Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

What Genre Is It?

Comedy/Drama

Why Watch Miracle on 34th Street?

Miracle on 34^th Street is a classic Christmas film that highlights the importance of friendship, hope, and love. Starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, Natalie Wood, and John Payne, this film captures the heart and soul of the holiday season.

Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) wants to protect her young daughter, Susan Walker (Natalie Wood) from unrealistic expectations. Doris has one belief: that life must be viewed from a completely realistic perspective in order to avoid disappointment. According to Doris, fairy tales, lullabies, and the imagination are harmful to children—as such fantasies only lead to future disappointments. However, when Doris meets one particular man with a long white beard, jolly disposition, and red suit, her life is turned upside down.

Is Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) a delusional senior citizen, or is he really Santa Claus? Fred (John Payne) believes Kris Kringle really is Santa, and even Doris’ own daughter believes there is something special about Kris. The situation comes to a head when Kris Kringle purposely fails one of his psychiatric tests; thus, resulting in a dramatic court case. Only a touch of Christmas magic will be able to resolve the lunacy hearings. Will Kris be committed to an asylum, or will the judge admit that Kris really is Santa Claus?

To the delight of classic movie fans, William Frawley plays a minor character in this film along with Thelma Ritter, Gene Lockhart, Philip Tonge, and Jack Albertson.

Behind The Scenes Fun

Memorable Quote

“All right. You go back and tell them that the New York State Supreme Court rules there’s no Santa Claus. It’s all over the papers. The kids read it, and they don’t hang up their stockings. Now, what happens to all the toys that are supposed to be in those stockings? Nobody buys them. The toy manufactures are going to like that. So, they have to lay-off a lot of their employees. Union employees. Now, you’ve got the CIO and the AFL against you. And they’re going to adore you for it, and they’re going to say it with votes. Oh, and the department stores are going to love you too…and the Christmas card makers… and the candy companies. [Laugh]. Oh, ho, Henry, you’re going to be an awful popular fellow.”

~Charlie Halloran to Judge Harper