Remembering the Enchanted Set of It’s a Wonderful Life
For the young cast of It’s a Wonderful Life, stepping onto the four-acre Bedford Falls set felt like stepping into a dream. Even though the film was shot on a California soundstage during the summer months, the fake snow covering the ground made it feel like Christmas in June and July. "I have such vivid memories of the snow outside the house and seeing the beautiful Christmas tree," Jimmy Hawkins, who played the youngest Bailey son Tommy, recalls with a smile. "There was this really uplifting feeling while making the movie. It was magical."
The Movie That Grew Into a Holiday Tradition
When It’s a Wonderful Life first premiered 75 years ago, starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, it didn’t quite resonate with audiences as expected. The film received mixed reviews and initially failed to connect with viewers. But over the decades, thanks to repeated broadcasts every December, it has become an enduring and beloved Christmas classic. "Back in 1946, people weren’t ready for the message," says Jimmy Hawkins, who was just four years old when the movie was filmed. "But every year, its impact grows bigger. George Bailey didn’t think he did anything extraordinary, but he got to see how much he helped others and touched lives. That’s why people love it—it reminds us that we’re all important."
Creating a Winter Wonderland
To bring the snowy streets of Bedford Falls to life, the special-effects team had to get creative. They conjured up snow by mixing sugar, water, soap flakes, and Foamite, the same material used in fire extinguishers. It took 6,000 gallons of this melt-resistant concoction to cover the 75 shops and buildings of the Main Street set, which was built on a lot at RKO’s Encino Ranch. "I loved the snow," Karolyn Grimes, who played daughter Zuzu, shares with a laugh. "The set was amazing. The Christmas tree was stunning, and I loved being around it. Honestly, there might have been an ornament or two missing, but who’s counting?"
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A Return to Normalcy After the War
For director Frank Capra and star Jimmy Stewart, It’s a Wonderful Life marked a return to civilian life after their service in World War II. The film’s darker moments, especially when George contemplates taking his own life, reflect the struggles both men faced reintegrating into their pre-war lives. The movie’s uplifting message was a significant departure from their earlier collaboration, 1939’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. "You’d like to think this was a happy set because the message is so positive," explains Jimmy Stewart biographer Robert Matzen. "But Capra wasn’t sure if he still belonged in Hollywood, and neither was Stewart. There was immense pressure on them both."
The Kindness of Stars
Working with the children seemed to bring some comfort to both Capra and Stewart. Karolyn Grimes remembers the kindness Jimmy Stewart showed her. "His hands were huge!" she laughs. "But he was such a gentle, kind soul and so easy to work with. He never lost his temper. One time, I messed up a line, and he said, 'You’ll get it all right next time!' And sure enough, I did." Meanwhile, Jimmy Hawkins felt a special bond with Donna Reed, who played his mother. "I have warm memories of her pulling me close when our dad was going berserk in the living room," he recalls. "She had her hand on my cheek, and she pulled me toward her. I remember that vividly."
