It’s a Wonderful Life, a classic American film and holiday tradition with a vibrant music score by Dimitri Tiomkin, saw limited theatrical release 76 years ago in December 1946. This Sunday, December 18, screenings of the Frank Capra directed film at more than 1,000 theaters across the country will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the film’s wide release in 1947. Thanks to Turner Classic Movies, Paramount Pictures, and Fathom Events film buffs can enjoy the film on the big screen as it is meant to be seen.
Los Angeles-revelers can also catch the film downtown at the Rooftop Cinema Club Arts District on December 22 or at a matinee at the Million Dollar Theater on December 24. The December 22 screening at the American Cinematheque Aero Theater in Santa Monica is already sold out.
Partially filmed in Culver City on Stage 15 at the Culver Studios, that famous soundstage was transformed during the pandemic and an unveiling this month showed off what is now the largest virtual production stage in Los Angeles thanks to Amazon Studios. Amazon Web Services (AWS) connectivity brings the virtual world indoors with thousands of LED panels and motion capture cameras.
In addition to the 75th anniversary screenings, music from the film can be heard in concerts with the City String Ensemble in London on December 17, the Dublin Concert Orchestra on December 20, and the London Concert Orchestra in Birmingham on December 22.