Classic Christmas film gets its own dedicated channel playing 24 hours a day

19 December 2023 , 15:30

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James Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life (Image: CBS via Getty Images)

Christmas classic movie -

- has been given its own dedicated channel and you can watch the movie on a continuous loop 24 hours a day.

Widely considered one of the greatest Christmas films of all time, the classic tells the magical tale of an angel visiting a frustrated businessman on Christmas Eve, showing him how his kindness has transformed so many lives. Pluto TV, a free streaming service, has launched a channel playing the film on loop every day until Tuesday, January 2.

The five-time Oscar-nominated epic was directed by Frank Capra, and is regularly referred to as one of the best movies ever made. It features Henry Travers as the angel sent from heaven on Christmas Eve to help the businessman, played by James Stewart, by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.

James Stewart received his third Best Actor Oscar nomination when he took on the role of George Bailey, a benevolent banker who sacrifices his life’s dreams in order to help his community. In 2020, Radio Times readers voted it as the all-time great Christmas film.

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And BBC Radio 2 listeners also picked the 1946 classic from a list of 25 festive films in the same year. Critic James King said: “It’s what Christmas is all about: Friendship, kindness and the importance of family. It’s still warming hearts of all ages and feels especially poignant after a tough 2020.”

Die Hard, with Bruce Willis, was second, followed by The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone, Elf and Love Actually. Mr King added: “It’s great to see vintage favourites such as White Christmas and Scrooge in the Top 12. It proves we’re happy to ignore what’s new or cool in the festive season.” Other films on the list include Miracle on 34th Street, The Polar Express and the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

The movie is on a loop until January 2 (CBS via Getty Images)

A Pluto TV spokeswoman said: “We’ve hit that point of the year where festive movies are essential and It’s a Wonderful Life is as essential to Christmas as mince pies and brandy butter. So, what better way to indulge than to have a dedicated channel showing the film 24 hours a day over the festive period.”

Kelly-Ann Mills