It Happened One Christmas (1977) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language

1977 · 109 mins · English

Loading streaming availability…

Directed by

Donald Wrye

Starring

Cloris Leachman, Richard Dysart, Orson Welles, Christopher Guest, Charles Grodin, Marlo Thomas

On Christmas Eve 1944 in Bedford Falls, New York, Mary Bailey Hatch, newly in charge of the Bailey Building and Loan after her father’s death, is overwhelmed by a crisis that threatens her reputation and the bank’s standing. Desperate, she prays for guidance, unaware that her husband George, their children and most of the town are also pleading for her. Joseph, the gatekeeper of prayers, hears every prayer and, with no senior angels available, assigns Clara Oddbody—a second‑class angel who has yet to earn her wings after two centuries in heaven—to watch over Mary’s case.