It’s A Wonderful Life Movie Poster

One of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, Jimmy Stewart, and one of the cinema’s most treasured holiday films, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” get a fancy Hollywood BIG SCREEN send up MONDAY, DEC. 10 (7:30PM), as the last of Grauman’s Chinese’s 25-cent 85th anniversary screenings. Grauman’s Chinese also announced that with the donation of an unwrapped toy for a needy Los Angeles area child, valued at $10 or more, ticket buyers will receive a free bag of popcorn. Read ahead to learn more about the film and the special Grauman’s tribute.

Also featured, the Jimmy Stewart handprints-footprints in the Grauman’s Chinese forecourt  plus a second free photo opportunity with the Madame Tussauds Hollywood Jimmy Stewart/”It’s A Wonderful Life” wax figure in the famed theatre’s lobby. Sixty-six years after its premiere, Grimes recently told the Washington Post, “Oh, it was fresh and dark, about as relevant today as it was when it was made.” “Think of all the people out of work, losing their homes, hungry kids worried about their parents. What’s so different about today and 60 years ago?” According to IMDB, at $3.7 million, “It’s A Wonderful Life” was a very expensive independent production. In its initial box office run, it only earned $3.3 million.  James Stewart cited George Bailey as being his favorite character. The part was originally developed at another studio with Cary Grant earmarked for the role. When Frank Capra inherited the project, he rewrote it to suit Stewart. In 1990, The Library of Congress designated the film “culturally significant” and after its release in 1946 it was nominated for five Academy Awards. Following numerous national television airings, beginning in the 1970s, the film took on a cult status that endures. Website:  www.chinesetheatres.com.