It’s a wonderful tradition.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” during holiday time at the Dietrich, that is.
Since we first reopened the Dietrich Theater in 2001, our gift to the community is to have free showings of this classic and beloved movie. We are so grateful to Ace-Robbins, Inc. for its continuing sponsorship of this tradition, including free popcorn and soda. Because of our friends at Ace-Robbins. we have free showings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, first-come/first-served. No reservations – just come.
The fact that it is really all about community is what makes this a special event. Anyone can watch the movie on a TV screen at home, but there is something so special about watching it with a theater full of people who want to enjoy the experience in the company of others in the holiday spirit. Many have made this a yearly event for themselves and their families and friends. Some want to get here early to sit in a particular seat. One man makes sure he is the very first one to get a ticket every year.
“It’s Wonderful Life” is the perfect movie for this time of year, because it is all about what is truly important in life and the ultimate story of the spirit of giving. It was produced and directed by Frank Capra in 1946, based on the short story “The Greatest Gift,” written by Phillip Van Doren Stern in 1939 and published privately in 1945.
The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams in order to help others and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be had he never been born.
Don’t be surprised if everyone bursts into song at the end of movie. If you don’t sing, you will at least be bursting with the Christmas spirit. And as you leave the theater, say a silent “thank you” to the Tunkhannock community that decorated the theater and to the Ace-Robbins community that brought three movie showings to the Dietrich, including free popcorn and soda.
We are rich in community spirit and we are most grateful.
One definition of “community” is “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.” Around the holidays, don’t we all want the same things – peace and good will toward others?
That is what our community is all about.
That is what binds us.
You are part of our Dietrich community. That’s why we want to see you again soon and often.
