Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Examines IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will examine the technology behind "It's a Wonderful Life" on Monday, December 12 at 7 p.m. at the Academy Theater at Lighthouse International in New York City. Special guest Craig Barron, Oscar®-winning visual effects supervisor, will discuss studio production methods of the era, the use of matte paintings in key scenes, and the origins of the film's sound effects. The program will also include a special introduction by Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey in the film, marking the first time she will present the film in New York City.  

"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) is one of only two motion pictures produced by Liberty Films, the independent company Frank Capra and Samuel J. Briskin created in 1945. Although the film performed only modestly at the box office when it was first released, it went on to earn five Oscar nominations, including Best Motion Picture, Best Actor (James Stewart), Directing (Capra), Film Editing (William Hornbeck) and Sound Recording (RKO Radio Studio Sound Department, John Aalberg, sound director).

The inventors of the snow machine that made its debut with the film won an Academy Technical Achievement Award in 1948. Synthetic snow replaced bleached cornflakes, the previous method of simulating falling snow in movies.

Grimes was only 6 years old when she played Zuzu Bailey in "It’s a Wonderful Life," but it marked her fifth movie role. During her childhood acting career she appeared in 15 feature films, working with Bing Crosby, Betty Grable, Cary Grant, James Stewart, John Wayne, Loretta Young and other screen legends.

The screening will be held at the Academy Theater, and will present a newly struck print by the Academy Film Archive. Tickets are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased online at www.oscars.org or by mail (a printable order form is available in the Events & Exhibitions section of the website). Tickets may also be purchased at the box office prior to the event (subject to availability).

The Academy Theater is located at 111 East 59th Street (between Park and Lexington avenues). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.oscars.org or call (212) 821-9251.