It’s a Wonderful Life

This all-American holiday classic released in 1946 marked a return to the big screen for actor James Stewart, who had been serving in World War II for nearly five years. His role as George Bailey, a struggling businessman in the upstate town of Bedford Falls, was later cited by the actor as one of his favorites, while director Frank Capra brought both emotional drama and warm humor to the life-affirming fantasy that has become an annual movie-viewing tradition for viewers of all generations.

Featuring highlights from the Margaret Herrick Library and the Academy Film Archive.