This job would be memorable for many people. It’s a Wonderful Life, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in this year’s celebrations, is a well-loved holiday tradition around the world.
Grimes stated to The Associated Press that it is a once-a year pick-me up for America’s humanity and the rest of the world. It’s a great impetus that keeps us moving in the right direction.
In late 1946, Frank Capra produced and directed “It’s a Wonderful Life”. It starred Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. It is set in a small town on Christmas Eve.
Stewart plays the role of George Bailey. He contemplates suicide, but his guardian angel intervenes. She shows him all the lives he touched and makes a difference in the community.
Grimes’ Zuzu is a memorable character. Zuzu, played by Grimes, is a memorable character.
Jimmy Hawkins, a former child actor, plays Tommy in the film. Grimes may be a bit fuzzy about the filming details. As a 4-year old, he recalls getting up in the dark to ride streetcars and buses to Culver city to film his scenes.
He says, “I have vivid memories about doing that film.” “On set, Capra would squat, eye-toeye, and tell me what he wanted. I understood it. “I said yes, sir.”
Grimes, Hawkins and other cast members are the last remaining cast members. They have chosen to carry on the film’s legacy by spreading the message of goodwill and sharing its lessons of doing right.
“We are grateful to have been able to play those roles and spread Frank Capra’s message. Hawkins says that although he isn’t here to perform it, he gave us a wonderful part and many wonderful memories. So we do it naturally.
“We want that message to be passed on, to all who are interested, at Attica inmates or Stock Exchange bell ringers. To keep it going, we talk to everyone.”
Paramount Home Entertainment released a limited edition Blu-ray set that includes a colorized version and a black-and-white movie in high resolution. This set contains over 45 minutes worth of bonus content.
The film was nominated five times for Oscars and is now considered one of the 100 greatest American films. AFI awarded the movie first place in its category for Most Inspirational American Film of All Time.
It gives us such a positive outlook on what our lives could be. We have the power to do that. Grimes said that we can make a difference, and we can make it happen.”
Hawkins remembers Capra as having a strong vision for his film. He saw faith, hope, and a renewed life. Although the movie he made may be sentimental, the director on set was anything but.
He said, “It was his movie.” People fell by the wayside, because it was his vision. You couldn’t make his move if you didn’t have his vision. He was precise and very kind to everyone on the set. It’s now a job.
Although the film is now associated with Christmas, it wasn’t originally planned to release during the holidays. RKO’s 1946 Christmas movie, “Sinbad the Sailor”, was not ready so the studio asked Capra for a rush production of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It premiered Dec. 20 at the Globe Theatre New York. This is a bit late for a traditional Christmas rollout.
They did a wonderful job getting it out there, and it then bombed more or fewer. Grimes says it was not a success. “But it was made public in the early 1970s and it was available on every channel year.
Grimes still receives letters from viewers across the world and generations. She says, “I get a lot fan mail from Great Britain, even the Mideast, and all sorts of places.” It’s reaching many people and I believe people will want it to make a difference.
