Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Dec. 20, 2024.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Dec. 20, 1946, the classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater in New York City.
The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his personal dreams in order to help others in his community and whose thoughts of ending his life on Christmas Eve bring about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. The angel shows George all the lives he touched and what the world would be like if he had not existed.
Directed by Frank Capra, the film received five Academy Award nominations, including best picture and best actor for Stewart, though its box-office performance and reviews were lackluster. Donna Reed played George’s wife.
When it debuted, the New Yorker magazine dismissed it as “baby talk.”
Nearly 80 years later, the show is a holiday favorite.
Stewart, among the most popular actors of his time, soon became a Utah favorite, as his obituary in the Deseret News in early July 1997 explained:
“His good-hearted Everyman film image and dignified personal life endeared him to the entire American public, but Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart had unique ties to Utah and touched the lives of many here during his lengthy career.
“Stewart died Wednesday at age 89 at his Beverly Hills home from a blood clot in his lung. A popular performer whose aw-shucks style made acting seem easy in movie classics such as ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ Stewart also was capable of showing a darker and more complex side of human nature in such films as ‘Vertigo’ and ‘Rear Window.’
“But he was perhaps best known for heartwarming turns in such films as ‘Harvey’ and as a courageous little guy pitted against the forces of ignorance and evil in ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.’
“In 1980, the versatile performer starred in a television special, ‘Mr. Krueger’s Christmas,’ produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Stewart said he was delighted that this afforded him the most unique opportunity of his career — the chance to direct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.”
Stewart later donated many of his personal papers to Brigham Young University.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about the film, the iconic Stewart, “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas,” and other related topics:
- “At 50, popularity endures for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’”
- “I’ve seen ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at least 19 times. It took on new meaning for me this year”
- “’Wonderful Life’ enjoying wonderful run”
- “Jimmy Stewart brought life to Mr. Krueger”
- “Biography will tell how actor became a legend”
- “‘Mr. Krueger’ returns for Christmas”
- “Choir has welcomed many ‘guests’”
- “Jimmy Stewart was worried about losing the true spirit of Christmas too”
- “1995: Year of sentimental favorite”
- “Jimmy Stewart”
- “His wonderful life also touched Utah”
- “Perspective: The fundamental beauty of Christmas”
- “‘Wonderful Life’ is wonderful”
- “‘Wonderful Life’ actor dies at 75″
- “BYU ready to expand its Stewart collection”
