Filming It’s a Wonderful Life was not a wonderful experience for the cast, who had to go through horrific ordeals to play their roles. Nearly 80 years later, the classic has remained a Christmas must-watch, proving its timelessness across generations.
The 1946 film features James “Jimmy” Stewart as a man named George Bailey, who gets fed up with overwhelming responsibilities and decides to take his life. A second-class guardian angel of his saves the day by showing him reasons why life is worth another shot. He eventually rethinks his decision and returns home for the holidays.
What happened during the making of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life?’
It’s a Wonderful Life was a touching story that left viewers weeping; however, it took the actors enduring extreme conditions on the Bedford Falls set to bring the production to life. One of the parts that posed a danger to the cast members involved was the snowfall scene, which was created using chrysolite asbestos.
This dangerous element was later discovered to cause health problems, including lung cancer. Also, the scene featuring Bob Anderson and HB Warner left the former’s ear bleeding as Warner smacked him in the ear while both of them were in character.
Castmates did not get along during filming
James’ character and Donna Reed’s Mary Hatch Bailey had wholesome chemistry on screen that led to marriage but feuded bitterly in real life. Jimmy allegedly accused Reed of being responsible for the film’s flop upon release, and Reed’s daughter, Mary Ann Owen, confirmed that she felt like a scapegoat due to Jimmy’s harshness on set.
Jimmy allegedly took out his insecurities about acting on Reed, who was only 25 at the time, and vowed never to work with her again. When Reed died in 1986, It’s a Wonderful Life had already taken on a life of its own as a hit, and Jimmy went back on his words, saying no one could have played his TV wife better.
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