The movie, It's a Wonderful Life, is based on a short story, The Greatest Gift. The author could not interest a publisher in his work so he had the story printed on Christmas cards and sent to 200 friends. A Hollywood agent was among the recipients. He convinced RKO studio that it would make a great movie.

Even after its release as a movie in 1946 it was not an instant success. For years after its copyright expired in 1974, television stations broadcast it without charge.

In 1993 Republic Entertainment assumed control of the copyright and broadcast fees are once again in effect.
Starring in this Frank Capra Christmastime film are Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Ward Bond and Frank Faylen.

The World Encyclopedia of Christmas, McClelland & Stewart Ltd., 2000.