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T10 WHATS UP! December 22 - 28, 2019 holiday film offered audiences a sincere, heartwarming mes- sage, but "It's a Wonderful Life" was no box-office cash- grab. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that the movie was considered a finan- cial flop at the time of its re- lease. The tale behind the pro- duction is almost as interest- ing as the movie itself. As the story goes, the movie was based on the short story "The Greatest Gift," by author Philip Van Doren Stern. Capra bought the rights for $10,000, and it was the director's first feature since making propa- ganda films during the war. It was also Stewart's first since returning from his wartime service in the United States Air Force Reserve. Filming a holiday movie in the California heat presented a unique challenge. RKO spe- cial effects head Russell Shearman ("Portrait of Jen- nie," 1948) won an Oscar for developing a new compound consisting of water, soap flakes, foamite and sugar to create fake snow for the film. When the film was released in December 1946, it garnered mixed reviews and failed to break even at the box office. It was nominated for six Acade- my Awards, including Best Picture, but only won for Shearman's special effects. While it may not have been a complete bomb, as some sug- gest, it did lose the studio about a half a million dollars. However, all was not lost for the film. In 1974, the rights to "It's a Wonderful Life" were not renewed due to a clerical error, and since it was now free to do so, hundreds of TV stations aired the movie re- peatedly throughout the 1980s, and millions of viewers be- came enamored with the holi- day tale. Although rights have since been reclaimed, it con- tinues to delight fans each Christmas, and is now widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. Stewart's critically ac- claimed performance as Bai- ley undoubtedly has a lot to do with the success of "It's a Wonderful Life," and Holly- wood legend Lionel Barry- more ("Key Largo," 1948) is fantastic as the movie's antag- onist, the mean, rich, old Mr. Potter. Barrymore had worked with Capra before, as had H.B. Warner ("The King of Kings," 1927), who played druggist Mr. Gower. Fans of Capra's work may also recognize another fa- miliar face, or beak, as it were. The raven in the building and loan scenes was Jimmy the Ra- ven, who appeared in many of Capra's films. Fans of Stewart's work may recognize Beulah Bondi, who played George's mother, Mrs. Bailey. Bondi portrayed the mother of Stewart's characters in four of the actor's films, in- cluding "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939). Thomas Mitchell, who stars as George's Uncle Billy in "It's a Wonderful Life," is also in that film. Whether you're celebrating a homey family Christmas with all of the trimmings or honoring the holiday in a more understated way, don't miss the magic of "It's a Wonderful Life," airing Tuesday, Dec. 24, on NBC. And remember the wisdom of the film's angel, Clarence, who sent George a card that read: "Remember, no man is a failure who has friends." Jimmy Stewart in a scene from "It's a Wonderful Life" continued from page T2 A holiday classic with class: Jimmy Stewart stars in 'It's a Wonderful Life' TV FEATURE