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2d ago

Amazon Prime Lists Abridged 'It’s a Wonderful Life' That Cuts Key Sequence

The shortened cut traces to a Legend Films edit linked to copyright workarounds, with no explanation yet from Amazon.

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American actors James Stewart (1908 - 1997) as George Bailey, and Donna Reed (1921 - 1986) as Mary Hatch Bailey in a promotional still from 'It's A Wonderful Life', directed by Frank Capra, 1946.
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A scene from Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life," with Jimmy Stewart and "Clarence" the Angel, played by Henry Travers.

Overview

  • Viewers encountered an “abridged edition” on Prime Video this week that is roughly 22–30 minutes shorter than the original runtime.
  • The cut omits the film’s pivotal sequence, drawing sharp backlash from fans who say the story becomes confusing for first‑time viewers.
  • Amazon streams the complete film for Prime members, while the abridged version is free with ads, and unclear labeling has led some to select the shortened cut by mistake.
  • CNN reports the shortened version matches a Legend Films release derived from a 2020 RiffTrax edit and began appearing on Amazon in 2024 with Legend credited.
  • Legal experts tie the edit to the film’s public‑domain history and underlying story and music rights, and both Amazon and Legend Films have not commented on the listing.