"It's a Wonderful Life" - A Closer Look with Film Expert Brian Rose

‘Tis the season to discover the magic behind It’s a Wonderful Life! Join film expert Brian Rose for a holiday classic unwrapped!

Voted the most inspirational movie by the American Film Institute, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life has been a beloved Christmas classic for generations.

The snow covered streets of Bedford Falls, the desperate travails of George Bailey, and the discovery of Zuzu’s petals have become traditional signatures of the holiday season. Yet when the film was released in 1946, it was a box-office flop, won no Academy Awards, and was largely forgotten—until it was rediscovered through endless airings on local TV stations beginning in the 1970s.

In this lecture, Brian will examine the fascinating story of It’s a Wonderful Life, looking at production challenges , its surprisingly dark portrait of small-town life, and how it became the ultimate portrayal of holiday goodwill and cheer.