It's A Wonderful Life isn't the original
The version currently available on Roku isn't the original. This version has a completely different musical score, which makes it like a Hallmark movie. In the opening credits, they removed the "It...
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So strange how these somewhat small changes to the original, in particular the music, upset the continuity of the film. I too had to turn it off because of the music and pulled my DVD out to watch it in its correct format.
Thank goodness I have a copy both in VHS and DVD to fall back on.
I’m almost afraid to watch The Bishops Wife with Cary Grant.
Christmas DVDs here I come.
One more thing How did I wind up with a PIG 🐽 next to my name!! 🤣
Just listened to a Wall Street Journal podcast that answered this. I’ll try to be concise.
In 1974, the rights to IAWL belonged to Republic Pictures, but they forgot to file papers to extend the copyright and if it fell into the Public Domain. This meant any TV station could air it for free.
The repeated showings of IAWL on local TV stations ironically is the reason IAWL got a second lease on life. A box office disappointment when it was originally released, through now constant exposure it found a new, large and passionate fan base.
By the mid 80’s IAWL became iconic and there were multiple companies issuing it on VHS (for free)
Republic Pictures decided they needed to do something. It was too late to control the rights to the film, BUT they did manage to get and keep control of the rights to the soundtrack of IAWL by Dimitri Tiomkin and the short story it’s based on by Philip Van Doren Stern.
So now in order to air a FREE version of IAWL both the original soundtrack and any reference to the original short story has to be excised.
So now only NBC is licensed to broadcast the unchanged, undiluted version of IAWL. Other broadcasters and streaming services can only legally show it by substituting a different soundtrack and, in the opening credits, remove the reference to the original short story.
So now you know why versions playing on any platform other than NBC has that awful music and in the opening credits claims it’s based on a “Story by Charles Dickens”.
Thank you for that information! I wish all viewers could know this before they watch, like there could be a disclaimer slide at the beginning before it starts. That's something that Roku should look into.
Not sure how true that podcast/article was. I’m watching the original right now on Christmas Plus. You have to put up with commercials but at least it has the right music and voices and it’s in colour.
Staupitz Very interesting. Good to know, thank you!
The link to the WSJ transcript and podcast you may be referring to is here https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/the-wonderful-accident-behind-a-christmas-classic/d65f820b-c834-4ff5-ad49-7ee66355eb3a
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Although not necessarily stated (in that podcast or other sources discussing this copyright snafu) that others can continue to provide the film for free by simply changing the music, this helps explains what people are seeing. Since NBC is provided the exclusive viewing right of the copyrighted music along with the film and reference to the original short story 'The Greatest Gift' (per an agreement with Republic Pictures), it appears that others are only provided with a license to provide the film 'without the copyrighted music' or reference to the original short story.
Since no longer in the public domain, cannot just provide the film for free simply by changing the music. Still need permission/license from Republic Pictures.
Glad I still have the original Black and White version in a bunch of different video formats/mediums.
Thanks for providing the info, clears up a bunch of confusion. 👍
