'It's a Wonderful Life' moves to be shown outside in Regent Square

It just wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Unfortunately, the one theater where Pittsburghers could count on seeing it has shuttered, at least temporarily. The Regent Square Theater, which showed the Frank Capra classic on an annual basis, was suddenly closed last week by The Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media.

But now fans of “It’s a Wonderful Life” need only go a little farther up South Braddock Avenue to see the film. 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. will hold a free, outdoor showing of the movie on Dec. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

And while it’s reasonable to expect that cold weather will prevail, 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. plans to have a fire going and s’mores available to keep folks warm. They are, however, encouraging those planning to attend to bring their own chairs and blankets.

The showing will take place in the parking lot at 1130 S. Braddock Ave., across from Square Cafe.

In case of extremely inclement weather, Dec. 21 is reserved as a rain date.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is the story of a desperately frustrated man, played by Indiana, Pa., native James Stewart, who thinks his life has been completely wasted. But an angel is sent from Heaven to show the man what life would have been like if he had never existed.

The film was released in 1946 and was nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role for Stewart, and Best Director for Capra, who ended up winning a Golden Globe.