Although it was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, It’s a Wonderful Life initially received mixed reviews and was unsuccessful at the box office.
It’s a Wonderful Life is now considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and among the best Christmas films. It was one of Stewart’s favorite films.
On this day in 1803, the United States Senate ratified a treaty that included the Louisiana Territories from France for $15 million. The transfer was completed with formal ceremonies in New Orleans.
Hoisting of American Colors over Louisiana. Painting depicting first raising of the USA flag with the Louisiana Purchase, in main plaza (now Jackson Square), New Orleans.
The Frank Capra film "It’s A Wonderful Life" premiered at the Globe Theatre in New York on this day in 1946.
Time said, "It’s a Wonderful Life is a pretty wonderful movie. It has only one formidable rival (Goldwyn’s The Best Years of Our Lives) as Hollywood’s best picture of the year. Director Frank Capra’s inventiveness, humor, and affection for human beings keep it glowing with life and excitement."
Frank Russell Capra (Francesco Rosario Capra) (May 18, 1897 – September 3, 1991)