Jimmy Stewart Movie Day on TCM - August 13, 2011

You may guess my favorite Jimmy Stewart film. It is, of course, It's a Wonderful Life. It is the very reason why this blog is titled, "It's a Wonderful Movie". I love everything about the movie - George Bailey, Bedford Falls, Clarence, the Bailey family, and as Mary Bailey says... "and well, everything!" Unfortunately, it cannot be played during this TCM Jimmy Stewart Movie Tribute Day. Why? Because it is owned by NBC and they play it once or twice at Christmastime. However, if you own It's a Wonderful Life on DVD - you can watch it whenever you want and there are many other Jimmy Stewart movies to enjoy!

There is actually another Jimmy Stewart movie, titled It's a Wonderful World. I have never seen it and it was done years before IAWL, but I am curious to watch it. (by the way - it is being played on August 12th!) It is not in any way connected to IAWL, except, that they both star Jimmy Stewart.

Plus, TCM is playing the incredible movie, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. We sure could use a man like Jimmy Stewart, in Washington today! I hope many will watch and be inspired. The Shop Around The Corner has a Christmas Scene - so many of us Christmas Movie watchers - will enjoy that one. Many of the other other movies TCM is playing of Jimmy Stewart's, are Westerns.



August 12, 2011:

It's a Wonderful World 10 PM


August 13, 2011:

The Last Gangster 6:00 AM

The Shopworn Angel 7:30 AM

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 9:00 AM

Wife vs. Secretary 11:15 AM

Vivacious Lady 12:45 PM

The Shop Around The Corner 2:30 PM

Bell, Book And Candle 4:15 PM

The Naked Spur 6:15 PM

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 8 PM

No Highway in the Sky 10:15 PM

Anatomy Of A Murder 12:00 AM

The Murder Man 2:45 AM

The Stratton Story 4 AM



Unfortunately, two of my other favorite Stewart movies won't be on today, either. They are Rear Window and The Man Who Knew too Much. Who doesn't love a good mystery? Oh well... maybe next time!

All I know is this... Whatever Jimmy Stewart is in, he captivates the screen and his audience.

Enjoy!





*Click here for all James Stewart Movies - available on DVD.

-

Hallmark Hall of Fame & Gospel Movie Channel Premiere New Movies this Sunday!

Gospel Movie Channel's New Movie Premiere, titled What If, will air 3 times on Sunday evening.

January 30, 2011 - Sunday:

What If ... Gospel Music Channel ... 7 PM *NEW
What If ... Gospel Music Channel ... 9 PM *NEW
What If ... Gospel Music Channel ... 11 PM *NEW

Click here for more details! Images, Cast, Movie plot, etc...

*I've heard this movie has an "It's a Wonderful Life" type feel! Of course, nothing can top the original... however, I love the idea of watching something inspired by it.


CBS will air the newest Hallmark Hall of Fame production once on Sunday night, titled The Lost Valentine.

January 30, 2011 - Sunday:

The Lost Valentine (Hallmark Hall of Fame) ... CBS ... 9 PM *NEW

Click here for more details! Images, Cast, Movie plot, etc...

*This should be a wonderful film for all hopeless romantics!

Christmas in January... it's all in the Heart!!!

Well, it may be after Christmas officially by the Calendar, but I still find ways to celebrate and keep the Season alive! I continue to listen to Christmas Music and watch some of those Christmas movies I taped during December when I was way too busy to watch some nights! Last night, our family watched: A Nanny for Christmas. It was pretty cute - a nice family movie with a sweet love story mixed in.

And, even though it is after Christmas, I still look to see if I can find any Christmas Movies, sitcoms, anything, etc... on TV. On Monday night, I watched The Next Great Baker - just because they were making Christmas themed cakes. Buddy (the Cake Boss) is absolutely amazing at creating & decorating cakes. It was fun to watch the others try and do in 30 minutes what he can do in less than 5! Incredible! (( It is being replayed: Cake Boss: Next Great Baker - 'Tis the Season to Be Jolly! - Monday, January 10th, at 6:00 PM. ))

Also, I have marked on my Calendar to watch Cary Grant in An Affair to Remember ( Tonight, January 5th, 10:30 PM on TCM ) and The Bishop's Wife  ( Thursday afternoon, January 6th, 3 PM on TCM ).

I love old movies, but I have never really seen An Affair to Remember. Doesn't it take place around the Holidays... specifically New Years? I have seen The Bishop's Wife numerous times... it is very Christmassy! I love when they show the children staring in the storefront windows with wonder and excitement on their faces. I also love that their daughter is ZuZu from It's a Wonderful Life!

Enjoy, Everyone! If you want to keep the Christmas Season in your Heart just a little longer, then I certainly hope you do!

What If - an Inspiring Modern Day "It's a Wonderful Life" type Movie

MOVIE REVIEW

What If

available on DVD

Network: Gospel Music Channel

Premiere Date: January 30, 2011

CAST:

John Ratzenberger ... Mike, the Angel
Kevin Sorbo ... Ben Walker
Kristy Swanson ... Wendy Walker
Debby Ryan ... Kimberly Walker
Taylor Groothuis ... Megan Walker

PLOT:

What if…, tells the story of Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), who fifteen years ago left his college sweetheart Wendy (Kristy Swanson), and his calling to be a preacher, in order to pursue a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying executive gig, a trophy fiancé, and a new Mercedes, he hasn’t considered a family nor felt the need to set foot in a church in fifteen years.

But God has other plans. While on a thrill ride outside the city, his new car mysteriously breaks down, and he’s visited by a tow truck driver named Mike (John Ratzenberger) who claims to be an angel sent to show Ben what his life would look like had he followed his true calling. Suddenly Ben wakes up in the middle of domestic chaos as his wife Wendy and daughters (including Disney Channel’s Debby Ryan) are getting ready for church, where Ben is the new pastor.

Before he can get back to his old life, Ben must first embrace this reality and discover the value of faith and family, and perhaps restore his love for those who were heartbroken fifteen years ago: Wendy and God. In the tradition of It’s a Wonderful Life and The Family Man, What if… is a story of finding your true purpose in life.

Movie Review:

What if is an intriguing, inspiring story of a man, Ben Walker, who thinks he has it all - wealth, career, and power... and then he receives the gift of - What if.

What if... he had chosen a different path?

He gets his wish!

What if stars Kevin Sorbo and John Ratzenberger. Sorbo portrays Ben Walker, and Ratzenberger portrays Mike, the Angel.

It's a great Christian-based story. It all begins when Ben buys himself a new Mercedes to celebrate a deal he has made as a successful investment banker.

He ends driving to his old hometown, wrecks the car, and the air bag pops out. Along then, comes Mike, the tow truck guy, who just also happens to be an Angel.

Mike explains to him the "What If" scheme, but Ben is not very cooperative, so in order to transport him to the place he’s supposed to be - Mike, the angel slugs him in the face. (I couldn't help it - I liked the rest of the movie, but thought this was odd and not really necessary. Maybe it's a guy funny thing. I did think Kevin Sorbo and John Ratzenberger made this comical.)

After being hit, Ben is immediately transported to the life, as it could have been, if he had married his girlfriend, Wendy and not left her at the bus station 15 years ago. Not only is he automatically married, but he is also a father now to two girls. And, after the family goes to church, he discovers he is also, Surprise!, the Pastor, too, which had always been his calling.

At first, Ben makes a mess of everything - handling life with his old way of thinking - misuse his power, buy people off, etc... until he gradually learns to trust in the Lord, as he develops his relationship back again by studying the word. Along the way, Ben and Wendy have their own troubles, too - but he finds her one day praying for him and it touches him deeply.

Ben begins to understand what is important in life and is just getting used to his new life when he is transported back to his powerful banker position and must decide what to do from here? Will he continue to live life on the fast track to success or will being a Pastor and finding love again with Wendy bring true fulfillment? Will Wendy even take him back after all these years?

It's an inspiring story of faith, family, and forgiveness... until the very end!


See or Skip:

See, it's a heartwarming and exciting adventure!


---------------------

"It's a Wonderful Life" airs on TV Tonight - December 11th, 2010

This is the night when fans of "It's a Wonderful Life" from all over the U.S. will stop all their plans just to be in front of their screens tonight to see Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey... the Richest man in Town!

Oh, we all have the movie on dvd - many of us have several copies, but just to watch it again when we know the rest of America is watching, too.... is something special!!!


I thought I would share some favorite IAWL photos below...


Plus there's a 2 minute Video of the Movie Trailor below the images...

Enjoy!

This movie is a gift to everyone who watches it... for the story shows that God designed us - each and everyone, for a purpose!

Merry Christmas, Everybody!!!

God's blessings to You All!!!


This is truly the best night (December 11th, 2010) of Television ... with It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Meet me in St. Louis, An Old Fashioned Christmas, A Boyfriend for Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, The Santa Clause 3 : The Escape Clause, An Avonlea Christmas, Holiday Inn, and so much more!!!!

Visit the CHRISTMAS TV SCHEDULE for all the air dates and times.


-