CHRISTMAS just would not be Christmas without a showing of Frank Capra’s finest film- the 1946 classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (U) at Christchurch Regent on Wednesday December 6 ( 11am and 6.30pm).

Starring an unforgettable James Stewart, the film appeals to everyone as a charming comedy drama with great warmth and humour, whilst the ending is a thought provoking, poignant tear-jerker.

Beset with personal and professional problems, George Bailey (James Stewart) finds his previously happy life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve. Seeing no way out, George considers suicide from the edge of a bridge - but Clarence, his guardian angel, intervenes and shows George what his beloved hometown of Bedford Falls would be like without him.

Shocked by what he sees and at the unforeseen circumstances of his absence, George reconsiders and begs Clarence to return him to the problems of the present and the loving community he has fostered throughout his life.

One of the stars of the film is the late Gloria Grahame, who plays Violet in the film. Gloria Grahame’s later life on stage in the West End in the 1970s is the subject of one of this year’s hot favourites for Oscar glory in 2018. Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool (15) stars Annette Benning as Gloria Grahame with Jamie Bell as her young lover, who rescues the great star when she falls dangerously ill in London and takes her home to Liverpool to be nursed by his Mum, Julie Walters. This true story is a poignant romantic drama with an award- worthy performance by Annette Benning, who is a dead ringer for Gloria Grahame.

Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool (15) follows soon after It’s a Wonderful Life (U) at the Regent on Friday 8, Monday 11 & Tuesday 12 December. Tickets: 01202 499199 www.regentcentre.co.uk