It’s a Wonderful Life Virtual Festival
December 11-13, 2020
Schedule of Presentations & Events
Thank you to everyone who participated!
This year we pay special tribute to the role of women in It’s a Wonderful Life, in particular, Donna Reed and Lillian Randolph. As we go high-tech with a virtual festival we also remember and pay tribute to radio, the precursor of our modern entertainment technology, used for this event.
THE PROGRAM
ALL TIMES EASTERN TIME ZONE
(Note: Some presentations are repeated for viewer convenience)
It’s a Wonderful Run 5K – Virtual Run
December 5-12, 2020: Run anywhere, any time. Registration ends at 5:30 pm on December 12.
www.itsawonderfulrun5K.com
Friday, December 11th
10:00 am:
Karolyn Grimes (“Zuzu Bailey”) — Welcome & Recollections of First Visit to Seneca Falls in 2002.
What Does It’s a Wonderful Life Mean to You? — Memories from the 65th Anniversary Celebration:
NYS Senator Mike Nozzolio; Paul Wenderlich (Seneca Community Players), Marybeth Major.
“Bedford Falls Station” — History of the Special Holiday Pictorial Cancellation issued each year by the Seneca Falls Post Office.
History of the Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Festival — Frances Barbieri & Francis Caraccilo; The Italian Community: The Soul of the Connection Between Seneca Falls and It’s a Wonderful Life; The Seneca Theater – Now the Location of The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum.
Jeff Rook, Board Member, The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum.
Seneca Museum of Waterways & Industry/SenecaFalls Visitor Center: 11th Annual Gingerbread Contest — Vote for your favorite from 10 am – 4 pm on Friday and Saturday.
11:00 am:
Carol Coombs Mueller (“Janie Bailey”) and Chet Mueller: First visit and interview in Seneca Falls on the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of It’s a Wonderful Life in 2011.
Donald & Ronald Collins – Recollections of Being “Baby Pete Bailey.”
“The Chance of a Lifetime” — The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum’s Vision for Expansion. A Discussion with the Actors — Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs, Jimmy Hawkins and Jeanine Roose.
Creating A Permanent Tribute to “The Most Inspiring Film of All Time” Filled With the Spirit of All Those Who Have Impacted Our Lives – Featuring Karolyn Grimes and plans for the expanded Museum.
12:00 noon:
Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”): “A Life in Pictures.”
Connection between the Hollywood Walk of Fame & Knight Letterworks in Seneca Falls.
Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”): “Thoughts on Gene Autry & Me, plus Charlie Ruggles.”
Launch of “It’s a Wonderful LEGO Life” — Presentation by Jason Middaugh on the project to request that LEGO create an It’s a Wonderful Life official LEGO set for the 75th Anniversary of the film.
1:00 pm:
Jeanine Roose, Ph.D., Psychologist (“Young Violet”) – “Having ‘A Wonderful Life’ During the Pandemic.”
What Does It’s a Wonderful Life Mean to You? — Memories from the 65th Anniversary Celebration: Kevin Devine, Duke Fisher and Family, Jeremy Thomas, Becky Bly (WomanMade Products).
“Our Mission and Work in Suicide Prevention, and Self-Care Strategies”: Join American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Area Director Missy Stolfi for an overview of the organization’s mission and programs, how to get connected in your community, and some self-care strategies to build resilience during challenging times.
Jan Driscoll, Board Member, The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum.
2:00 pm:
Actor Brian Rohan — Tour of locations in California where It’s a Wonderful Life was filmed, including the original Martini Home in La Cañada Flintridge.
Habitat for Humanity “Bread, Salt & Wine” Housewarming for four families in Seneca Falls, Ovid & Romulus, New York.
“Change Partners and Dance” and “Mary’s Driving Lesson” – Classic episodes of The Donna Reed Show featuring Jimmy Hawkins.
3:00 pm:
Honoring Lillian Randolph (“Annie”) (1898-1980): National Women’s Hall of Fame Presentation of Lives and Legacies plaque to Lillian Randolph, a veteran of radio and television. Also a gospel singer, Lillian Randolph sings “Were You There?” in a recording made in 1956 on Dootone Records.
“The Chance of a Lifetime” — The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum’s Vision for Expansion. A Discussion with the Actors — Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs, Jimmy Hawkins and Jeanine Roose.
Creating A Permanent Tribute to “The Most Inspiring Film of All Time” Filled With the Spirit of All Those Who Have Impacted Our Lives – Featuring Karolyn Grimes and plans for the expanded Museum.
What Does It’s a Wonderful Life Mean to You? — Memories from the 65th Anniversary Celebration
“It’s a Wonderful LEGO Life” — Presentation by Jason Middaugh on the project to request that LEGO create an It’s a Wonderful Life official LEGO set for the 75th Anniversary of the film.
4:00 pm
“It’s a Wonderful Life Uncovered: An Inside Look at Scene Details and Curiosities You’ve Been Missing All These Years.” Presentation by author Michael Willian (The Essential It’s a Wonderful Life: A Scene-by-Scene Guide to the Classic Film).
What Does It’s a Wonderful Life Mean to You? — Memories from the 65th Anniversary Celebration.
“The Shop Around the Corner” – Radio Play featuring Brian Rohan (from 2019).
5:00 pm
“Jimmy Stewart Narrates Frank Capra’s Wonderful Life Story” — AFI Life Achievement Award Ceremony, 1982.
An Interview with Frank Capra from Kansas City: “There’s something about that film that fills some kind of an ache that people have . . . It breaks me up every time I see it.” – Frank Capra
Frank Capra’s Preview Dinner with Monica Capra Hodges, Master of Ceremonies; Message from Virginia Patton Moss (“Ruth Dakin Bailey”) – From the 70th and 71st Anniversary Celebrations.
Join us for the 75th Anniversary Tribute to Frank Capra and Frank Capra Preview Dinner featuring the same menu that was served when Frank Capra previewed “It’s a Wonderful Life” for his friends and colleagues at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Tickets will be available in June 2021.
6:00 pm:
Karolyn Grimes: “Insights, Bloopers & Auld Lang Syne” – Presentation from the 65th Anniversary in 2011.
What Does It’s a Wonderful Life Mean to You? — Memories from the 65th Anniversary Celebration.
“It’s a Wonderful LEGO Life” — Presentation by Jason Middaugh on the campaign to request that LEGO create an “It’s a Wonderful Life” official LEGO set for the 75th Anniversary of the film.
7:00 pm:
Premiere: “The Philadelphia Story” – Zoom radio play featuring Brian Rohan commemorating the 80th Anniversary of “The Philadelphia Story” starring Jimmy Stewart, Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant.
Saturday, December 12th
10:00 am
Welcome to Seneca Falls: The Seneca Falls Visitor Center & The Seneca Falls Historical Society.
Connection between the Hollywood Walk of Fame & Knight Letterworks in Seneca Falls.
Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”): “Thoughts on Gene Autry & Me, plus Charlie Ruggles.”
What Does It’s a Wonderful Life Mean to You? — Memories from the 65th Anniversary Celebration.
“It’s a Wonderful LEGO Life” — Presentation by Jason Middaugh on the campaign to request that LEGO create an It’s a Wonderful Life official LEGO set for the 75th Anniversary of the film.
Seneca Museum of Waterways & Industry/SenecaFalls Visitor Center: 11th Annual Gingerbread Contest — Vote for your favorite from 10 am – 4 pm on Friday and Saturday.
11:00 am
The 17th Annual George Bailey Award — Presented to Fran Barbieri (virtually).
Honoring Lillian Randolph (“Annie”) (1898-1980): National Women’s Hall of Fame Presentation of Lives and Legacies plaque to Lillian Randolph, a veteran of radio and television. Also a gospel singer, Lillian Randolph sings “Were You There?” in a recording made in 1956 on Dootone Records.
“The Inner Light of Our Wonderful Life” – Presentation by Women’s Rights National Historical Park. What can one person do to make a difference in the world? From Quakers to homemakers, from activists to advocates, Seneca Falls has been the nexus of inspiration for world-changing ideas. A Ranger from Women’s Rights National Historical Park will share how the values of early abolitionists and women’s rights activists found their way into living rooms across the country for generations.
12:00 pm
Classic Episodes of The Donna Reed Show that challenge gender and racial stereotypes: “Just a Housewife, “The Geisha Girl” & “Rebel With a Cause.” [Note: The Donna Reed Show is available for streaming on: Amazon, Google Play, Tubi, and Pluto TV].
1:00 pm
Encore Performance: “The Philadelphia Story” – Zoom radio play featuring Brian Rohan. In commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of “The Philadelphia Story” starring Jimmy Stewart, Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant.
“The Chance of a Lifetime” — The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum’s Vision for Expansion. A Discussion with the Actors — Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs, Jimmy Hawkins and Jeanine Roose.
Creating A Permanent Tribute to “The Most Inspiring Film of All Time” Filled With the Spirit of All Those Who Have Impacted Our Lives – Featuring Karolyn Grimes and plans for the expanded Museum.
Bob McKeveny, Fred and Denise Capozzi, Board Members, The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum.
2:00 pm:
“It’s a Wonderful Life Uncovered: An Inside Look at Scene Details and Curiosities You’ve Been Missing All These Years.” Presentation by author Michael Willian (The Essential It’s a Wonderful Life: A Scene-by-Scene Guide to the Classic Film).
What Does It’s a Wonderful Life Mean to You? — Memories from the 65th Anniversary Celebration.
Actor Brian Rohan — Tour of locations in California where It’s a Wonderful Life was filmed, including the original Martini Home in La Cañada Flintridge.
Habitat for Humanity “Bread, Salt & Wine” Housewarmings for four families in Seneca Falls, Ovid & Romulus, New York.
3:00 pm:
Donald & Ronald Collins – Recollections of Being “Baby Pete Bailey.”
Karolyn Grimes: “Insights, Bloopers & Auld Lang Syne” – Presentation from the 65th Anniversary in 2011.
Carol Coombs Mueller (“Janie Bailey”) and Chet Mueller: First visit and interview in Seneca Falls on the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of “It’s a Wonderful Life” in 2011.
Jimmy Hawkins: “A Life in Pictures.”
4:20 pm:
It’s a Wonderful Run 5K – Video of the 9th Annual Run in 2017 by Fingerlakes1.com. The Run is started by Karolyn Grimes (“Zuzu Bailey”)
5:00 pm:
“The Chance of a Lifetime” — The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum’s Vision for Expansion. A Discussion with the Actors – Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs, Jimmy Hawkins, and Jeanine Roose.
Creating A Permanent Tribute to “The Most Inspiring Film of All Time” Filled With the Spirit of All Those Who Have Impacted Our Lives – Featuring Karolyn Grimes and plans for the expanded Museum.
What Does It’s a Wonderful Life Mean to You? — Memories from the 65th Anniversary Celebration.
The Betsy Ross Flag Across America Project – from 2019.
“Dance by the Light of the Moon” – Highlights from previous festivals.
6:00 pm:
Premiere: “Every Time a Bell Rings: The Visitor” — Zoom Play by Wonderfulland Productions with Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs, Jimmy Hawkins, Jeanine Roose, Brian Rohan, and Seth Kennedy. Set in Seneca Falls, this radio play tells the story of a down-on-his-luck innkeeper and a very familiar visitor who helps him discover that life doesn’t have to be perfect in order to be wonderful.
Encore Performance: “The Philadelphia Story” – Zoom radio play featuring Brian Rohan. In commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of “The Philadelphia Story” starring Jimmy Stewart, Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant.
Sunday, December 13th
10:00 am:
Brought to you from The Gould Hotel (Virtually) — Karolyn Grimes’ 18th Anniversary Celebration, including video from Karolyn’s career, photographs from her visits to Seneca Falls over the last 18 years, and special messages.
Join us for Karolyn Grimes’ 19th Anniversary Breakfast Celebration on December 12, 2021. Tickets available in June 2021.
11:00 am:
A Conversation: Karolyn Grimes and 9/11 first responder Chris Edwards.
Jeanine Roose, Ph.D., Psychologist (“Young Violet”) – “Having ‘A Wonderful Life’ During the Pandemic.”
Mary Owen: Donna Reed’s daughter introduces “A Very Merry Christmas.”
“A Very Merry Christmas” – Classic episode of The Donna Reed Show featuring Buster Keaton, originally shown on December 24, 1958.
12:00 noon
Mr. Krueger’s Christmas starring Jimmy Stewart and featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, 1980.
“Zuzu & Tommy in Search of Young Violet” – Presentation by Karolyn Grimes (“Zuzu Bailey”) Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”) and Jeanine Roose (“Young Violet Bick) – from 2019.
What Does It’s a Wonderful Life Mean to You? — Memories from the 65th Anniversary Celebration.
“It’s a Wonderful LEGO Life” — Presentation by Jason Middaugh on the campaign to request that LEGO create an “It’s a Wonderful Life” official LEGO set for the 75th Anniversary of the film.
1:00 pm:
“The Inner Light of Our Wonderful Life” – Presentation by Women’s Rights National Historical Park. What can one person do to make a difference in the world? From Quakers to homemakers, from activists to advocates, Seneca Falls has been the nexus of inspiration for world changing ideas. A Ranger from Women’s Rights National Historical Park will share how the values of early abolitionists and women’s rights activists found their way into living rooms across the country for generations.
“The Chance of a Lifetime” — The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum’s Vision for Expansion. A Discussion with the Actors – Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs, Jimmy Hawkins, and Jeanine Roose.
Creating A Permanent Tribute to “The Most Inspiring Film of All Time” Filled With the Spirit of All Those Who Have Impacted Our Lives – Featuring Karolyn Grimes and plans for the expanded Museum.
1:30 pm:
International It’s a Wonderful Life Watch Party
You must have a copy of the film available via dvd, dvr or rented or purchased via Prime or any other source. Be ready to start the movie according to the countdown at 1:30 ET. (Get your DVD ready, load the movie on Prime, etc.) Our Zoom feed will be open for audience reaction at 1:30. We suggest joining it via a secondary device and position it somewhere so you can see the audience reaction and the audience can see your reaction as well throughout the watch party event.
4:15 pm:
The Bells of the Real Bedford Falls ring in honor of those who have impacted our lives. To have a bell rung for someone who has impacted your life, see www.wonderfullifemuseum.com and click on bell ringing certificate photo in the slider for bell ringing request form.
Auld Lang Syne Zoom Event: Sing Along with festival-goers from around the world in this unique Zoom event. The event will be available on Zoom only for live participation.
5:00 pm:
Seneca Singers Christmas Concert — From 2019.
“For Auld Lang Syne” – The Final Scene Dinner — From the 70th & 71st Anniversary Celebrations.
Join us for the Final Scene Dinner on December 12, 2021. Tickets will be available in June 2021.
See you next year for a 5-day celebration of the
75th Anniversary of
“The Most Inspiring Film of All Time” – It’s a Wonderful Life
December 8-12, 2021
. . . And visit The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum
throughout the year
