According to a 2006 book, "A spate of movies appeared just after the ending of the Second World War, including "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) and "Stairway to Heaven" (1946), perhaps tapping into so many people's experience of loss of loved ones and offering a kind of consolation." "It's a Wonderful Life" premiered at the Globe Theatre in New York on December 20, 1946, to mixed reviews. While Capra thought the contemporary critical reviews were either universally negative, or at best dismissive, "Time" said, ""It's a Wonderful Life" is a pretty wonderful movie. It has only one formidable rival (Goldwyn's "The Best Years of Our Lives") as Hollywood's best picture of the year. Director Capra's inventiveness, humor, and affection for human beings keep it glowing with life and excitement."