FRANK CAPRA

"It's a Wonderful Life" debuted 75 years ago — but it wasn't an instant commercial success.

It was just another job for child actor Karolyn Grimes.

In Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast,” a black-and-white, heartfelt memory piece told largely from the perspective of the filmmaker as a boy, the tension outside on the streets weighs on a young family.

(NBC/Apple/HBO Max/Netflix/Disney + via AP)LOS ANGELES – Bring on the sentimental holiday rom-coms, the chorus of Christmas music specials and the nostalgia of last century’s animated charmers. HOLIDAY HARMONY— “My Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood,” now streaming on HBO Max. — “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special,” Dec. 4, Apple TV+. Music, dancing, animation and surprise guest stars help create what the streaming service promises to be a heartwarming journey with the pop star. Dolly Parton sings hymns, holiday pop classics and tunes from her new album, and shares personal and faith-based Christmas memories.

OK, and let's not forget "Young Mr. Lincoln," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and the first of Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes movies. Some of those movies made this list -- how could they not? "The Grand Illusion" (1937)Set during World War I, this great French drama from director Jean Renoir explores the futility of war and class distinctions through French officers captured by German forces. "Casablanca "(1942)Bogart and Ingrid Bergman will always have Paris, and film fans will always have this stirring tale of an American finally choosing duty over love in the midst of World War II. "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946)The definitive movie about soldiers returning home from war, filled with touching moments.

Gustavo Caballero/Getty ImagesPaul McCartney is working on a stage adaptation of the 1946 film "It's A Wonderful Life," which will be the first musical of his long and storied career. Kenwright acquired the rights to "It's A Wonderful Life" three years ago, and contacted McCartney about working together on the project, which is set to launch in late 2020. For his part, Hall revealed that "It's A Wonderful Life" is his favorite film. "To give it a life on the stage is an immense privilege in itself but to do with Paul McCartney is off the scale," the Tony Award winner said. Earlier in July McCartney played a gig in Los Angeles during which he invited former bandmate Ringo Starr onto the stage.

1991: Film director Frank Capra, best known for movies like "It Happened One Night" and "It's a Wonderful Life," dies of a heart attack in his sleep at the age of 94 in La Quinta, California. Capra won Academy Awards for Best Director for "It Happened One Night," "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "You Can't Take It With You," and also earned three more nominations in his career. Hide Caption