75 years ago today It's a Wonderful Life was released in theaters on December 20th, 1946. In honor of this great films 75th anniversary I would like to share with you a look back at an interview I did with Karolyn Grimes who played Zuzu Bailey, George Bailey's youngest daughter in the film.
Ten years ago I attended a screening of It's a Wonderful Life to celebrate it's 65th Anniversary. One of the speakers before the viewing of the film was Karolyn Grimes. She did me the honor of allowing me to interview her a few days after the screening. This is what she had to share:
What is one of your fondest memories of working on the film, It's a Wonderful Life (1946)?
Playing in the snow, it wasn't real but I loved it. It never snows in Hollywood.
You had some sweet and memorable scenes with James Stewart. What was it like it like for you to work with him?
He was very tall 6'4" and very gentile. He had a lot of patience.
The first time you saw yourself in this film--what did you think of your performance and about what the message it was trying to convey?
I was young when I saw it and really did not think about it. Today I think there were many messages in the film but the main messages are that each one of us matter and that we can touch lives and make a difference. We should be thankful for what we have in our lives and realize the importance of faith family and friends.
The films represents the idea that great friends and faith in yourself can bring you out of the worst situations that life has to offer. Do believe this is the reason this particular film continues to inspire so many people even after so many years?
That and the fact that it is a tradition and family time that is so special. It gives you hope and comfort.
The younger generations seem to dismiss classic films and simply labeling them as "old" and "relics"--to them it means it has no value in their society. How would you explain the worth of viewing and enjoying classic films to younger people? How would you encourage them to give these films a try?
I think there are many young people that appreciate the value of the classics. I believe that they are more and more becoming aware of the films of the golden era...That is what my emails tells me as well as the many young people that I meet on the road.
It was a special experience to be able to have met Karolyn Grimes and be able to hear her thoughts on such a special film. Happy 75th Anniversary to It's a Wonderful Life (1946). We are all so lucky that we get to enjoy such a inspirational film for so many years.
A Wonderful Life Experience was first published in Bunny's Victory and has
since been edited and updated for A Vintage Nerd
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