can fail to be moved when Bailey comes to the realisation that life is wonderful after all.
Running time: 2h 10m (130 minutes)
USA, 1947
Directed by Frank Capra
Starring: James Stewart, Henry Travers, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
English speech, undubbed
Age limit: Permitted for all
Tickets are sold at Odeon Kino Stavanger