It's a Wonderful Life

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) — watch online on iFILM this Frank Capra drama that turned a modest Liberty Films production into an enduring American classic. James Stewart plays George Bailey, a small-town everyman who has spent thirty years quietly sacrificing his own ambitions for the people of Bedford Falls.

George keeps his building and loan alive against the ruthless banker Mr. Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore at his most icy. His wife Mary, played by Donna Reed, holds the family together while George's uncle Billy fumbles the one thing that could ruin everything. On Christmas Eve, broke and desperate, George stands on a bridge convinced the world would be better off without him. That's when Clarence shows up — an angel who hasn't earned his wings yet and needs this assignment badly.

Released in December 1946 and nominated for five Academy Awards, the film barely broke even in its first run and only became a seasonal ritual after its copyright lapsed and TV stations aired it every Christmas. Stream It's a Wonderful Life (1946) in full on iFILM.