It’s a Wonderful Life returns to theaters

CLEVELAND (WJW) — For decades, one holiday classic has made people laugh, cry, and most of all, remember that “no man is a loser when he has friends.”

Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life is returning to theaters across the country, including several local theaters, as part of its 75th anniversary celebration.

For those unfamiliar with their Christmas masterpieces, the film centers on George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), a man with big dreams and even bigger disappointments. With the help of an angel who has yet to take wings, Bailey has a chance to see that life is actually worth living.

The film, now closely associated with Christmas, was not originally planned for a holiday release. But RKO’s planned 1946 Christmas movie, Sinbad the Sailor, wasn’t ready, so the studio asked Frank Capra to speed up production on It’s a Wonderful Life. It was released on December 20 at the Globe Theater in New York, a little late before the traditional Christmas screening.

The film was nominated for five Academy Awards and was recognized by the American Motion Picture Institute as one of the 100 greatest American films ever made. The film also took first place in the AFI’s “Most Inspirational American Film of All Time” category.

Fans of the film can watch it on the big screen from December 18 to 21. You can check local theaters and buy tickets for Fathom events.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.