Yesterday, I went to a special screening of Frank Capra’s seminal Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) at the Midlands ArtCenter in Birmingham. Despite its high status this is a film I have never got round to seeing and, after all, what could be a better way to start your Christmas holidays, seeing a classic film on the big screen. And what a great film this is. There are very few films that create such an intense sense of joy and happiness even for a hardened cynic/curmudgeon like me.

Surprisingly the MAC cinema was sold-out and good seats were hard to come by. The print screened was a joy to behold; there was no damage or dirt, it looked absolutely pristine. As for the film itself, despite its age, it still holds up well with an especially great performance from the inimitable James Stewart. Once the film ended there was not a dry eye in the cinema and a warm round of applause was given by a very happy audience, something I have not experienced before in a British cinema. It goes to show how film is ageless and when used properly can bring great joy to people of all ages. Merry Christmas everyone!