It's A Wonderful Life, Filmed in Encino, Celebrates Its 65th Birthday [VIDEO]

A ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the release of the classic film It's a Wonderful Life will be held Friday at the Hollywood Walk of Fame star of its director, Frank Capra.

Now 70, Jimmy Hawkins, who portrayed Tommy Bailey, one of the four children of James Stewart's character, is scheduled to speak at the ceremony, along with members of Capra's family and Los Angeles Councilman Tom LaBonge. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at 6614 Hollywood Blvd.

"There's no movie like It's a Wonderful Life. With all the challenges we face today, we need more George Baileys and fewer Mr. Potters,'' LaBonge said, referring to Stewart's character and his banker nemesis Henry Potter (Lionel Barrymore). "It's also nice to go back to a simpler time to remember the strength of family and neighbors and relationships. It's a Wonderful Life offers that life-affirming message year after year, generation upon generation.''

It's a Wonderful Life stars Stewart as suicidal building and loan operator George Bailey, who is shown by a guardian angel (Henry Travers) what life in fictional Bedford Falls, NY, would have been like if he had never lived.

The film premiered Dec. 20, 1946, and received five Academy Award nominations but failed to win any, and was beaten out by The Best Years of Our Lives for best picture. Its reputation has grown over the years, including being ranked 11th on the American Film Institute's 1998 list of greatest American movies and 20th on its 2007 list.

It's a Wonderful Life was a money loser in its original release but achieved iconic status, thanks to its heavy Christmas season television showings beginning in the early 1980s after its original copyright expired and it went into the public domain, allowing stations to show it without having to pay for the rights. The film's score was placed under copyright protection in 1993. Its television showings are now limited to two a year on NBC, which will show it Saturday beginning at 8 p.m.

"It's a Wonderful Life has made an incredible impact on popular culture and continues to be a beloved part of many families' holiday traditions,'' LaBonge said. "We are delighted to celebrate this treasured classic, which was created here in Los Angeles and has touched people throughout the world.''

—City News Service