Two favorite holiday movies might be familiar, but many film fans have never seen them on the big screen, so downtown Peoria’s non-profit Apollo Theater on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17 will show “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s Wonderful Life” to help celebrate the season.

“A Christmas Carol” is the critically acclaimed 1951 version of Charles Dickens’ memorable short story, starring Alastair Sim as greedy Ebenezer Scrooge, who after a ghostly experience changes from a miserly holiday hater to a man who appreciates Christmas and the rest of humanity – rich and poor alike.

The 86-minute British motion picture is considered one of the best renditions of the moving morality tale. It will be screened on Friday, Dec. 16.

The next night, “It’s A Wonderful Life” will not only show on the big screen – the Apollo is showing it twice, at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m.

Director Frank Capra’s warm feature from 1946 stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a nice guy in a small town who inadvertently becomes overwhelmed with burdens so severe he considered committing suicide so his family and struggling building & loan business can benefit. Then a modest “angel, 2nd class” named Clarence intervenes.

The 125-minute charmer has a terrific cast, ranging from Donna Reed, Henry Travers and Thomas Mitchell to Lionel Barrymore, Gloria Grahame and – as Bert & Ernie – Ward Bond and Frank Faylen.

Regular show times at the Apollo are 7:00 p.m. Donations are $5 and $4 for kids, students and seniors. For details call (309) 673-4343.