Christmas in Bedford Falls
Rick Retro’s Realm, Project #4: 2025 Christmas Tour – First the rarely read short story, then the ubiquitous classic film.
Project #4: 2025 Christmas Tour – First the rarely read short story, then the ubiquitous classic film.
The last stop on our 2025 Christmas Tour was in 1945 Connecticut, but we will back up a couple of years to pick up a 1943 short story, because, well, it sets up the next stop.
“The Greatest Gift” (1943)
“The Greatest Gift” (1943) — The short story that gave us the great—if not the greatest—gift: inspiring the film, It’s a Wonderful Life.
A+>
Family Suitability
+ ✅2️⃣ OK for teens and adults. (Grades 7+) | NR
Alignment with Judeo-Christian Values
+ ❎3️⃣ Very Good/Strongly Favorable
The next film on our tour was on all ten “All-Time Best Christmas Movie” lists that I checked. It topped some of those lists. It’s not everyone’s favorite Christmas movie, but it would be a contender in any poll. If our last stop was an elegant little lobby, this stop is the exquisite and grand museum to which it provides an entrance.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) — The Frank Capra–James Stewart all-time Christmas classic that blesses viewers every holiday season.
A+^
Family Suitability
+ ✅2️⃣ OK for teens and adults. (Grades 7+)
Alignment with Judeo-Christian Values
+ ❎4️⃣ Excellent/Very Strongly Favorable
Tomorrow, another review posted last December to the text group makes its Substack debut.
Don't forget the popcorn!
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