'It's a Wonderful Life', a 1946 American film directed by Frank Capra will be screened at 6 pm on November 25 at the American Centre, Galle Road, Colombo-3.

Based on the short story "The Greatest Gift" written by Philip Van Doren Stern, the film takes place in the fictional town of Bedford Falls shortly after World War II and revolves around a man whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve gains the attention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers) who is sent to help him in.

George Bailey (James Stewart) grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, dreaming dreams of adventure and travel, but circumstances conspire to keep him enslaved to his home turf.

Frustrated by his life, and haunted by an impending scandal, George prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. A heavenly messenger arrives to show him a vision: what the world would have been like if George had never been born. Capra's triumph is to acknowledge the difficulties and disappointments of life, while affirming--in the teary-eyed final reel--his cherished values of friendship, family and individual achievement.

Told through flashbacks spanning George's entire life and narrated by Franklin and Joseph, unseen Angels who are preparing Clarence for his mission to save George, we are shown all the people whose lives have been touched by George and the difference he has made to the community in which he lives.his hour of need.

One of the most fascinating films in the American cinema, 'It's a Wonderful Life' was nominated for five Oscars and it was also recognized as the 100 best American films ever made, and placed number one on their list of the most inspirational American films.

The film is regarded as a classic and is a staple of Christmas television around the world, although, due to its high production costs and stiff competition at the box office, financially, it was considered a "flop.