It Happened One Christmas
Synopsis
It's Christmas Eve 1944 in the small town of Bedford Falls, New York. A despondent and suicidal Mary Bailey Hatch is praying for guidance on what to do about an incident no fault of her own which threatens her name and the community standing of her longtime family business, the Bailey Building and Loan, which she took over after the passing of her father. What Mary does not know is that most in town, including her husband George Hatch and their children, are also praying for her. All the prayers are heard by Joseph, God's gatekeeper of prayers. As there are no other angels available on such a busy day, Joseph assigns Clara Oddbody, angel second class (i.e. she has yet to receive her wings), to Mary's case, which he reluctantly does as Clara has never been assigned a case on her own in the two hundred years she's been in heaven for good reason.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
ABC Christmas promos 1977
Type: Trailer • Published 2016-12-15
Top Cast
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Marlo Thomas
Mary Bailey Hatch
Orson Welles
Henry F. Potter
Wayne Rogers
George Hatch
Cloris Leachman
Clara Oddbody
Barney Martin
Uncle Willie
Karen Carlson
Violet
Dick O'Neill
Mr. Gower
Doris Roberts
Ma Bailey
Richard Dysart
Peter Bailey
Cliff Norton
Martini
Archie Hahn
Ernie
Christopher Guest
Harry Bailey
Gino Conforti
Sassini
Morgan Upton
Bert
Robert Emhardt
Judge
Ceil Cabot
Cousin Tillie
Bryan O'Byrne
Doctor
Rita George
Helen Bailey
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Donald Wrye
- Screenplay & Story
- Philip Van Doren Stern, Lionel Chetwynd
- Original Score
- Stephen Lawrence
- Original Title
- It Happened One Christmas
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 50m
- Production Studios
- Universal Television
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Donald Wrye
Philip Van Doren Stern, Lionel Chetwynd
Stephen Lawrence
Conrad Hall, Charles Correll
Robbe Roberts, William Martin
Carole Hart, Marlo Thomas
Department Leadership Roster
Donald Wrye
Director
Lionel Chetwynd
Writer
Carole Hart
Producer
Marlo Thomas
Producer
Conrad Hall
Director of Photography
Robbe Roberts
Editor
William Martin
Editor
Stephen Lawrence
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for It Happened One Christmas.
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Frequently Asked Questions About It Happened One Christmas
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is It Happened One Christmas about?
It's Christmas Eve 1944 in the small town of Bedford Falls, New York. A despondent and suicidal Mary Bailey Hatch is praying for guidance on what to do about an incident no fault of her own which threatens her name and the community standing of her longtime family business, the Bailey Building and Loan, which she took over after the passing of her father. What Mary does not know is that most in town, including her husband George Hatch and their children, are also praying for her. All the prayers are heard by Joseph, God's gatekeeper of prayers. As there are no other angels available on such a busy day, Joseph assigns Clara Oddbody, angel second class (i.e. she has yet to receive her wings), to Mary's case, which he reluctantly does as Clara has never been assigned a case on her own in the two hundred years she's been in heaven for good reason.
Who directed It Happened One Christmas?
It Happened One Christmas was directed by Donald Wrye.
Who stars in It Happened One Christmas?
The principal cast of It Happened One Christmas includes Marlo Thomas, Orson Welles, Wayne Rogers, Cloris Leachman, Barney Martin.
When was It Happened One Christmas released and how long is it?
It Happened One Christmas was released in 1977 with a total runtime of 1h 50m.
Who composed the musical score for It Happened One Christmas?
The original motion picture soundtrack for It Happened One Christmas was composed by Stephen Lawrence.