One of the most beloved American films returns to the silver screen this Christmas, when the Smith Opera House presents Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Dec. 18, 19 and 20.

Volumes have been written and posted on line about this heartwarming fantasy; the plot revolving around George Bailey (James Stewart), his childhood sweetheart Mary (Donna Reed) and Henry Potter (Lionel Barrymore) is familiar to most viewers.

The film was initially seen as a fairly downbeat view of small-town life. Only after it lapsed into the public domain in 1973 and became a Christmastime TV perennial did it don the mantle of a holiday classic.

“It's a Wonderful Life” will be shown at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. In black and white, the movie is not rated (it would have been G) and has a running time of 2:12 minutes. All seats are $3 and details are available by calling (315) 781-LIVE (5483).