It’s a Wonderful Life, the beloved Christmas classic from 1946, remains absolutely a must-see for movie fans over the festive period, and is currently streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime. The film follows the character of George Bailey, who spends his life trying to please those around him but ends up losing his temper and contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve. After being shown by a ghost what the world would be like if Mr. Bailey had never existed, the character, played by James Stewart, finally accepts his lot, and how he has affected everyday life and eventually becomes happy.
Initially, It’s a Wonderful Life was on the receiving end of mixed reviews from critics and was considered a box office bomb. However, once its copyright lapsed and it fell into the public domain, it could be broadcast regularly without a fee, and has since been a huge hit with viewers.
Despite a lukewarm reception, it was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and in 1990 it was given “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” status and added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry.
Its influence remains, so much so that an urban legend has also been linked to the film, with viewers convinced that Sesame Street duo Bert and Ernie were named after two of Billy’s friends in the film.
His two best friends are Bedford Falls cop Bert, played by Ward Bond, and town cab driver Ernie (Frank Failen). This gave rise to the theory that Bert and Ernie Muppets were founded after them.
But the theory was eventually abandoned by Sesame Street writer Jerry Yule, who in a 1999 article in the San Francisco Chronicle wrote an article about the claim that “has persisted over the years.”
He continued, “I was not present at the naming, but I was always sure it was incorrect. Despite his many talents, Jim[Henson, creator of the Muppets]had no memory of details like these.”
He knew the movie, of course, but he didn’t remember the cop and the cab driver. I couldn’t confirm that with Jim before he died, but shortly thereafter I spoke to John Stone, the first producer and head writer of Sesame Street. And a man largely responsible for the look of the show. (John, unfortunately, is no longer with us either.)
Joel added: “He confirmed to me that Ernie and Bert were named one day when he and Jim were studying the prototype of the dolls.
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“They decided that one of them looked like Ernie, and the other looked like Bert. The names of the characters in the movie were purely coincidental.”
The movie cemented Stewart’s status as one of Hollywood’s top stars, but reports suggest he struggled during filming. It’s a Wonderful Life was the first film he directed after serving in World War II.
He also didn’t enjoy a good relationship with co-star Donna Reed, and their time together on set was detailed by her daughter, Mary Ann Owen, who spoke to Closer Weekly about the film.
During the interview, Owen claimed that Stewart had insecurities, and that Reed could not understand her colleague. She said, “But she still didn’t get why there were so many insecurities and then Jimmy Stewart couldn’t understand why the movie didn’t do well, but that’s why they didn’t make another movie together. It wasn’t very well known.”
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Owen continued, “She was so happy when he came out. I mean, she died in 1986, but by the early ’80s she was going, but we always watched her at Christmas and she was so happy because she was so popular.”
Years later, Stewart reportedly explained that It’s a Wonderful Life was the reason he still wanted to make films after the war effort, and in fact was considering leaving the profession altogether.
However, Reed was not convinced. Speaking as the film’s director Frank Capra received a lifetime achievement award from the American Film Institute, the Oscar-winner added: “Well, it had a completely different effect on me.
“When I finished making this movie, I thought I probably wouldn’t make any more movies. I suppose I knew on a deep level that I wouldn’t have another movie experience to equal it.”
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