By Kayla DeKraker
Christmas and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE are synonymous, and every year, the classic movie reminds us about community, kindness and the impact one life can have on many others.
Some believe the movie may be based-off a real-life rescue story that took place in Seneca Falls, and people in the community still think the movie holds an impact on the town today. One local told CBS News, “When you come to Seneca Falls, you get it. It’s healing, and it’s hope. I think that’s one of the reasons we’re so drawn to this movie, just to give ourselves back to kindness again.”
The town is also home to the IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Museum.
“People want to go back to simpler times. This reminds them of that, and gives them the opportunity to do that for a short period of time,” Anwei Law, the museum’s creator, said.
She added, “There’s this need for people to come together. And there’s this need for people to care about each other and help each other. And this movie prompts that in people because that’s within them.”
Related: Donna Reed Reflects on Iconic Role in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
The museum’s website explains how a real event inspired scenes in the film.
“On Thursday, April 12, 1917, Antonio Varacalli drowned while successfully rescuing Ruth Dunham from drowning. Varacalli was a young 19-year-old when he heard a woman scream for help. He rushed into the canal and managed to bring her close enough to shore where another man helped to pull her to the bank. Unfortunately, Varacalli drowned,” the museum described.
In a post to Instagram, the IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Museum celebrated the movie’s 79th anniversary.
“79 years ago today, a little movie with a big heart quietly premiered in New York City. 🎄✨” the caption read.
“Released in 1946 as a last-minute awards push, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE opened to mixed reviews, a box-office loss, and plenty of doubt about whether its best days were already behind it,” the post continued. “Filmed on sweltering summer sets, it earned just one Oscar — for its revolutionary fake snow. Not exactly a victory lap.”
The post concluded, “Then came a twist worthy of Clarence. In 1974, a copyright slip put the film on constant holiday television rotation — and audiences finally found it. The rest, as they say, is cinematic history.”
Movieguide®’s review reads, “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is arguably the most beloved movie of all time. It’s certainly the most uplifting, rewarding and redemptive movie. It’s also funny, emotionally powerful, psychologically enriching, and beautifully made.”
It notes, “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is a pro-life masterpiece by Director Frank Capra, with brilliant performances by Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and a cast of terrific character actors. Slight caution is advised for some false angelology, but the movie honors God in a whimsical, profound, powerful way.”
It’s no surprise why fans still love IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE today.
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