James Stewart’s Two Grievances with It’s a Wonderful Life

Few festive traditions are as enduring as gathering to watch Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. The film, now a seasonal fixture in countless homes, was not always so beloved. James Stewart, who starred in the lead role, held the film in high esteem, but even he was not without his reservations about certain aspects of its legacy.

Initial Disappointment and Lingering Frustration

Upon its release, the film’s reception was far from what one might expect today. It failed to draw crowds, resulting in a financial blow so severe that Liberty Films, the studio behind it, was forced to close. The notion that such a cherished classic could have been a box office disaster seems almost absurd now, but for two decades, it languished in relative obscurity. Only after a copyright lapse in 1974, which allowed television stations to broadcast it freely, did it begin to cement its place as a perennial favourite.

For Stewart, the film’s initial failure was particularly disheartening. Having just returned from military service in the Second World War, he saw the project as a significant comeback. He later reflected,

“It’s my favourite film. The whole thing was done, not from a book, not from a play, not from an actual happening or anything, but just an idea. And idea that nobody is born to be a failure. As simple as that. I liked that idea.”

While the story did originate from Philip Van Doren Stern’s short story The Greatest Gift, Stewart’s affection for the film’s message was clear.

Donna Reed and the Blame Game

Despite his fondness for the project, Stewart harboured a particular grievance regarding his co-star, Donna Reed. Reed, who portrayed Mary Bailey, was relatively new to the industry compared to Stewart’s established reputation. According to Reed’s daughter, Mary Anne Owen, Stewart attributed the film’s lacklustre performance to Reed’s lesser fame, believing her unfamiliarity with audiences contributed to its commercial woes. He was so convinced of this that he reportedly refused to consider future collaborations with her.

Colourisation Controversy

Years after the film’s release, Stewart encountered a second source of irritation. The decision to release a colourised version of the black-and-white classic left him incensed. He described the new version as

“a bath of Easter egg dye,”

expressing his dismay at what he saw as a needless and garish alteration. Stewart was particularly unimpressed by the decision to dress Gloria Graham’s character, Violet, exclusively in violet hues, remarking,

“That is the kind of obvious visual pun that Frank Capra never would have considered.”

Despite these frustrations, Stewart continued to regard the film as the highlight of his career. Yet, his disappointment over Reed’s casting and his distaste for the colourised edition remained points of contention he could never quite let go.