Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

About Miracle on 34th Street

"Miracle on 34th Street" is a beloved holiday classic centered around the yuletide season. The story is about a kindly old gentleman named Kris Kringle who believes he is the real Santa Claus. After getting a job working as Santa at Macy's department store in New York City, his claim to be the actual Santa Claus leads to controversy and a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, whether or not he is who he claims to be.

Making / Production

The film was directed by George Seaton and produced by William Perlberg for Twentieth Century Fox. Despite being a Christmas movie, it was released in May 1947 to capitalize on the higher theater attendance in the warmer months.

Actors

• Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle: Played the role of a kind and lovable old man who believes he is the real Santa Claus. His authentic and endearing performance brought Santa to life in a heartwarming way.
• Maureen O'Hara as Doris Walker: O'Hara’s character is a pragmatic and harried Macy's executive who struggles to believe in Santa's existence and magic of Christmas.
• John Payne as Fred Gailey: Payne plays a charming and kind-hearted lawyer who befriends Doris and her daughter Susan, and defends Kris in court.
• Natalie Wood as Susan Walker: A young Natalie Wood portrayed Doris' skeptical daughter, who learns to believe in Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was shot in the real Macy's in New York City during the bustling Christmas season.
• Edmund Gwenn won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Santa Claus.
• Natalie Wood was convinced that Edmund Gwenn was the real Santa Claus during the shooting of the film.

Awards

"Miracle on 34th Street" won three Academy Awards including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Edmund Gwenn), Best Writing, Original Story and Best Writing, Screenplay. It was also nominated for Best Picture.

Quotes

• "Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to."
• "Oh, Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind."
• "I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor. I'm a symbol, I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's musical score was composed by Cyril Mockridge, but also featured several familiar holiday songs, including "Jingle Bells", "Deck the Halls", and "The First Noël".
• The classic holiday film is also noted for its lack of a traditional opening overture, instead leaping straight into the film's action from the opening credits.