In cooperation with the Marvel Theater in Carlinville, the Carlinville Christmas Market Foundation will host a special showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22.

The cost to enjoy the Christmas classic on the big screen in the historic Marvel Theater is $5 per person.  Guests can purchase the theater’s famous popcorn in the lobby, along with snacks, and soft drinks at the customary prices. 

 “There are lots of Christmas-time movies, but we chose a classic like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life” because Bedford Falls is similar to Carlinville,” said CCMF board member Amy Petrovich.  “It’s a small, charming town with nice people, established traditions, and a togetherness that you don’t find in big cities.  And there’s nothing more moving than Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed working through the rough times toward a romantic ending when the entire town rallies behind them.

“We know that TV stations often run the movie at Christmas time, but there’s something special about seeing it on the big movie screen rather than a TV,” Petrovich explained.

Proceeds from movie ticket sales will help pay some of the expenses of producing the 2009 Christmas Market festival, which take place this year on December 4, 5, and 6.

“We invite everyone – those who have seen the movie before and the younger people who might be seeing this classic for the first time – to join us in a movie celebration of the Christmas holidays,” added Petrovich.