The Warren County Library presents a Zoom presentation on “It’s a Wonderful Life,” on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m.

The presenter is Brian Rose, a professor emeritus at Fordham University, where he taught for 38 years in the Department of Communication and Media Studies.

Frank Capra’s classic was voted the most inspirational movie ever made by the American Film Institute and has been a beloved Christmas classic for many generations. The snowbound streets of Bedford Falls, the desperate travails of George Bailey, and the discovery of Zuzu’s petals have become traditional signatures of the holiday season. Yet when the film was released in 1946, it was a box-office flop, won no Academy Awards, and was largely forgotten-until it was rediscovered through endless airings on local TV stations beginning in the 1970s and on annual Christmas Eve broadcasts on NBC starting in 1992.

This virtual talk will examine the fascinating story of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” looking at the challenges of how it was made, its surprisingly dark portrait of small-town life, and how it became the ultimate portrayal of holiday goodwill and cheer.

DVDs are available to borrow through the library.

Rose has written several books on television history and cultural programming, and conducted more than a hundred Q&A’s with leading directors, actors, and writers for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, and the Screen Actors Guild of America. His lectures on film and television history have been presented at the Smithsonian, the 92nd St Y., and at JCCs and libraries throughout the country. Register with Kim Urban at (908) 818-1280 or kurban@warrenlib.org.

New Years For Kids Dance Party

The Southwest Branch of the Warren County Library will provide an opportunity for children to celebrate the New Year, albeit a little early.

Preschoolers and other young children are invited to shake their egg shakers and toss their scarves to get ready for a new year. They will move and groove, play with the parachute and then count down to the New Year at noon. This program, which begins at 11 a.m., is best suited for children ages 8 and under and will be held in the meeting room of the Southwest Branch in Stewartsville.

Register with presenter Chrissie at (908) 689-7922 or cmcgovern@warrenlib.org.