Dec 11 2008
Remember Its A Wonderful Life?
In the spirit of Christmas and so many fantastic Christmas shows in the past, I thought it would be fun if we took a trip down memory lane and remember some of the most popular, and maybe even some of the most forgettable Christmas shows.
So, with that thought, I will tell you about ONE of my favorites, because I have so many!
Do you remember It’s a Wonderful Life? This movie was released in 1946 and has remained a huge favorite among many all these decades later.
The main character, (James Stewart) is overwhelmed when he realizes he is about to loose his business and all the town’s money because of a crooked business man in the town. When he says that he wishes he was never born and tries to kill himself, his guardian angel (well…. he is working on getting his wings) grants his wish to show him what would have happened if he was never born.
Some interesting facts that I did not know about the show….
The scene on the bridge where the guardian angel saves (James Stewart) was filmed on a back lot on a day where the temperature was 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why he is visibly sweating in a several scenes
Actress Ginger Rogers was offered the role of (the wife), but turned it down. (I bet she later wished that she hadn’t!)
This was Donna Reed’s first starring role as she played (James Stewart’s) wife.
Films made before this one used cornflakes painted white for the falling snow effect. However, the cornflakes were so loud, all dialogue had to be added in later. The director wanted to record the sound live, so a new snow effect was made using a fire-fighting chemical called foamite and soap and water. It was pumped at high pressure through a wind machine to create the silent, falling snow. 6000 gallons of the new snow were used in the film. Later RKO Effects Department received a special award from the Motion Picture Academy for the development of the new film snow.In one scene when the uncle leaves the house drunk you hear sounds that make you think that he stumbled over trash cans. But the sound wasn’t even supposed to be there! A crew member dropped something right when the uncle walked out and both actors adlibbed and said “I’m alright! I’m alright!” off camera. Because it worked well, they kept it in and the stagehand who dropped the equipment got a $10 bonus for “improving the sound.”
I know that was a lot of info, but it was quite interesting and I just love trivia!
Here are your questions…
1. How many characters can you name?
2. Can you name any particular stores in the film?
3. What were some of the things that happened when (James Stewart) was never born?
4. According to the story, what happens when a bell rings?
****Bonus Question****
5. There was a movie made after this movie that had the same scenario. However, instead of it happening to the man, it happened to the woman. This was actually the first show I saw and didn’t even know about the older version until later! Can you name that movie?
Thanks for playing! If you have a specific Christmas show that you remember, please share it with us! I may feature your suggestion and your blog in the post!
I’m embarrassed because IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is one of my favorite Capra films, but I don’t think I’ll be able to answer all of these questions correctly. But here goes:
1. I think the Stewart character was named George, but can’t remember his last name. Didn’t he also have a brother named Harry? he also had a daughter named Susan. Can’t remember the wife. Then there’s the villain, Mr. Potter. Ok, i think that’s 3 or 4.
2. Does the bank count as a store?
3. Bedford Falls is called Potterville. That one store-keeper George worked for as a boy is a pariah because of the drowning (in the alternate world) of a boy in the beginning of the film. I think the bank goes under, too.
4. An angel gets his wings.
5. No idea. IT’S A WONDERFUL WIFE?
Great game!
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