This is an iconic scene from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ director Frank Capra’s 1946 classic holiday film. It stars (from left) Thomas Mitchell, Donna Reed and James Stewart (image courtesy of Facebook).
LOGAN – The Utah Theatre is offering a holiday movie marathon during the month of December leading up to Christmas.
The holiday film fest will lead off with what is arguably the most popular Christmas movie ever — It’s a Wonderful Life.
This film has been copied numerous times in an effort to update its story, but none of those efforts come close to the heartwarming nature of this original 1946 version by famed director Frank Capra.
Co-starring Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore and Thomas Mitchell, It’s a Wonderful Life was nominated for five Academy Awards and has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made.
The film will be shown on Friday, Dec. 1 at the Utah Theatre.
The movie marathon’s next attraction will be The Polar Express on Wednesday, Dec. 6. It’s a frankly odd little 2004 animated film directed by Robert Zemeckis, featuring human characters animated using live action and motion capture computer animation.
Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for North Pole to join other children on a journey to visit Santa Claus preparing for Christmas.
The film fest will continue will screenings of Home Alone on Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9.
The 1990 movie, directed by Chris Columbus, made Macculay Culkin a star as he hilariously defends his home against burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern after his family leaves him behind during a Christmas vacation to Paris.
The film also stars John Herd and Catherine O’Hara as Culkins’ absent-minded parents.
Another truly classic holiday film – A Christmas Story – will be shown on Monday, Dec. 11 and Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Based on humorist Jean Shepherd’s anecdotes about his childhood, this film by Bob Clark has been a fan favorite since its original release in 1983.
A Christmas Story strikes a chord with Baby Boomers since its depiction of an average middle class family living in a small town in the 1940’s reminds many of us old-timers of our own childhoods.
The film stars Melinda Dillion, Darren McGavin and Peter Billingsley.
Going from the sublime to the ridiculous, the Utah folks will next screen National Lampoon ‘s Christmas Vacation on Friday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 16.
This is the third in the series of National Lampoon Vacation movies. Based on producer John Hughes’ short story “Christmas ’59” that was published in National Lampoon, it tells the story of the Griswold family spending Christmas vacation at home with their relatives and the mayhem that ensues.
Christmas Vacation stars Saturday Night Live alum Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo and Randy Quaid.
And what would Christmas be without the loveable furry Muppets?
Luckily, we don’t have to find out because the Muppet Christmas Carol is slated on Monday, Dec. 18 at the Utah Theatre.
This 1992 musical film is based on Dickens’ famous tale, with Michael Caine as Scrooge. The Muppets appear in numerous supporting roles, although artistic license is taken to suit their unique aesthetic.
Next up is the beloved White Christmas on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
The immortal 1954 musical film, directed by Michael Curtiz, stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and dancer Vera Ellen. It also features the songs and music of Irving Berlin.
White Christmas is also notable for being the first film released in VistaVision, a widescreen process developed by Paramount to yield finer-grained screen images, and its certainly pretty.
With Christmas just days away, the Utah Theatre will screen How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Friday, Dec. 22.
Directed by Ron Howard, this film version of Dr. Seuss’s children book of the same name centers on a misanthropic creature who attempts to sabotage his neighbors’ holiday celebration in Whoville.
The movie stars Jim Carrey, Christine Baranski and Molly Shannon.
Finally, the Utah Theatre will reprise its screening of It’s a Wonderful Life on Saturday, Dec. 23.
All show times at the Utah Theatre will begin at 7 p.m.
The Utah Theatre is located at 18 West Center Street in downtown Logan.