“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered 75 years ago, on December 20, 1946 at the Globe Theatre in New York City. In recognition of this historic anniversary and milestone in the film’s history, eight cast members from “It’s a Wonderful Life” will travel to Seneca Falls.
The Real Bedford Falls. Attending the celebration that will be held from December 8-12, 2021 are:
Karolyn Grimes – “Zuzu Bailey”
Carol Coombs – “Janie Bailey”
Jimmy Hawkins – “Tommy Bailey”
Jeanine Roose – “Young Violet Bick”
Michael Chapin – “Young George’s Friend”
Donald and Ronald Collins – the twins who played “Little Pete”
They will be joined by a cast member they never met on the set — George Bailey’s car. Being brought in from Colorado, the 1919 Dodge Touring Car is one of only four known props still in existence from the film.
Others who will be participating in the 75th Anniversary of “The Most Inspiring Film of All Time” are Mary Owen (Donna Reed’s daughter), Monica Capra Hodges (Frank Capra’s granddaughter), Carol Moss Loop (Virginia Patton’s daughter) and John Kuri (the son of Emile Kuri, Set Decorator for “It’s a Wonderful Life” who created Bedford Falls). The program also includes authors, filmmakers, artists, different experts on “It’s a Wonderful Life,” representatives of the Donna Reed Center & Heritage Museum and the Jimmy Stewart Museum, and It’s a Wonderful LEGO Life. Groundbreaking for Phase I of the Expansion of the Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum will also take place.
Wednesday, December 8 Schedule:
10:30 am: Launch of the 75th Anniversary Celebration of “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Seven Cast Members from the Film. Location: Bedford Falls at BonaDent (2495 Bonadent Drive, Seneca Falls). Each year, BonaDent transforms itself into Bedford Falls for the holiday season. Registration required.
12:30 pm: The Arrival of the Eighth Cast Member – George Bailey’s Car. With the car will be its owners, who have restored and preserved this important piece of film history. Location: James Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram (1429 NY-414).
2:00 pm: Autograph Signing by the actors. Location: The Gould Hotel (108 Fall Street); Presentations by actors and experts on the film. Location: Trinity Episcopal Church (27 Fall Street).
4:00 pm: A Ringing of Bells — Launch of “The Timeless Message of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ – A Journey Through Seneca Falls.”
Participants will include representatives of the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the RiSE (Resilience and Inclusion for Students Everywhere) youth group. Church bells have historically been rung in times of celebration to herald in good news. As Seneca Falls becomes Bedford Falls and begins the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of “The Most Inspiring Film of All Time,” participants are invited to ring the church bell and sign the bell wall. Location: The First Presbyterian Church of Seneca Falls, the site where Alice Paul first introduced the Equal Rights Amendment in 1923 (23 Cayuga St., Seneca Falls).
6:00 pm: “There’s a Moon Out Tonight.” Meet and Greet with Cast Members from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Location: The National Women’s Hall of Fame. (1 Canal Street, Seneca Falls). Tickets required.
* All participants in events with the cast members are required to show proof of completed vaccination.
For a list of presentations, activities and special events visit:
– www.wonderfullifemuseum.com
– www.therealbedfordfalls.com
– www.itsawonderfulrun5K.com
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