The movie It's a Wonderful Life is set in Seneca Falls. The movie was not filmed here, but the town was the vision in the writer's mind when he wrote the book. Seneca Falls celebrates this heritage in many ways, including an It's a Wonderful Life Museum, pictured above. Seneca Falls becomes the movie town of Bedford Falls as you step inside the museum, and in many spots as one walks the town.
The movie did not receive the best of reviews when it premiered Christmas Day, 1946, but it has become a Christmas classic, running on multiple TV networks every Christmas. Seneca Falls bills itself as "The Real Bedford Falls" with an It's a Wonderful Life Festival every December. A fun aspect of visiting Seneca Falls.
The second bridge in town, at the other end of downtown, has a history that was worked into the story as a major aspect. In the early 1900's a person jumped off this bridge in an attempt to commit suicide. Someone else jumped off the bridge to save them. The rescue was successful, but the Good Samaritan died in the attempt.
Another storyline follows real life, although not a story from Seneca Falls. Amando P. Giannini founded the Bank of Italy in San Francisco. He often gave loans to people in need secured only with a handshake. It was his example of caring about people that Frank Capra used to develop the character of George Bailey at the savings and loan in Bedford Falls. The Bank of Italy was successful, very successful. It grew into the Bank of America, much too large and impersonal to give a loan on a handshake.
Many aspects of the movie are documented in the museum, including George Bailey's suitcase which he planned to use on his venture around the world and the cigar cutter from the drug store where he worked as a youth.
Facts about the actors' lives after the movie were documented. Few probably remember that Donna Reed became a leader in a movement to end war in campaigning for a Cabinet position of Secretary of Peace.
The child actors still are involved in the celebration of the movie, participating in the It's a Wonderful Life Festival every year.
As one walks through town there are constant reminders that you are in Bedford Falls. How's a deli fit that description, you ask?
The menu is dedicated to the characters and places in the movie.
The street that crosses that second bridge is known as Bedford Falls Blvd.
And, the cross street at the base of the bridge is George Bailey Lane.
It's a Wonderful Life integration into the fabric of the town gives a fun, nostalgic feel to Bedford Falls . . . oh, it's Seneca Falls.
