THE GREATEST GIFT
by Philip Van Doren Stern
My family and I love to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" and every Christmas we pull out our DVD and sit back with a bowl of popcorn to enjoy the show!
There isn't a single part of the movie that I don't absolutely love, but the most beautiful part of the story for me is the simple message that ordinary people can have a profound influence without even knowing it.
~ORIGINAL MOVIE GRAPHIC~
Did you know the now iconic movie was actually a short story written by Philip Van Doren Stern? Unable to find a publisher for his original work "The Greatest Gift," Mr. Stern printed two hundred copies of his story in booklet form and used them as Christmas cards in 1943. From this humble beginning, a classic tale was born.
~PUBLICITY SHOT~
Van Doren Stern's story captivated Frank Capra, who said he "had been looking for [it] all [his] life." Capra's beloved adaptation, It's a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore, was released in 1946, and while the film, which received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director, didn't take home an Oscar, it has secured its place in the American holiday tradition.
~ORIGINAL CAST PHOTO~
What a fabulous thought that we don't need to be rich or famous to make a difference in our world. Every single day and without even a hint of fanfare, we can contribute goodness and decency to the people who live around us.
Maybe being 'ordinary' is a good thing.
Love to you...
19 comments:
I sure hope being ordinary is a good thing. Cause other wise I am in big trouble!! LOL I am about as ordinary as you can get!!
Good morning Rebecca!!!
Yes, being Ordinary is Extraordinary!!!
Our family loves this movie also. During the two weeks just before Christmas, we take time to watch "It's A Wonderful Life", the original "Miracle on 34th Street", Love Actually" and on Christmas Eve, "A Christmas Carol" the original with Alastair Sim.
All of these movies give the messages of Hope, Generosity, Love and Goodwill to all mankind.
I am beginning to decorate the house and will be posting "Maplethwaite Manor at Christmas Time 2010" by the end of the week.
Take care, Honey!
Love and hugs, Laura
Rebecca I know this will surprise you but I have never watched that movie...at least not all the way through. I guess I have seen parts of it and it looked so depressing, I didn't think I would like it...
What do ya think...should I give it another try? Yes, I think I will. I do know it is a classic to many people...but I never understood why. Now you have sparked my interest with this post today.
Love, Linda
I love that movie and the message it sends too! I have The Greatest Gift and just might go get it to read today:) Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!
My favorite all time Christmas movie too. Love the message it portrays. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings!
Marie
My husband loves this movie so now I will have to make a date with him to watch it together--maybe tonight--thanks!
Love,
Dianne
I love the movie but havent watched it for awhile. Cant wait for Hattie to get the age where she can absorb it. Yes it does send a good message and being rich is not the answer to life. Say you have the richest gift of being so talented with your painting and sewing..money cant buy that. Same as me give me my painting and my family and I am the richest gal around. Oh and by the way James Stewart looked just like my lovely Dad. When I look at him it is almost seeing my dad again. If I dont comment again before xmas you and you family have a wonderful Christmas. Hugs Sally
Hi Rebecca,
I just love this movie and we just watched it again for the hundredth time this weekend. I always cry and feel inspired. Love your pics. When I think of this movie coming out in 1946, my parents were only married for nearly one year. How wonderful for the WWII Vets and families to have this movie at that time. But, so needed today in the message it sends.
Thank you for stopping by. Always special to see you.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Love to you,
Celestina Marie
Such a moving movie - we watch it every year (along with "The Bishop's Wife" and "Christmas in Connecticut").
I had no idea it was originally a story - I'm on my way to search it out right now! Thanks for the heads up!
Hello sweet Rebecca,
I love this movie too! We just watched it the other night. Even having little or nothing, you can still be rich!
Love to you!
Debbie
That's one of my favorite Christmas movies but I didn't know the story behind it. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Sweets!
I didn't know the background of this wonderful classic...thanks so much for sharing it. My dd and I were thrifting a few years back and she found this in video version and said I HAD to purchase it and of course I did...hmmmmm I'm feeling a movie night coming up!
Hugs and much love!
Lorena
I've missed you. I'm still not feeling well, and am VERY low-key and not on the computer much, but I DID want to say hello and send my love to you.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie. It has been our Christmas night tradition for at least 8 years. For many years prior to that, we watched it often throughout the year, but since about 2002, we decided to make it very special by ONLY watching it on Christmas night.
We can practically quote the entire movie!!!
I must admit, The Best Years of Our Lives, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture that year, is also one of my all-time favorite movies. While I LOVE It's a Wonderful Life, I think the right movie won that year. However, if It's a Wonderful Life had been nominated in any other year than right after the ending of the war, it very well might have won that coveted Oscar, since Best Years of Our Lives was about veterans returning home after the war.
Blessings,
Patti
Hi, Rebecca,
I love this movie, too. One of my favorites of all time. And like you, the message is what makes this movie so wonderful. I am quite sure we make a difference in people's lives and are not even aware of it. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Vicki
It wouldn't be the holidays without this movie would it. We love it, but on the other hand, we also have to watch A Christmas Vacation!!!! Char
Dearest Rebecca,
Wish that Hollywood would still produce such great movies with high morals! This is a Christmas gift in itself! Keeps on giving...
Lots of love,
Mariette's Back to Basics
The most extra-ordinary people I have ever met would pass as an "ordinary person" in every day life...and yet, they have made a profound difference in the lives of those around them. Save the superstars for those that need the glory...give me the common person anytime. Wonderful post, sweet Rebecca- xxoo Diana ps...This is MY favorite Christmas movie.
Rebecca ~ I just found your blog and it's just lovely. It's a wonderful life is my favourite Christmas movie "every time a bell rings an angel gets her wings"... LOVE that!
Marianne
DO YOU KNOW I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS MOVIE ALL THE WAY THROUGH??!!
I ALWAYS HAD SOMETHING COME UP THAT TOOK ME AWAY FROM FINSIHING IT.. MAYBE I CAN FIND IT ON AN OLD MOVIE STATION AND SEE IT THROUGH THIS YEAR SINCE I AM MOSTLY HOME ALONE!!
I KNOW IT IS AN ALL-TIME FAVORITE CLASSIC....WHERE HAVE I BEEN??
HAVE A HAPPY WEEK!! HUGS, FRANCY
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