Customer Reviews

It's a Wonderful Life: A Memory Book

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yet another IAWL book. As the years go by publishers appreciate the fascination this stunning movie has for the public and continue to issue titles: a scrapbook; trivia; anniversary; movie stills; (and amazingly) a recipe book plus the video (normal and colorised versions) DVD and audio cassettes. Stephen Cox's book is better than most and he has clearly done a lot of background research on the production and especially the cast. Sort of left no stone unturned, either, for instance he includes the 1986 Saturday Night Live sketch where Potter turns out not to be disabled.

Interesting though the book is I wish the publisher's had made a bit more of an effort with the production, the layout is bland, the paper ordinary so that the many photos look grey and washed out, this especially applies to the stills. There is an eight page color insert section with twenty-one images, some of which are not really worth using. The fact that this color section required a better paper than the rest of the book makes my point and I think buyers deserve better with a title that has lots of photos.

I was made aware of all these short-comings when I compared the book with Jeanine Basinger's The It's a Wonderful Life Book (click to the book site to see some inside pages I've uploaded) published in 1986, this really has to be the definitive title about everybody's Christmas classic and well worth searching out. It has plenty of background material about the stars and Frank Capra's direction but the thing I really liked was the inclusion of the complete shooting script over 215 pages (illustrated with ninety-nine stills) and you'll get to read the original Philip Van Doren Stern short story 'The Greatest Gift' the movie was based on. All the photos and stills look super in this book, too.

Both books are a tribute to a glorious heart-warming experience but the Basinger book is as wonderful as the movie.

I totally loved this book!- I finished it in one sitting- I was facinated with all of the little tidbits that I wasnt aware of: H.B. Warner being sauced when he filmed the loss of his son scene- I was especially impressed with the very rare colored photos in the mid section of the book. I have read almost every one of this author's books but this one is a special holiday treat!

There are plenty of surprises in this book. You'll read what director Frank Capra and the players themselves have to say about making "It's a Wonderful Life," and you'll discover some interesting names among those who were almost cast. You'll also learn that some of the film's legends are true, while others are not. For example, while it is true that Carl Switzer (Alfalfa from the "Our Gang" comedies) was the rascal who opened the gym floor exposing the swimming pool beneath, it is NOT true that muppets Bert and Ernie were named as an homage to Bert the cop and Ernie the cab driver -- that's just a coincidence. In spite of the book's rather crowded layout and lackluster production, if you love "It's a Wonderful Life" and/or if you collect IAWL memorabilia, you'll want to have this book.

Cox's "It's a Wonderful Life: A Memory Book" is an excellent addition to the movie buff's collection, and to fans of this exceptional film. The book is packed with stunning photographs (many never seen before), interesting tid-bits about the making-of, backstory on not only the fine performances of James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore, but the character actors that helped make Capra's touching film so memorable and the holiday favorite it has become--almost 60 years later. It is well-researched and richly-written. This is a perfect gift year-round for any reason. It is one of Cox's best!

I have to admit that I wasn't much of an "It's a Wonderful Life" fan....until now. I had the pleasure of meeting Karolyn Grimes (little ZuZu Bailey) recently. She is such a warm and lovely person and spoke of IAWL with such passion that I bought the DVD the next night and watched it with new eyes. Now I'm hooked.

I was so delighted to find this book, to learn even more about this classic movie. After reading the book, I had to watch the DVD again.

Even if you're just a casual viewer of the movie, you'll still love this book. It's incredibly well-researched and jam-packed with beautiful photographs. Stephen Cox has a way with words. You feel like you're sitting with an old friend. His books are like comfort-food for the mind!

If you love "It's a Wonderful Life" (and who doesn't?), then you'll LOVE this book! I was stunned to learn about what happened to the cast and where the Bailey kids are today and what they look like in more recent years. No other book offers the pure nostalgia factor like this one. The author gives us some amazing details about deleted scenes, as well as photographs that have surfaced showing these rare behind-the-scenes glimpses into scenes that never made the final cut. I loved the photo of Henry Travers (Clarence the Angel) in full color, not long before he died. What a treat this book is!! And the special message from Jimmy Stewart at the beginning of the book is pure magic! If you are a fan of this film, you won't be disappointed! This book is the perfect gift for any friends who love the movie, too. I've already ordered several and am giving them out this holiday!

This book is a beautiful tribute to my favorite movie of all time. After reading as much material on "Wonderful Life" as I can get my hands on, I will have to say that this book is my favorite so far. The insight from the various cast and crew members is fascinating, and adds a whole new enjoyment to watching the movie. I especially enjoyed the sections which highlighted the lives of the four Bailey kids and young George Bailey (then and now). I had never seen several of the photos included in the book, some of which were from parts of the movie that were eventually edited out. The section of color photos was also neat.

This book would make a great Christmas gift for someone who loves this classic movie.

I can't tell you how long I have been waiting for this book!
When I first read that author Stephen Cox was coming out with a book on one of my favorite films of all time, I could not wait until it arrived!
I just finished the book today & it is brilliant!
Stephen Cox has captured the real essence, the magic & the true meaning of this film!
Christmas may be on Dec. 25, but I already feel like Santa has delivered!
I have bought a few other books in the past by Stephen Cox including The Beverly Hillbillies which I bought earlier this year & up until now, I thought that was his greatest book, but this book will blow you away!
Where did they find the great vinatge photos for this book???
There are beautiful vintage photos from the movie that I have never seen & I would love to find & buy them!
The personal stories were so touching & I now have a better understanding & special place in my heart for Frank Capra, James Stewart, Donna Reed & all involved with It's A Wonderful Life!
The book now proudly sits on my living room table where all my family & friends will be able to enjoy it this holiday season.
I just want to thank the author for finally releasing a book on the greatest Christmas film ever made!
What a treat! I will always treasure this book forever...

Stephen Cox has done an indepth reporting of all aspects of It's a Wonderful Life....a movie that has touched the hearts of millions. Cox brings the warmth and charm and heart of this film to life. I enjoyed every minute. This book will become as much a part of Christmas decorating as the Christmas tree. Every living room at Christmastime should have this book on the coffee table and the DVD in the player. Merry Christmas.

Stephen Cox has done it again! From the land of Oz to 13-13 Mockingbird Lane, Mr. Cox continues to delight us all with his wit and special insight into some of the greatest shows and performances ever seen on television or the silver screen. This time he takes us to the mythical town of Bedford Falls and into the lives of its inhabitants. Mr. Cox takes us in and around "Its A Wonderful Life" and shows us the hidden treasures that every trivia nut would want to know. The result is a great book that will leave you that much more knowledgable about a great movie you thought you knew so much about. As an added bonus Mr. Cox has included many never before seen photographs from this timeless classic, many of which are in vivid color. I hope Mr. Cox makes a million bucks. HOT DOG!!!