KINORAFIELD GUIDE TO FILM
1946 · 131 min · PG

It's a Wonderful Life

Directed by Frank Capra · Drama, Family, Fantasy

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) is a Drama film, directed by Frank Capra set in New York State during the 1930s–1940s, in winter. It runs 131 minutes and is rated PG.

Themes of family & loyalty and faith / religion play out through frame narrative.

Composer
Dimitri Tiomkin
Cinematography
Joseph F. BirocJoseph Walker
Cast
James StewartDonna ReedLionel BarrymoreThomas MitchellHenry TraversBeulah BondiFrank FaylenWard Bond

The world of this film

Setting

Where
New York State
Setting
Rural
When
1930s1940s
Season
Winter

Premise & themes

Themes
Family & LoyaltyFaith / Religion
Structure
Frame Narrative
Tone
HopefulMelancholic

Shape

Protagonist
Solo Lead
Pacing
Measured
Based on
Pure Fiction

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