'It's a Wonderful Life' turns 75

Donna Reed's star continues to shine in her hometown of Denison, Iowa.
Highway Hasman photo

It's that time of year again.

"It's a Wonderful Life" is back and will be airing soon on many people's television sets, though it did air earlier this month. (Encores will happen at 6 p.m. EST on Dec. 15 and 8 p.m. Christmas Eve).

Frank Capra's iconic Christmas classic staring James Stewart and Donna Reed came out in theaters 75 years ago in 1946.

'Show me the way'

Stewart plays "George Bailey," who was born and raised in Bedford Falls. 

He has global dreams that includes traveling overseas. But instead he stays at home to help with his dad's building and loan business while his brother goes on to become a war hero. Bailey works hard to keep everything together. His wife, Mary (Donna Reed), helps him along the way. 

But when uncle Billy lost the business' $8,000 while intending to deposit it to a bank, Bailey becomes broken and suicidal. The incessant efforts of millionaire, Mr. Potter to try and take over the Bailey business did not help ease the pain and tension.

George takes his frustrations out on his family then leaves the house and winds up at a bridge. As he is about to jump off, an angel named Clarence comes down from the heavens to save him in more ways than one. He gives George the ability to see the world without him. Eventually, Bailey realizes that his life was not so bad after all. 

"Dear Father in Heaven, I'm not a praying man, but if you're up there and you can hear me (Bailey starts to cry)," he said after leaving behind the horrible alternate reality. "Show me the way...show me the way."

Make a couple of stops

The movie has become a classic over the years and there are events and places that continue to celebrate its legacy. 

If anyone is in upstate New York right now they can go to Seneca Falls to catch a 75th Anniversary "It's a Wonderful Life" festival that runs through Sunday.

The event has already started, but if someone visits on during the weekend they can catch a presentation by Jimmy Hawkins who played son "Tomny Bailey," visit the First Presbyterian Church and look at paintings by Paul Abate. The church is also where they could also see where Alice Paul, president of the National Women's Party, first introduced the Equal Rights Amendment in 1923, which sought to provide for the legal equality of both sexes. 

If a visit to Seneca Falls is not possible this year then head to Denison, Iowa, Donna Reed's hometown, and visit the Donna Reed Museum. The museum has a plethora of items related to Reed's career including her role as Mary in the classic film. 

Production schedules from "It's a Wonderful Life" are displayed inside the Donna Reed Museum in Denison, Iowa.
Highway Hasman photo

Exhibits showcase treasurers from her life as an actress including original scripts notated by her, vintage costumes and movie posters.

Make a "It's a Wonderful Life" road trip out of it and take a friend or loved one to not only Denison and/or Seneca Falls but to Indiana, Pennsylvania and stop by the James Stewart Museum, which features a special "It's a Wonderful Life" exhibit during the holiday season. 

After leaving the museums or festival, go home and watch George Bailey get a second chance at life, something we all ask for at one point or another.

"Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan!"