Little girl in It's a Wonderful Life now watches the movie for the little things
LANCASTER, N.Y. (AP) - Who hasn't spent part of a holiday season watching It's a Wonderful Life?
But even the most devoted fans of Frank Capra's 1946 classic film might find something new in its black-white images after listening to Karolyn Grimes. She played Zuzu Bailey, the little girl with the memorable movie-ending line: "Look, Daddy: Teacher says that every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings."
Grimes, now 64, said she's seen the movie, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, so many times she's beyond paying attention to the story and acting and instead focuses on the subtleties others may overlook.
"Like for instance, there's a point where Mary and George are asked to go to Florida with Sam Wainwright and his wife. Very subtly, (Mary) rubs her tummy - and that night she tells him she's on the nest," Grimes said.
Grimes has a whole presentation about such moments, which she attributes to "the magic of Frank Capra."
"So many people love this film," she said during a stop in this Buffalo suburb, where she introduced the Lancaster Opera House's stage production of the story.
"It's such a part of the Christmas celebration nowadays that it's become part of our culture."
Investigators Search Jackson's Ranch
LOS OLIVOS, Calif. - Sheriff's investigators conducted a search of Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch on Friday, a department spokesman said.
Sgt. Chris Pappas confirmed that a warrant was served at the rural estate but he would not release any more information.
Jackson has already been charged with child molestation, and his Neverland ranch was searched previously in the case. He faces trial next year.
The search warrant was served at 9 a.m. and investigators remained there into the late morning, Pappas said.
Attorneys on both sides are barred from commenting on the case. A message seeking comment was left at the office of Jackson's spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain.
Neverland, about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles, was first searched on Nov. 18, 2003.
At least 60 investigators from the Sheriff's Department and district attorney's office conducted that raid on the multimillion-dollar property.
The theme park-like estate has a mansion, zoo and amusement park with bumper cars, a merry-go-round and Ferris wheel. Jackson hosted many children's parties there.
Jackson was originally charged in December 2003 on allegations of molesting a boy. Prosecutors then took the case to the grand jury, which issued a superseding indictment in April.
The pop star has pleaded not guilty to child molestation, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent, alcohol, to the alleged victim. Jackson's trial is scheduled to start Jan. 31.