Cast of Legendary X-Mas Movie to Reunite in Central New York! Where Will They Be?
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings."
That, and so many other famous lines, were shared by the cast members of It's a Wonderful Life, a movie that has been ranked by some as the best Christmas movie ever. The movie tells a haunting yet inspiring story about the power of giving back, and has been watched by millions of people during holiday seasons since its release in 1947.
The movie's 75th anniversary is being celebrated in towns across the country this holiday season, including a town in Central New York, which is offering an event that will bring you closer to the film than ever before.
"Real-Life Bedford Falls" in Central NY to Have "It's a Wonderful Life" Celebration
A story from New York Upstate detailed plans for an extravagant It's a Wonderful Life celebration happening in Central New York's Seneca Falls this holiday season. As part of the movie's 75th anniversary, it will be receiving a big-screen re-release, and fans of the film will be able to watch it at select theaters across the country.
Local to the Capital Region, you'll be able to see the movie at Regal Colonie Center & RPX, Regal Crossgates & IMAX and Phoenix Theatres Beacon in Pittsfield on December 18th and 21st. Tickets and information can be found here.
Out in Seneca Falls, however, the 2022 It’s a Wonderful Life Festival will be taking place, giving fans of the movie an experience unlike any other. The town is rumored to be the inspiration for the setting of the movie, Bedford Halls, and was said to have been visited by director Frank Capra while he was writing the movie's script.
Members of the original cast will be in Seneca Falls from December 9th through the 11th, signing autographs and participating in the events happening around the town. The cast members are:
- Karolyn Grimes (played Zuzu Bailey)
- Jimmy Hawkins (played Tommy Bailey)
- Michael Chapin (played Young George’s friend)
- Donald & Ronald Collins (both played Little Pete Bailey)
Other special guests will be in attendance, including:
- Late director Frank Capra’s granddaughter Monica Capra Hodges
- Donna Reed’s daughter Mary Owen
- Lauren Chapin, Michael Chapin’s sister who played Kathy on “Father Knows Best”
- Mrs. World 2022 Shaylyn Ford
- Actor Brian Rohan, who played Jimmy Stewart/George Bailey in a documentary about the film
The list of guests and events goes on from there, but much like a good movie, we don't want to spoil everything. It's an incredible opportunity to celebrate a genre-defining film, so if you're in the holiday spirit in early December, "The Real Bedford Falls" may be for you.