The Journey of Its a Wonderful Life as a Holiday Movie: From Initial Flop to Popularity
The Journey of 'It's a Wonderful Life' as a Holiday Movie: From Initial Flop to Popularity
Often mistaken for an immediate box office hit during its initial release, 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946) actually faced a failed reception in theaters. Despite its lackluster performance at the box office, the film had a profound cultural impact in the late 1950s and 1960s, becoming a fixture in the holiday season when it entered the public domain.
Initial Reception and Lack of Success at the Box Office
Upon its initial release, the film failed to capture the audience's attention, and its creators did not anticipate the resurgence it would experience decades later. This failure was not due to poor quality, but rather the shift in cinematic trends and audience preferences. Instead of overshadowing the film, the initial financial loss of $525,000 (a significant amount for the time) provided a unique opportunity for the movie to find its niche in public consciousness.
The Influence of the 1970s Copyright Lapse
It was the copyright lapse in the 1970s that paved the way for 'It's a Wonderful Life' to become a beloved holiday classic. When the original copyright owners failed to renew the copyright, the film entered the public domain. This meant that television stations could air the movie at little or no cost, leading to its frequent appearance during the holiday season. This period marked the turning point in the film's journey from an initial box office failure to a cherished part of holiday traditions.
The Role of Television and Public Domain
It was the combination of its public domain status and the advent of television that made 'It's a Wonderful Life' a popular choice for holiday viewing. When the film first aired on television in the 1950s, it quickly became an annual tradition for many. Families would gather to watch the film, and it became a symbol of the season’s warmth and joy. Over time, its popularity grew, and the film was shown on an increasing number of television stations, becoming almost a daily viewing experience during the holiday season.
NBC’s Exclusive Licensing Agreement
Despite its widespread popularity, 'It's a Wonderful Life' still held a close relationship with its original production company. In the mid-1990s, NBC entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with RKO Pictures, the original production company. This agreement stipulated that the film could only be shown twice a year, exclusively on NBC. As a result, the film's availability during the holiday season became more controlled, leading to a period of scarcity where viewers had to be particularly mindful of the film's airings.
Conclusion: A Time-Tested Classic
'It's a Wonderful Life' has stood the test of time, evolving from a financial failure to a deeply ingrained part of holiday traditions. Its journey from initial flop to cherished classic is a testament to the enduring power of a well-told story and the transformative nature of cultural and technological shifts. Today, the film is celebrated not only for its artistic merit but also for its ability to bring together families and communities during the holiday season.
The story of 'It's a Wonderful Life' serves as a reminder that success is often a journey that can take unexpected turns and that sometimes, it is the very factors that were once seen as negatives that can lead to the greatest successes. In the case of this beloved film, its failure in the box office and its entry into the public domain have both contributed to its enduring popularity.
So, as you prepare to watch 'It's a Wonderful Life' this holiday season, take a moment to appreciate its journey from a forgotten film to a cherished piece of cinematic history.