It's a Wonderful Life Celebrates 60th Anniversary

To kick off the 60th anniversary of the classic holiday favorite, "It's a Wonderful Life," a special televised presentation of the movie will be described for the blind and visually impaired by former President George Bush. Through a process of Descriptive TheatreVision, Bush's description will inform the viewer of what is occurring on the screen, filling the blanks where there is no dialogue or other sounds to inform a visually impaired person what is happening on the screen. This special presentation airs on NBC-TV on December 16 and 24 from 8-11 p.m.

For those who are not familiar with this fable, the film follows the life of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) from childhood to maturity in the town of Bedford Falls. On what might be his last Christmas Eve, a discouraged Bailey wants to throw his life away. Fortunately, Clarence (Henry Travers), a second-class angel, is sent to show him the value of life. After Clarence gives Bailey a view of Bedford Falls without him, Bailey realizes how precious his life is and gets a second chance. He comes to learn that Clarence was right when he said, "No man is a failure who has friends." And in turn, Clarence is redeemed when he finally receives his wings, proving that whenever one hears a bell ring, an angel just received his wings.

The film, which earned Oscar nominations for best picture, director, actor and film editing, was produced and directed by Frank Capra. Even though the film lost money during its initial box office run when it debuted on December 20, 1946, the film has since become a commercial success due to frequent viewings of "It's a Wonderful Life" on television during the Christmas season.

As an author Jimmy Hawkins, who played Tommy Bailey, has written four books about "It's A Wonderful Life." His most recent book "It's A Wonderful Life for Kids," was published and released a few weeks ago.

As he reflected on role as Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart's son, Hawkins noted that the enduring popularity of this film is due to its timeless message. Through the eyes of George Bailey, everyone can see that "each man's life touches so many others," adding that if they weren't around, "it would leave a hole." By the late '80s, he realized this film was a classic because people kept recalling their favorite moments from the film. While actors like Jimmy Stewart objected to colorizing this holiday favorite, Hawkins noted that he appreciates whatever it takes to spread the film's positive message to a wider audience.