A Christmas Carol was the inspiration for the film

Blending Christmas fantasy with heartfelt family drama, It’s a Wonderful Life was directed and produced by Frank Capra (pictured) and released in 1946. The film draws inspiration from multiple sources, most notably Philip Van Doren Stern’s 1943 short story The Greatest Gift. Elements of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella A Christmas Carol also influenced the story, particularly its themes of redemption, generosity and self-reflection.