Question: it's a wonderful life - set in what year?
Answer: James Stewart plays George Bailey from the age of 21 to 38 (from the night of the school dance in 1928 to Christmas 1945). Stewart was 37-38 years old during the April-July 1946 filming. 25 year-old Donna Reed plays Mary from the age of 18 to 35. The film takes place from 1919 to December 24, 1946.