An annual screening of a well-known Christmas classic movie will feature a special message recorded by one of the film’s characters.

The Erin Arts Centre is to screen the much-loved film ’It’s A Wonderful Life’ on Wednesday, December 16, with two showings from 2pm and 7.30pm.

This year the screening will be introduced by one of the stars of the film of one of the youngest stars of the 1946 film, Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey, the daughter of the central character, George.

Karolyn recorded the special, seasonal message for the fans of the film after being approached by Martin Brunschweiler, the owner of Bushy’s Brewery, that has sponsored the screening of the film for the past seven years.

The short video message will be shown before each screening of the film.

’It’s A Wonderful Life’ stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a failed banker who is deeply unsatisfied with his life and tries to commit suicide.

He is saved by a visit from his guardian angel, who shows him the positive effect he has had on many people around him.

Karolyn, now aged 80 years old, was a child actor who played a number of roles before her tenth birthday, although she was best known for playing Zuzu, when she was only six.

Zuzu was given one of the pivotal lines at the end of the film, saying ’every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings’.

Martin said that he approached her after he heard that she was fond of appearing at fan conventions and was delighted when she agreed to record the film.

’She was really lovely and was really happy to do it for us’, said Martin.

’We have been sponsoring the film for seven years now and we wanted to do something a little special.

’I think that is wonderful that we are able to have an actual member of the cast give us a personal message and this will make this year’s film screening that little bit more special.’

Tickets for the screening of ’It’s a Wonderful Life’ are £8 and £2 for under 18’, available from the Erin Arts Centre box office on 832662.

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers