'It's a Wonderful Life'

Mary Owen, the daughter of film star Donna Reed, will speak on her mother's role in the 1946 classic "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown, at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Originally a box office failure, the movie has evolved into one of the most enduring films of all time. The museum will host a special showing of the film at 1 p.m. Saturday, followed by a presentation by Owen.

Directed by Frank Capra, "It's a Wonderful Life" came out to mixed reviews and a poor box office showing. Not until the film became an annual holiday television tradition in the late 1970s did it become a treasured American classic.

The film stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey with Donna Reed as Mary, his wife. Born in 1921, Reed appeared in more than 40 films and worked extensively in television as both an actress and a producer. She died at 64 from cancer.

"It is an honor to host Ms. Owen at the museum," said Joseph Garrera, executive director. "Just in time for the holidays, we have the opportunity to revisit an inspirational holiday classic film and hear how making it affected the life of one of its stars."

The event also serves as the opening of the museum's annual holiday exhibit, which includes its model railroads.

"Trains are never more magical than at the holidays. They capture the imaginations of young and old. We see this in the 'Polar Express,' 'Thomas the Tank Engine' and the lure of trains are everywhere," said Garrera.

The holiday exhibit runs through Jan. 11. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Admission is free to members. There is a charge for non-members.

For more information call 610-435-1074 or visit www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org.