December 20, 1946 - It's a Wonderful Life (New York City Premiere).
This American Christmas fantasy drama film starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed was produced and directed by Frank Capra, based on the short story and booklet The Greatest Gift, which Philip Van Doren Stern published in 1943.
It initially received mixed reviews and was unsuccessful at the box office but became a classic Christmas film after it was put into the public domain, which allowed it to be broadcast without licensing or royalty fees. It has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made.