Question: when was it's a wonderful life released
Answer: It 's a Wonderful Life Theatrical release poster Directed by Frank Capra Produced by Frank Capra Screenplay by Frances Goodrich Albert Hackett Jo Swerling Frank Capra Based on `` The Greatest Gift '' by Philip Van Doren Stern Starring James Stewart Donna Reed Lionel Barrymore Henry Travers Music by Dimitri Tiomkin Cinematography Joseph Walker Edited by William Hornbeck Production company Liberty Films Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures Release date December 20 , 1946 ( 1946 - 12 - 20 ) Running time 130 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $3.