TUNKHANNOCK — The Dietrich Theater is continuing its 17-year history of free showings of the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. The movie, popcorn, soda and cookies are free, sponsored by Ace-Robbins.
The free showings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” have become a tradition at the Dietrich Theater since it reopened in 2001. It is a time to express gratitude to the community that helped rescue the hometown theater and continues to support it.
The 1946 Frank Capra film is an expression of what is truly important in life – a fitting holiday film to cherish each year. It tells the story of George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, who wishes he had never been born, when an angel is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted and how they would be different if he were never there.
Moviegoers will have the opportunity to give a gift to the Wyoming County Food Pantry in memory of Barbara J. Jones, who worked hard to help fill the shelves at the pantry for more than 25 years. The Dietrich Theater, where Barbara volunteered her time as bookkeeper for 17 years, is honoring her memory for the second year by collecting non-perishable items such as canned fruit, canned vegetables and canned meats, peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce and cereal to help those in need and are served by the Wyoming County Food Pantry.
This will be the second Barbara J. Jones Food Drive to coordinate with “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Dietrich, and it will be continued each year.
The life of the movie character George was a one of giving and helping others, and Jones’ life was also full of giving. For years at Nativity BVM Church in Tunkhannock, she made sure that everyone who needed one received a holiday food basket. At the Dietrich Theater when she saw a need, she gave generously.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” movie tickets are only available on a “first come, first served” basis at the time the movies are shown. For more information, call 570-996-1500.
