‘WONDERFUL’

See Christmas movie come to life in Seneca Falls, N.Y.

SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — Early each December, a magical transformation takes place in Seneca Falls, as the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” leaps off the screen.

The word “Bedford” replaces “Seneca” on signs marking the city limits.

The tavern at The Gould Hotel becomes “Martini’s.”

Along Fall Street, the main drag, George Bailey shouts, “Merry Christmas! Hello, Bedford Falls!”

Not far away, a cigar-chewing Mr. Potter gruffly grumbles, “Merry whatever. Someday, this will be Pottersville.” And perhaps most poignantly, Zuzu exclaims, “Look, Daddy! Teacher says, ‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.’ ”

Seventy-two years following the film’s premiere 275 miles away in New York City, folks here celebrate Frank Capra’s crowning achieveSee MOVIE, page 5