James Stewart Reveals Two Dislikes About ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
James Stewart, renowned actor, is known for his leading role in the Christmas classic, *It’s a Wonderful Life*. While Stewart cherished the film deeply, he also had notable dislikes about it.
Dislikes of James Stewart
Concern Over Casting
One of Stewart’s primary grievances involved cast member Donna Reed. As a relative newcomer, Reed played Mary Bailey. Stewart held her responsible for the film’s poor initial reception. According to Reed’s daughter, Mary Anne Owen, Stewart felt that Reed’s lack of recognition harmed the movie’s performance. This led him to refuse future collaborations with her.
Criticism of Colorization
Another point of contention for Stewart came years later. He was unhappy when a colorized version of *It’s a Wonderful Life* was announced. He viewed these changes as unnecessary. Stewart described the colorization as “a bath of Easter egg dye.” He was particularly critical of visual puns, such as costume choices that seemed overly obvious. His discontent suggested that he preferred the film’s original monochrome presentation.
The Film’s Journey to Popularity
*It’s a Wonderful Life* faced significant challenges following its release. Initially, it was a commercial failure, contributing to the decline of Liberty Films. Surprisingly, the film did not achieve its beloved status until two decades later, after a clerical error allowed it to air on television without licensing fees.
Legacy and Impact
- Released: December 25, 1946
- Director: Frank Capra
- Inspiration: Based on Philip Van Doren Stern’s short story, *The Greatest Gift*
- Rediscovery: Gained popularity post-1974 due to copyright expiration
Despite its rocky start, *It’s a Wonderful Life* has become an enduring holiday favorite. Stewart held it as one of his most treasured works, recognizing its powerful message about the value of life.
