Zuzu Comes to Bismarck

Zuzu Bailey

COMES TO BISMARCK

BY MARIA FLECK | PHOTOS SUBMITTED

It’s A Wonderful Life is a classic, feel-good Christmas movie that has endured for generations and brought joy to countless people. This 1946 movie was directed by Frank Capra and stars James “Jimmy” Stewart and Donna Reed. The story follows George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), husband of Mary Hatch (Donna Reed), who on Christmas Eve finds himself financially ruined and on the brink of despair, wishing he had never been born. His guardian angel Clarence (Henry Travers) appears to let George see the significance of his life by showing him what would’ve happened to his town and the world if his wish was granted. The movie’s timeless message of hope has made this film an enduring favorite.

Karolyn Grimes played the iconic role of Zuzu Bailey, the adorable young daughter of George Bailey. She started acting at the age of four and was six when she appeared in It’s A Wonderful Life. She remembers being excited to film this movie because of

the other young actors and actresses on set who she could play with. She was also fascinated by the snow on set, despite it being fake, since she had never experienced snow before. Back then, no one realized how big this movie would become. In fact,

Karolyn wouldn’t watch the movie until she was 39 years old. Now, the movie has become a source of

inspiration for her, and she estimates she has seen it hundreds of times at

this point, but it never gets old. “I always feel good after watching it,” Karolyn explains. “It just gives me a boost up to face reality and to face life. It makes you feel like you make a difference and it renews your spirit.” This holiday season, Karolyn Grimes is coming to Bismarck! Zorells is hosting a ‘Zuzu Comes To Zorells’ event on Black Friday and Small Business Friday, November 26th and

Saturday, November 27th. Zorells will have a new custom halo pendant to purchase in honor of It’s a Wonderful Life as well as many other special items.

The other event Zorells is hosting with Karolyn Grimes will be held at the Belle Mehus on Saturday November 27th. The doors will open at 6 pm for a social hour and meet and greet with Karolyn Grimes. There will be holiday hors d’oeuvres served, It’s A Wonderful Life trivia, and memorabilia for sale. A portion of the sales will go to the Children’s Charity. At 7:30, Karolyn Grimes and Tim Ell, owner of Zorells, will take the stage for a pre-movie chat where Karolyn will share behind-the-scenes stories

and memories of her time on set.

The audience will also get a chance to ask their own questions. This will be followed by a complimentary showing of It’s A Wonderful Life.