Every year around X-mas time I’m sure to mention the story about how It’s a Wonderful Life became a holiday classic due to a snafu with copyright law. Earlier this week, NPR reported on this very story:
NPR’s Rick Karr reports on how a 1946 box office flop became so ubiquitous on television this time of year. It’s a Wonderful Life is a sentimental favorite… in part because of Jimmy Stewart, but also because no one ever bothered to file the papers to extend the copyright on the movie. [NPR Morning Edition]
NPR also aired a Motley Fool Radio Show about the movie.
I love that movie, but laugh at how much it’s been woven into the holdiay fabric. It has very little if anything to do with Christmas.