Zuzu to make a ‘Wonderful’ appearance

by Joshua Maloni
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, December 1, 2007
Grand Island Pennysaver

Actress Karolyn Grimes, best known for her role as Zuzu Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” will make an appearance on Sunday, Dec. 9, at the new Barton Hill Hotel and Spa in Lewiston. The thespian, who has worked with Jimmy Stewart, Bing Crosby, John Wayne, Fred Astaire and Carey Grant, will speak and sign autographs.

Though a commercial flop when it was released in 1946, “It’s a Wonderful Life” became a huge hit when it was accidentally released into the public domain in 1971 and began to air regularly on television. Since then, the Frank Capra movie, named as one of the greatest pictures of all time by the American Film Institute, has served as a staple of the holiday season with two annual showings – including one on Christmas Eve.

In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey (Stewart) wrestles with life’s struggles, particularly the looming threat of losing his business – the Bailey Building and Loan Association. Assuming the world would be a better place if he left it, he meets his guardian angel, Clarence, and sees firsthand what his community would be like without him. Realizing his worth to others – and to his family – he becomes a new man, with a new appreciation for life.

Grimes, as Zuzu, offered the film’s most memorable line: “Look, daddy! Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”

Today, the actress travels across the country recounting stories from the film. She says those she meets have lit faces and eagerly interact with her. “The people and the stories they share about the movie, and the impact it’s had on their lives, (is the best part of touring),” she said Thursday. “They love that little girl!”

With the prodding of her “stage mother,” Grimes began acting at a young age. In 1945, a then 5-year-old Karolyn made her film debut in “That Night With You.” Over the course of the next seven years, she appeared in more than a dozen additional movies, including 1945-46’s “Pardon My Past” (with Fred McMurray); 1946’s “Blue Skies” (with Crosby and Astaire) and “Sister Kenny” (with Rosalind Russell); 1947’s “Unconquered” (with Gary Cooper and Boris Karloff) and “The Bishop’s Wife” (with Grant); and 1950’s “Rio Grande” (with Wayne and Maureen O’Hara).

Speaking on the experience of making films at a young age, Grimes said, “It was a world of make-believe. For a little girl, that’s pretty special.”

At the Barton Hill Hotel, she will talk about “It’s a Wonderful Life.” She’ll also share tales of working with Hollywood’s most famous actors – stories like her 10th birthday party. Born on the fourth of July, this particular anniversary was made special thanks to “The Duke.”

“John Wayne threw me the best birthday party I ever had in my life!” Grimes said. The venerable actor gave her $300 worth of fireworks, which they shot off at Colorado River Bluff, and a giant birthday cake. “That was pretty good.”

Karolyn Grimes will appear at the Barton Hill Hotel and Spa, corner of Center and North First streets, Lewiston, at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9. The event is free and open to the public.