It’s a Wonderful Life was based on a short story titled “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern. Stern initially couldn’t find a publisher, so he cleverly sent out copies as a Christmas card in 1943.

James Stewart wasn’t the first choice for George Bailey. Cary Grant was, and Henry Fonda was also considered.

Although the film is a Christmas classic, it was originally shot in the summer during a heatwave in California.

The snow was created using a mixture of soap flakes, water, and foamite. Before this, films often used painted cornflakes to simulate snow.

It was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, but ultimately won none.

Due to high production costs and stiff competition, its initial release was a commercial failure, which led to Liberty Films being absorbed into Paramount.

In 1974, the film’s copyright lapsed, allowing TV stations to broadcast it at virtually no cost. Ironically sparking its rise as a beloved Christmas classic. Copyright protection was restored in the 1990s.

Because of its portrayal of bankers, the FBI placed the film and its creators under investigation in 1947, suspecting communist propaganda.

Many towns have tried to associate themselves with the fictional Bedford Falls, with Seneca Falls, New York, being the most famous. The town hosts an annual festival and maintains a museum celebrating the movie.

In the original short story, Mr. Potter does not appear; he was added later to provide George with a clear antagonist.

A small piece of tape is visible on the edge of the drugstore counter where Mary leans in to whisper in George’s bad ear. The tape was likely used to mark the actors’ positions and unintentionally remained in the final cut.