It's a Wonderful Life: A Memory Book

Leonard Maltin, October 2003
"...images we haven't seen...facts no one has printed before...a must-have for anyone who cares about the movie."

Book Description
Few motion pictures have enjoyed a renaissance like the 1946 Frank Capra masterpiece It’s a Wonderful Life. Nominated for five Academy Awards, it was dismissed as syrupy Christmas fare and fell into obscurity until television gave it new life. Today it’s an American tradition. With The It’s a Wonderful Life Memory Book, any fan of the classic film can further appreciate its magic and legacy. The warm reminiscences of the film’s cast are supported by excellent photographs, providing the perfect companion for any fan of the film—or anyone who believes in miracles and angels. The book features dozens of interviews and rare behind-the-scenes photographs that allow readers to see how the movie was created. Comments from Frank Capra, Jimmy Stewart, Bobbie Anderson, Jimmy Hawkins, Karen Grimes, and many more make the story come alive. More than a dozen brief biographies of the prominent cast members detail how It’s a Wonderful Life affected their lives and careers. "Then" and "now" photographs supplement the career highlights of Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Beulah Bondi, Gloria Grahame, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond, and others. Like George Bailey himself, It’s a Wonderful Life was rescued from oblivion in the late 1970s when it was discovered that the film’s copyright had not been renewed and the motion picture fell into public domain and television stations nationwide began freely airing the film. From film remakes and marvelous merchandise to cast reunions and Saturday Night Live’s hilarious parody, The It’s a Wonderful Life Memory Book explores the adoration of generations of viewers who have fallen under its spell.

From the Author
Rediscover Frank Capra's masterpiece like never before. Stuffed like a Christmas stocking, this handsome new gift-book takes you behind the snowy scenes of the magical movie...and it may just have you believing in angels. A truly American tradition for countless millions, "It's a Wonderful Life" has become as much a part of the holiday season as the man in the red suit himself. Celebrate the holidays with this unique Memory Book. You'll find out what happened to the cast (Didn't you always wonder whatever became of Bobbie Anderson who played "young George Bailey" and Karolyn Grimes who was "Zuzu"?) and feast on rare unpublished photographs, including amazing full color, and recently discovered images depicting snipped scenes from the movie. Even better, you'll uncover Capra's brilliant "lost ending." As Clarence the guardian angel warned George Bailey: "You'll see a lot of strange things from now on." Hee Haw! And Merry Christmas!! Steve Cox

About the Author
STEPHEN COX is a freelance writer who has written more than a dozen books on film and television, including The Munchkins of Oz, Here’s Johnny! The Abbott & Costello Story, The Addams Chronicles, and The Beverly Hillbillies.


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