The Frank Capra classic movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” eclipsed and transcended the lukewarm response it initially received from audiences upon its original theatrical release in 1946, to earn a permanent spot on critics’ must-see lists, and occupy coveted viewing time slots on network television.
The film cut across all demographics and ages. New generations of admirers continue to discover the classic when it is broadcast on television.
One such young fan is Rodeo Marie Hanson, a 9-year-old Fleetwood girl whose enthusiasm for all things Hollywood sometimes gets her up close with celebrities and/or the people connected in some way to her favorite movies.
Recently, Rodeo had an opportunity to get some insight into the holiday classic. On Dec. 6, Hanson attended a special screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” at The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum with special guest Mary Owen.
Owen’s lineage is unique to say the least. Her mother Donna Reed portrayed Mary Hatch Bailey in “It’s A Wonderful Life” and her father Tony Owen produced the television series “The Donna Reed Show.”
Following the screening, Owen shared some memories of her childhood experiences as the daughter of Donna Reed.
She shared letters written by World War II G.I.’s who wanted to use Donna Reed as their pin-up girl as she exuded the quintessential “girl next door type,” as opposed to other femme fatales of the time, Betty Grable or Rita Hayworth.
Owen talked about the incredible chemistry that Donna Reed and James Stewart (who portrayed George Bailey) shared on-screen, and whether it translated into real-life and a friendship. According to Owen, James Stewart blamed the initial commercial failure of the film on Reed, to the extent that another pairing of the two stars that was previously slated was subsequently canceled.
Mary Owen grew up with a nanny she really didn’t care for, because her parents were on the set everyday. Owen did not pursue any Hollywood-inspired endeavors, but being Donna Reed’s daughter did have its perks. Esther Williams, an American competitive swimmer and actress, came over to the home a lot, and taught Mary how to swim.
Rodeo asked Owen what her favorite holiday film is and Owen answered, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Then Owen asked what is the favorite holiday movie of the 9 year old and Rodeo replied, “It’s A Wonderful Life”.
Capra’s celluloid ideal will probably always endure because it continues to find new fans like Rodeo, 69 years later.
It teaches that no man is a failure who has friends. Stewart’s daughter Kelly Harcourt, expressed that sentiment when she commented at the iconic actor’s funeral, that her father was the richest man in town, and in that acknowledgement life imitated art.
This evaluation of one’s worth, not measured numerically by decimal points and zeros, serves as the film’s subtext, and prompts one to pause and reflect on what should be celebrated at this time of year.
