The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” has become so ingrained on our holiday culture that it is difficult to believe this delightful movie saw little success at the box office when it was first released in 1946. In fact in its initial release the film didn’t come even close to grossing its production cost of $6.3 million.

Despite its poor monetary performance “It’s a Wonderful Life” was nominated for five Academy Awards (Best Director Frank Capra, Best Picture, Best Actor James Stewart, Best Editing William Hornbeck and Best Sound Recording John Aalberg).