Christmas is barely two weeks away. While some set up their Christmas trees and decorate their houses, film enthusiasts sort out lists of holiday movies for their movie marathon. And rarely any such movie list is complete without Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

This Dec. 20 marks the 70th anniversary of the 1946 classic. For many watching the iconic movie is a tradition during Christmas time.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the movie was aired almost all the time. This was because Republic Pictures failed to renew its copyright on the movie in 1974 making it available on public domain for the next 20 years. Several television networks in the U.S. took full advantage of the situation and aired it almost endlessly. However, a 1993 Supreme Court ruling gave back the copyright to Republic Pictures who signed a deal with NBC in 1994 giving the network exclusive broadcast rights.

Another tidbit about “It’s A Wonderful Life” is that it was not a box-office hit. Yes, the movie that is now considered a must-watch Christmas classic did not go well with moviegoers in the 1940s. Capra, the director and producer of the movie, is reported to have taken a $500,000 loss. The film had a hefty budget of $3.8 million and garnered only $3.3 million during its first run. However, the movie received much praise decades later when it was shown on television ahead or on Christmas several times.

As Christmas approaches, you can watch “It’s A Wonderful Life” online. The movie is not available streaming on Amazon Prime, but you can buy it in digital HD on Amazon Video for $6.99. The movie is also available on YouTube for $6.99 here. However, Hulu is not streaming the classic as of December 2016.

If you still are not convinced, go through “It’s A Wonderful Life’s” memorable quotes, which will surely get you in the Christmas spirit.

Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers): Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?

Annie (Lillian Randolph): I’ve been savin’ this money for a divorce, if ever I got a husband.

Zuzu Bailey (Karolyn Grimes): Teacher says, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”

George Bailey (James Stewart): Isn’t it wonderful? I’m going to jail!

Bert (Ward Bond): Isn’t there any romance in you? Ernie Bishop (Frank Faylen): Sure, I had it... but I got rid of it.

George Bailey: Merry Christmas, movie house! Merry Christmas, Emporium! Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan!

George Bailey: You call this a happy family? Why do we have to have all these kids?

George Bailey: I wish I had a million dollars... Hot dog!

Bert: Liver pills? We need posters of beautiful places, romantic places. Places George wants to go!

Cousin Tilly (Mary Treen): Mrs Bailey is on the phone. George Bailey: I don’t want Mrs Bailey I want my wife... Mrs Bailey? Oh, that’s my wife.

Clarence: [In book inscription] Remember, George, no man is a failure who has friends.

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