The Armed Forces Radio and Television Service issued the Lux Radio Theatre version of It’s a Wonderful Life in 1970 (RU 7-1). The Lux version had been broadcast March 10, 1947.
The show was spread over the A-sides of two 12-inch, 33 1/3/ RPM discs (66A and 67A). That way, using two turntables, the show could be played straight through without the need to flip a record over for the second half of the show. Two completely different half hour shows – Army Hour and Crossroads – were on the B-sides of the two records. The date September 20, 1970, is stamped on the B-side of the first disc. It is probably safe to assume that this is the date the radio station received the discs. Actual broadcasting dates are not known.
The show is introduced with these words from the announcer, “From the archives of the greatest dramas in radio history, we proudly present Hollywood.” At this point the familiar Lux Radio Theatre theme music begins. As usual, all commercials have been edited from the program. Also, the interview with Stewart, Donna Reed and Victor Moore at the end of the show has been greatly edited. In fact, Stewart is the only one heard and he answers just one question.
You can never hear (or see) It’s a Wonderful Life too many times. So, here is the AFRTS version, taken directly from the original discs.
Disc 1:
Disc 2:
