'It's A Wonderful Life' Showing To Benefit Philabundance

PHILADELPHIA — Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life" is one of the most beloved holiday stories of all time and the Philadelphia Film Society is inviting the public to its third annual screening of the 1946 Jimmy Stewart picture that will benefit the city's largest food bank.

At 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14, the film society will show the movie at the Philadelphia Film Center, 1412 Chestnut St.

Tickets are available through donations of canned goods or non-perishable food items in lieu of paid admission.

"We’re grateful for The Philadelphia Film Society partnership," Chelsea Short, Director of Communications for Philabundance, said. "The non-perishable donations from this food drive are especially appreciated now during the holiday season when many families are faced with the difficult decision of choosing what not to pay in order to enjoy the festivities of the holidays."

Reserve free tickets online here.

Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

"We are thrilled to welcome audiences back to the Philadelphia Film Center for a one-night-only screening of the beloved holiday classic IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE on the biggest screen in Center City with a food drive benefiting Philabundance," Philadelphia Film Society Executive Director J. Andrew Greenblatt said. "We can not think of a better way to celebrate the spirit of generosity this season."

For those unaware, "It's A Wonderful Life" tells the story of George Bailey (played by James Stewart), a young man with big ambitions who dreams of seeing the world. Over the years, we watch as George falls for his sweetheart Mary (Donna Reed), takes over the struggling family business, and faces off against greedy banker Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), never managing to get out of the sleepy little town of Bedford Falls. After a series of devastating setbacks, George finds himself questioning the value of his own life. It takes a kind-hearted angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) to show George just how much his life has touched those around him.