Say (see) it once again: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

Above : Donna Reed, Jimmy Stewart and Karolyn Grimes star in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” (Photo/Fathom Events)

When the actor Jimmy Stewart was cast in the role of George Bailey in Frank Capra’s 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” it marked his return to Hollywood.

Though he was one of the stars of his day, having won a Best Actor Oscar for the 1940 film “The Philadelphia Story,” Stewart hadn’t appeared in a movie since 1941’s “Ziegfield Girl.”

The reason? Stewart was the first major American actor to enlist in the Army during World War II. He would go on to become a pilot, fly in the European Theater and win the Distinguished Flying Cross among other citations.

So when he returned to Hollywood, Stewart wasn’t exactly a model of acting confidence. But as generations of moviegoers have witnessed, his doubts about his abilities had no basis. His performance as George Bailey turned out to be one of the best of his career, and it came in a film that is even today considered one of the best holiday movie ever made.

Which is why it’s good news that “It’s a Wonderful Life” will screen locally four times beginning Sunday at Regal Cinemas theaters at NorthTown Mall and Riverstone Stadium. The full schedule:

Sunday: NorthTown 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Riverstone 3:30 only.

Monday: NorthTown 7 p.m.

Tuesday: NorthTown 7 p.m.

Wednesday: NorthTown and Riverstone 7 p.m.

If you go, don’t forget to look for Zuzu’s petals .