It's A Wonderful Life: Copyright status

I recall reading that the copyright on the film "It's A Wonderful Life" had expired due to failure to renew. But I also recall reading that somehow the copyright in the screenplay or some other part of the film had not expired and that as a result, under cases such as Stewart v Abend, the film in effect is no longer freely available. Does anyone have any sources for this? Did I dream it, a la George Bailey in the film? I know that at one time the movie was broadcast on multiple stations, but that now only one network has the rights. I just don't recall how that evolved.

Thanks! Received on Tue Oct 17 2000 - 19:02:45 GMT