Is It's a Wonderful World Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, It's a Wonderful World is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
It's a Wonderful World Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1939, It's a Wonderful World enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Detective Guy Johnson's client, Willie Heywood, is framed for murder. Under the direction of W.S. Van Dyke, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Claudette Colbert, James Stewart, Guy Kibbee. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, It's a Wonderful World offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, It's a Wonderful World is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.4/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Comedy, Romance, Crime, Mystery, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of It's a Wonderful World
- Claudette Colbert – Edwina Corday
- James Stewart – Guy Johnson
- Guy Kibbee – Fred 'Cap' Streeter
- Nat Pendleton – Sergeant Fred Koretz
- Frances Drake – Vivian Tarbel
Top Highlights
Claudette ColbertEdwina Corday
James StewartGuy Johnson
Guy KibbeeFred 'Cap' Streeter
Nat PendletonSergeant Fred Koretz
Frances DrakeVivian Tarbel
Edgar KennedyLieutenant Miller
Ernest TruexWillie Heyward
Richard CarleMajor I. E. Willoughby
Cecilia CallejoDolores Gonzales
Sidney BlackmerAl Mallon
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, It's a Wonderful World stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1939 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It's a Wonderful World movie hit or flop?
It's a Wonderful World has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is It's a Wonderful World worth watching?
It's a Wonderful World is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Romance, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is It's a Wonderful World?
It's a Wonderful World is a Comedy, Romance, Crime movie that Detective Guy Johnson's client, Willie Heywood, is framed for murder. While Guy hides him so he can catch the real killer, both of them are nabbed by ...
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Critic Reviews
This is a cracking, quickly paced little comedy thriller with Claudette Colbert really on form as the rather dreamy poet who finds herself caught up in James Stewart's murder shenanigans. He is a PI whose wealthy pal is held for murder. When Stewart ("Johnson") is offered $100k to get to the bottom of it all, he tries to investigate, gets arrested, escapes from the cops into a river and alights on poor old "Edwina Corday" (Colbert) whose car he hijacks. After a bumpy start to their relationship, the pair of them are soon on the case to solve the mystery. It moves along well, the two stars - along with Guy Kibbee as "Cap Streeter" - gel well with some pithy lines from Colbert and daft scenarios well executed by them both as they close in on their prey. In the end, it doesn't really matter who killed whom - it's just an enjoyable vehicle for the two stars who are having some fun - and it is contagious.