A Wonderful Life Experience

Preparing for any outing is a mission impossible. Something always goes wrong or someone gets sick or mama gets stuck doing things she shouldn't be and therefore finds herself running around like a chicken without a head!

Yeap! So the latter was true for me this time around. My eldest son never snuggles with me but that afternoon he actually fell asleep on me which made me want to close my eyes for a few minutes and it all got crazy from there....By the time I got up I had to cook so that we could have filled bellies when we watched the screening of, "It's a Wonderful Life". I had to wash all the dishes and all the bottles as well-thankfully I am a great multi-tasker but still....we were supposed to leave at 5pm but it took me a bit to get ready seeing at it was the first time I did my own vintage hairstyle and wore a snood--but I did it!

After my dad came by to babysit (my angel-truly!) we were off (at 6pm! eek!) Luckily the show wasn't going to start until 7pm and they didn't open the doors until 6:30pm. It's New York so you really have to be to things early if not you won't get a good seat. To my surprise my husband decided to drive into the city instead of taking the train which saved us heap of trouble and time. Unfortunately while we were looking for parking someone threatened to attack my husband because he thought my husband touched his car. Wow! Those are the moments I despise New York and all the violent, thug like wannabees, but alas I digress....now to the good stuff....

To tell you that the screening was a magical experience is an understatement. After seeing "West Side Story" on the big screen I knew I wanted to see more because it really is a different way of viewing a film. You can feel and see and understand things you just don't fully get on the small screen. Don't get me wrong--I am so grateful for DVDs and for Netflix, because that way I can view oodles of classic films. But there is something incredibly unique about experiencing the viewing of a film on the BIG SCREEN!

One of the speakers before the viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life" was Karolyn Grimes who played "Zuzu Baily" in the film. It was such a pleasure hearing her stories and I knew it was only the tip of the iceberg of all the things she could have shared with us but unfortunately as always in New York fashion there was a time crunch.

She did do me the honor of allowing me to interview her a few days before the screening. And this is what she had to share:

1. What is one of your fondest memories of working on the film, "It's a Wonderful Life"? Playing in the snow..it wasn't real but I loved it. It never snows in Hollywood

2. You had some sweet and memorable scenes with James Stewart--What was it like for you to work with him? He was very tall 6'4" and very gentile. He had a lot of patience.

3. The first time you saw yourself in this film--what did you think of your performance and about what the message it was trying to convey? I was young when I saw it and really did not think about it. Today I think there were many messages in the film but the main messages are that each one of us matter and that we can touch lives and make a difference. We should be thankful for what we have in our lives and realize the importance of faith family and friends..

4. The films represents the idea that great friends and faith in yourself can bring you out of the worst situations that life has to offer. Do believe this is the reason this particular film continues to inspire so many people even after so many years? That and the fact that it is a tradition and family time that is so special. It gives you hope and comfort.

5. The younger generations seem to dismiss classic films and simply labeling them as "old" and "relics"--to them it means it has no value in their society. How would you explain the worth of viewing and enjoying classic films to younger people? How would you encourage them to give these films a try? I think there are many young people that appreciate the value of the classics. I believe that they are more and more becoming aware of the films of the golden era...That is what my emails tells me as well as the many young people that I meet on the road.

Thank you again Karolyn for allowing me to interview you!!!

To add to my amazing evening, The Academy Theater at Lighthouse International where we viewed the film also gave every guest their own Blue ray copy of "It's a Wonderful Life"!!!! Thank you to them and also to Paramount Pictures who will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary in the film making industry.

"It's a Wonderful Life" also celebrated their 65th Anniversary this year and what a joy and honor it was to see it in such a beautiful theatre. I plan on visiting this location more often for more screening when the snow melts away and March comes along. By then they promise to showcase a lot of fabulous films.

And as if the night could not get any better...well....it did! Ms. Mary Owen, the daughter of Donna Reed, who played "Mary Bailey" beautiful in the film was in attendance as well. After the film I was able to introduce myself to her and she was so sweet and kind--I was just in awe of meeting these two amazing women. Ms. Owen did mention to me that "It's a Wonderful Life" will also be showcased in IFC Center in Manhattan from Friday, December 16th to Tuesday, December 27th. So try and check it out!

What a night it was! It's always an adventure for me! LOL And yes I will share with all how my snood adventures went as well hehehe I

Happy I got to share my beautiful night with you all and I hope it inspires you to watch more classic films!!

xox

PS When you all can, please check out The Donna Reed Organization and pass the link to others! Thank you!!