User reviews

...............Santa Claus has come to town. Or at least that's what a gentlemen appropriately named Kristopher Kringle played by Edmund Gwenn complete with full white beard is claiming. He makes his appearance at the Thanksgiving Day Parade as sponsored by R.H. Macy's Department Store and finds the Santa hired for the occasion, Percy Helton, full of a little too much Christmas cheer already. In charge of the parade is one of Macy's middle level executives, Maureen O'Hara, who fires Helton and hires Gwenn right then and there.

Gwenn's obvious sincerity makes him an ideal Santa Claus for Macy's and for us. He spreads the real meaning of Christmas around even has Macy's declaring a holiday truce with its rival Gimbel's. That's a part of Miracle on 34th Street that might be lost to viewers today. Gimbel's was Macy's big department store rival and it's flagship store in New York stood across 34th Street at the time. Gives a meaning to the title that is lost on today's audience.

But wiser and more sophisticated folks like the majority of us know there ain't no such thing as Santa Claus. Even Maureen O'Hara knows that and imparts it to her daughter Natalie Wood. Gwenn's just a kind old man in a white beard. But when his sanity is questioned, Gwenn's belief becomes a matter for the courts where Gwenn is ably defended by O'Hara's boyfriend, lawyer John Payne.

Like that other holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life, Christmas is never complete without seeing Miracle on 34th Street. Though New York has changed considerably since 1947 the year I made my earthly debut, the film has lost absolutely none of its charm.

Edmund Gwenn won the Best Supporting Actor of 1947 and in doing so, beat out his best friend, Finlay Currie, who was up that year for playing Magwitch in Great Expectations. The two had met in stock companies in their native Scotland and were friends right up to when Gwenn passed away in 1959. The Oscar was the high point of his career.

Maureen O'Hara in her memoirs says that Miracle on 34th Street holds a special place in her affections. In fact until Gwenn died, she had hopes of doing some kind of sequel. She bonded on stage with young Natalie Wood who later played her daughter in Father Was A Fullback also and kept in contact with her right up to her death in 1981.

Maureen also had a deep affection for John Payne who she made four films with and says was one of the nicest men in the world. One story she related was on the set of another film they made, Payne was served with divorce papers right on the set from his then wife, Anne Shirley. She said he broke down and cried like a baby. If it weren't for the fact she was married, she said she definitely could have gotten something going with Payne.

In the supporting cast note the presence of one grinch in the person of Porter Hall who played one of his patented nasty little meanies. His meddling and general misanthropy cause Gwenn to have that trial in the first place. Look for a bit role from Jack Albertson as the postal employee who inadvertently saves the day. Also making her film debut is Thelma Ritter as the mother of a child looking to meet Santa Claus, the one official Santa Claus, courtesy of Macy's Department Store.

Although Miracle on 34th Street has been remade several times over the years, this one is the genuine article. As genuine as the fact that Macy's has the official Santa Claus as certified by a higher authority.

One thing has always puzzled me though. How long did it take Edmund Gwenn to grow that beard for the part?

What's wonderful about 'Miracle On 34th Street (1947)' - and this isn't something I realised until after it had finished - is that it never actually provides a definitive answer as to whether Kris Kringle really is the Santa Claus. Personally, I took it as fact from the moment he walked into frame, but I'm pretty sure that was due to my preconceptions surrounding the plot of the picture (Santa goes to court to prove his existence). Thinking back, I had no definitive reason to think that. The absolute ambiguity of the film's central dilemma is brilliant because it forces the viewer to engage with the question that's on almost every characters' lips: is this the real Santa or is it just a kind old man who thinks he's the real Santa? In turn, this allows the movie's theme of belief to transcend its boundaries and truly take root in the audience. Whether you choose to believe in Santa, whether you choose to have faith in him, whether you choose to accept the unacceptable is entirely up to you. As such, it's that much more magical if you do. It's really impressive that the picture can actually use its ambiguity to this effect, especially that it can do so while remaining wholesome and sincere throughout. This charming Christmas tale is enjoyable from beginning to end and it holds up remarkably well seventy-five years after its initial release. It's a delightful experience overall.

REVIEW DATE 2/19/2018

PLEASE BEWARE OF SOME REVIEWERS THAT ONLY HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. I HAVE OVER 400 REVIEWS OF "CHRISTMAS RELATED FILMS & SPECIALS" WHEN ITS A POSITIVE THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE NO AGENDA! I REVIEW MOVIES & SPECIALS AS A WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN! I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY GEMS IN MY QUEST TO SEE AS MANY " C H R I S T M A S " MOVIES AS I CAN.

Now Someone keeps reporting my reviews. I guess they are jealous because I do tell the truth. I want to point out that I never make snide remarks about actors weight or real life sexual orientation. If there acting is terrible or limited "I talk about that". If a story is bad "I will mention that" So why am I being "picked on"? IMDB? When one of my reviews gets deleted IMDB will not even tell me what someone found offensive. Well on to this review.

Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) is indignant to find that the man (Percy Helton) assigned to play Santa in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is intoxicated. When he complains to event director Doris Walker (Maureen O'Hara), she persuades Kris to take his place. He does so well, he is hired to play Santa at Macy's flagship New York City store on 34th Street.

Ignoring instructions to steer parents to buy from Macy's, Kris directs one shopper (Thelma Ritter) to a competitor. Impressed, she tells Julian Shellhammer (Philip Tonge), head of the toy department, that she will become a loyal customer.

Attorney Fred Gailey (John Payne), Doris's neighbor, takes the young divorcée's daughter Susan (Natalie Wood) to see Santa. Doris has raised her to not believe in fairy tales, but Susan is shaken after seeing Kris speak Dutch with a girl who does not know English. Doris asks Kringle to tell Susan that he is not Santa, but he insists that he is.

Worried, Doris decides to fire him. However, Kris has generated so much positive publicity and goodwill for Macy's that Macy (Harry Antrim) promises Doris and Julian bonuses. To alleviate Doris's misgivings, Julian has Granville Sawyer (Porter Hall) administer a "psychological evaluation". Kris passes, and questions Sawyer's own mental health.

This is a great film that everyone should see.

This is certainly a lovely warmhearted movie, but since other reviewers have described the plot in detail, I'll move on to other topics.

I love movies like this for the insight they provide into the customs of a lost era. Watch the clothing - everybody is so dressed up! - women in dresses, gloves, and hats, men in hats and suits. Notice that when O'Hara enters a room filled with Macy's executives, even though they are the bosses and she is lower management, they all stand up instantly.

The social satire, most on display in the courtroom scenes, also is very 1940s. Apparently audiences of that era took a kind of genial corruption in the judicial system in stride. Business leaders, like "Mr. Macy" were expected to be sharp and profit-oriented, but also decent people like the rest of us. It's a much more nuanced view than the "businessman as criminal villain" so common in today's movies.

The character played by Maureen O'Hara probably needs explanation for modern viewers. Late 1940s audiences knew that the social and economic situation of a divorced working woman with a child was much more precarious than it is now. Divorce was still somewhat shocking - this is brought out neatly in the movie when her would-be lover does a double take when he learns from her daughter about the divorce - he probably had assumed she was a war widow. Divorced moms were still rare in the middle classes. Society universally agreed that women should stay home to raise their children. Economically, women in management positions were still very rare, couldn't expect promotion, and were last hired, first fired. I think O'Hara's performance brings out these qualities in a way that the audience of the 1940s would have understood easily. The character's stiffness, fear of losing control, and anxiety about her job make a great deal of sense. It would have been nice to see a few scenes showing her loosening up, perhaps at dinner with her boyfriend; no doubt those got left on the cutting room floor.

I really like the scene where Santa talks to the little Dutch orphan. First, this scene also must have resonated with the audience; in 1947 the western European countries had only started to recover from World War II, and probably many Americans were familiar with the idea of adopting a war orphan, just as many sent CARE packages. Second, by making Santa fluent in Dutch, the writer cleverly left the viewer thinking that hey, he might really be Santa Claus (isn't Santa Claus fluent in all languages)?

Some reviewers don't like the acting and think that modern actors are "better". I think the older actors aren't better or worse, just different. The audiences of the 1940s expected a certain style of acting, and the directors and actors gave that to them. Then as now, Hollywood paid top dollar and got very talented people, but like all of us they were shaped by their own time and place, more particularly the requirement to make movies that audiences would like. Move Maureen O'Hara to 2004, or Tom Cruise to 1947, and you'd see them acting in the style of that decade.

The movie starts out in a festive atmosphere. It is Thanksgiving and the employees of Macy's department store are busy with preparations for the annual Thanksgiving day parade. Doris. Walker (Maureen O'Hare) is in charge of the parade. She anxiously hires Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) to replace the man she hired to play Santa Claus when she discovers the original Santa is too intoxicated to even get on the float. Kris does such a good job that Mrs. Walker asks him to stay on in the role and be the department store's Santa. She soon has serious doubts about her decision when she discovers that her new Santa really believes he is Santa Claus.

Mrs. Walker is working, single mother, who works for Macy's Department Store in New York City. Natalie Wood plays her daughter, Susan. As the result of a failed Marriage, Doris raises her daughter to accept reality. There is no room for fantasy or make believe in her life. Susan is a quiet, child who acts more like a grown up than a 6 year old. She has difficulty using her imagination, and has become just as skeptical as her mother.

Since Kris, believes that "the important thing is to make children happy," winning the affection of Susan and her mother is his main objective.

Whether or not Kris is the real Santa Claus, there is no doubt that he seem to have an influence on almost everyone he meets--except for Macy's staff psychologist .Mr. Sawyer believes that Kris is delusional, and has him committed to thrown into a mental institution. In order to get out, Kris must face a court hearing, where not only is his sanity questioned, but the state of New York will decide if there really is a Santa Claus. Fred Gailey (played by John Payne) a neighbor of Doris Susan Walker agrees to represent Kris. The predictable end to the story is that Fred and Doris become attracted to each other, and as Fred works hard to secure Kris' freedom, Doris finds herself not only believing in Kris, but also in believing in fantasy.

Maureen O'Hara portrays Doris Walker with poise and sophistication. Although the movie is over 55 years old, the idea of a single working mom trying to raise her daughter after a bitter divorce, tells a story that is relevant by today's standards. Natalie Wood does such a good job at playing as the bright six year old, Susan, that you can almost imagine her going straight from being a baby to being an adult. John Payne, as Fred Gailey, predictably plays the handsome attorney who falls in love with Mrs. Walker. Even though it seems a bit unbelievable, this movie is all about fantasy, so we'll allow a bit of romance. Finally, Edmund Gwenn's portrayal of Santa Claus is so believable, that you almost believe that truly is the jolly old elf himself!

This reviewer would give the movie a 5 out of 5 rating. It is a Christmas classic that will be remembered for years to come as one of the best Christmas movies ever filmed. The message of the movie is not about the real meaning of Christmas, nor is it about the commercialism that has overshadowed the holiday for years. The message of the movie is that make believe and fantasy play an important role in our live. Without them we would have no basis for our hopes and dreams

Its very easy to see why this movie won the Oscar for Screenplay that year. Its very intelligent and has a lot to say about several topics - how to raise a child, how a person of questionable sanity gets treated, how greedy businessmen are, how politics play out in a courtroom..and what to do with all that damn mail addressed to Santa Claus!

Its also very mature in some ways - Doris (Maureen O'Hara) is divorced and the mother of Susie (Natalie Wood). Doris has raised Susie to be very practical and to think for herself, but she neglected to teach Susie one thing - how to be a child, when you ARE a child. Enter Mr. Gayley (John Payne), a struggling lawyer who befriends Susie as a way to get to know her Mom better.

Doris works at Macy's and is organizing their Thanksgiving Day Parade, when the Santa they've hired is intoxicated. In a pinch they hire the REAL Kris Kringle to appear in the parade. He ends up being such a big hit that he gets hired to work at Macy's also. He is not the traditional employee, however, and this comes to light when he sends a customer (the venerable Thelma Ritter) to ANOTHER STORE! Schoenfeld's, he says, has what she's looking for. Then he is overheard, by the store manager no less, sending another customer to GIMBELS!

Don't want to give away any more, but the movie is touching, dramatic and hysterical - Doris on the phone with her co-workers' wife, who has been given too much liquor, is worth a million bucks alone. Whenever I want to make my sister laugh, I do a pretty decent imitation of her saying "HELLO?" Also, I can sing the song Kris sings to the girl from Rotterdam..the girl who is so thrilled that Kris can communicate with her in her language. Susie overhearing this is beginning to think that Kris might be the real thing, and she's a pretty hard nut to crack, for a little kid.

See it, own it, memorize it..and pity the 31 souls in 'User Ratings' who gave this a '1', which is ridiculous but it takes all kinds I guess.

In my opinion, this is the best holiday film of all-time. This is saying a lot, as other films such as A Christmas STORY and HOLIDAY AFFAIR are amazing films in their own right. I think the reason I feel this is the best of the lot is that it has a certain magical quality the others just can't reach. The story is tops--clever, cute and memorable. The acting is terrific--who could be better than Edmund Gwenn? Natalie Wood had perhaps one of the best performances by a child actor ever in this film--she is a child yet seemed so real. Maureen O'Hara, John Payne and the rest are simply terrific! Overall, a brilliant film. However, please don't assume that the sequels are worth seeing. Sebastian Cabot and Richard Attenborough are simply NOT Santa--and can't hold a candle to the original

I will admit it, I may be biased. I love Christmas movies, such as Scrooge, It's A Wonderful Life, Muppet Christmas Carol and the first two Home Alone movies. But really your Christmas is incomplete without the original Miracle on 34th Street, which is quite simply a timeless Christmas treasure. It is magical, imaginative and in some ways witty as well. The simple but effective and sparkling plot tells of a man believing himself as Santa is institutionalised for being insane, but sets out to prove he is the genuine article. The screenplay is lovely, spirited and pleasant, maybe it needed to be a little more snappy in places but compared to how wonderful the film was I am past caring. The cinematography and scenery are fabulous, the whole film is stunning to watch, and the music is gorgeous. And the acting, one word superb! As Kris Kringle, Edmund Gwenn is just marvellous. He positively twinkles in the role, and did he deserve the Oscar win for best supporting actor. Why am I asking that, of course he did. Maureen O'Hara, who was a stunning actress is so lovely as Doris, and as Fred John Payne also shines. And Natalie Wood is believable and absolutely adorable as Susan. What makes this movie though is that it teaches great morals, without preaching. All in all, a truly great film, that made me believe in Santa. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Major New York department store risks bankruptcy unless it smashes the Christmas sale. Thanksgiving parade but finds difficulty in proving himself to the cynical parade sponsor. Its major Santa campaign is under threat when the disguised Santa is really drunk. Executive Doris Walker (Maureen O'Hara) snatches from the crowd a jolly, bearded gent who looks just the part and accepts, calling himself Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) . However he insists to be Father Christmas, the real Santa. Kringle by sheer chance, comes to work at Macy's department store in New York. Only Dorey's daughter Susan (Natalie Wood) really believes him. Claus brings happiness to a doubting girl and her jaded mother. Meantime , a friendly next door neighbor and lawyer is trying to get mother to melt her icy facade. But circumstances work against Claus and he winds up on a mental institution and then on trial, having to prove in a court of law that he is one and only, bona fide Santa. Rather than let him rot away in a sanatorium, Dorey's boyfriend, attorney Fred Gailey (John Payne) to maintain his claim in court as the true Santa, taking on DA Ed Collins (Jerome Cowan) with creativity and sympathetic judge Harper (Gene Lockhart). A Miracle of Entertainment!. A special reward follows mysteriously. You've got them mixed up! You're making a mistake. You're making a mistake with the reindeer. The Man behind the Miracle is bringing you laughter, tenderness, joy such as your heart has never known before!. 20th Century-Fox Entertainment Miracle!. Capture the spirit of Christmas with this timeless classic! Experience the Miracle. Discover the Miracle. If you really believe, anything can happen.

Holiday classic equal to ' Frank Capra's It's wonderful life' with Gwenn and Wood particularly engaging and charming. Here a lawyer: John Payne and a little girl: Natalie Wood must prove that a man claiming to be Santa Claus is the real thing. Actors bring soul and substance to this vintage and immortal movie. The pacing may be a tad slow moving for today's children, but the warmth of the interpretations should win them over. Edmund Gwenn steals the show as the kindly, good-hearted elderly man who calls himself Kris Kringle, y Maureen O'Hara is the pleasant but businesslike mum who's raising her daughter - nicely played by child prodigy Natalie Wood- to be much the same. Along with the aforementioned main cast, there is an attractive and friendly supporting cast with good supporting actors, such as: Gene Lockhart, Porter Hall, William Frawley , Jerome Cowan, Philip Tonge and brief uncredited apperances from Jack Albertson, Mary Field and Jeff Corey. The motion picture was competently written and directed by George Seaton. Professional and polish writer and director who occasionally rose well above his average standard and was twice rewarded with Academy Award for so making Seaton formed a partnership with William Perlberg, was to produce all Seaton's movies for several years. Both of them produced and directed the following successes as ¨Miracle on 34th Street¨, ¨The country girl¨, a monster Box office as ¨Airport¨, and usuual War film as ¨36 hours¨ and ¨Counterfeit traitor¨.

Updated remake of the 147 Christmas version was Miracle on 34th Street (1994) by Les Mayfield with Mara Wison, Dylan McDermott, Elizabeth Perkins, Alvin Greenman (The Doorman played Alfred in 1947) and Richard Attenborough (in the role de Edmund Gwenn who received an Oscar for playing Kris Kringle in the original film, but Attenborough was also an Oscar winner, but for directing and producing Gandhi). Although this 1994 adaptation can't compete with the original's classic status , but Attenborough and Wilson deliver the goods to this otherwise average rendition. Like the original film, musical, and 1973 adaptation, this remake also has a "drunk Santa" character, who is berated by Kris Kringle prior to the parade.

The great Edmund Gwenn shines as Kris Kringle, an elderly, eccentric man who may or may not be the real Santa Claus. Little Natalie Wood thinks he is, though, and that's all that matters. This movie, written by Valentine Davies, has become, along with It's a Wonderful Life, a Christmas classic, and deservedly so. It is not, I imagine, in the same league as the Capra film (what is?), but it's an awfully good little movie in its own right; and while it presents its characters and issues pleasingly it does not push the envelope too much in any one direction, as one can respond to its whimsical little story any way one pleases.

Like so many films of the immediate postwar period it stresses the faith and wisdom of small children (as,--literally--opposed to adults); and its message is that children are perhaps wiser than we think. Considering the mess that grownups had made of the world in the previous two decades it must have been difficult for movie audiences of the time to disagree. Indeed, much of the mood of the postwar era was based at least partly on this premise, as children became central to our culture as never before. Their whims and wishes became paramount. Perhaps, in the end, too much so. One can see the start of all this in Miracle On 34th Street, whose gentle message still rings true today, every year, in the waning days of December.

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET works so well because it's refreshingly free of the kind of cloying sentimentality we've come to associate with holiday movies (case in point: I watched SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE yesterday). And who thought that a film about Father Christmas would end up as a tense courtroom drama? One word to describe this film would be 'timeless'.

Despite being made back in 1947, in black and white too, this is very much a modern-feeling production. A man claiming to be the genuine Santa Claus finds himself assailed on all sides by disbelieving authorities, who court him off to an institution and then the courthouse to prove that he's an impostor.

Edmund Gwenn seals the deal on this movie. The other actors are good, yes, but it's Gwenn who proves to be the icing on the cake. His jolly, exuberant character exudes the kind of warmth and giving that's all too often forgotten in place of Christmastime commercialism, and he possesses a knowing look in his eye which makes him perfectly suited for the role.

Kudos, then, for a film which actually has something to say about the true meaning of Christmas in an original way, without shoving it down the viewer's throat.

This 1947 original is far superior to the travesty-remake of 47 years later. It's the gift that keeps on giving, thanks in large part to Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, who won an Oscar for his Santa Claus performance, Macy's, New York City the writers, Director and a superb supporting cast. MO34th Street is one of the things my family and friends most look forward to every holiday season.

Miracle on 34th Street is one of those movies which definitely tries to tug on the viewer's heartstrings. Now perhaps this movie is not quite as effective in its tugging of heartstrings as that other famous 1940s Christmas movie. Yes, Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed...that other movie was indeed "Wonderful". But Miracle on 34th Street is a very good film in its own right. This movie will definitely entertain and, yes, warm the heart as well. It's a movie which is fondly, and rightly, remembered as a holiday classic.

The film centers around kindly old man Kris Kringle who believes himself to be Santa Claus. Is it really possible that he could be? Well how much faith do you have? That's what this movie is ultimately about, faith, believing in something which common sense dictates you shouldn't. And if you have faith some rather good things can happen. Maybe even a miracle or two. When we meet her Doris Walker certainly doesn't believe. This young divorcée, responsible for overseeing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, ends up hiring Kris Kringle to portray Santa when her original actor proves to be quite a hopeless drunk. Kris is so perfect in the role that he is hired to be the Santa for the Macy's store during the Christmas season. And it is in this role that Kris will meet Doris Walker's nine-year-old daughter Susan. Doris has raised Susan not to believe in Santa Claus, not to believe in fairy tales of any kind. Susan it seems has rather sadly been deprived of having any imagination at all. Kris Kringle will set out to fix that.

As Kris Kringle sets out to open Susan's mind to all the possibilities of the imagination it is left to attorney Fred Gailey, Doris and Susan's neighbor, to work on restoring Doris' faith. And Fred will also need to put all his lawyer's skills to good use when Kris Kringle gets himself into a bit of a predicament. All the key performers do excellent work. Maureen O'Hara is wonderful in portraying Doris, tracing the arc of her character as this very serious-minded career woman opens her heart and allows herself to really believe in something. John Payne plays Fred and, dare I say it, there's a hint of Jimmy Stewart to him. Yeah, there's that other movie again. Natalie Wood is perfectly precocious in her portrayal of Susan, a child who seems impossibly mature for her age, credit for which must go to the actress playing the role. And then of course there is Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. Kris certainly is steadfast in his belief that he is in fact Santa Claus and thanks to Gwenn's winning performance you may well believe it too. Gwenn could not be any better.

All in all it's a charming, heartwarming, and undeniably uplifting movie. The story takes a little while to kick into high gear and even when it does it still is a very simple, basic story. There may even be a moment or two where the film feels a little bit mundane and there is that nagging sense it never quite hits the emotional heights another film might. But this Christmas, when you're tired of watching It's a Wonderful Life...OK, so maybe nobody ever gets tired of watching It's a Wonderful Life. But when you're done watching Jimmy Stewart and friends make time to watch Miracle on 34th Street too. There's room for more than one holiday classic.

There's a "legend" connected with this film, one which has recently gained new life via AMC: Supposedly, upon completion of principle filmmaking, 1947's "Miracle On 34th Street" then had to be submitted to the heads of Macy's and Gimble's department stores who -- had either man withheld approval -- could have cost 20th Century Fox a small fortune in rewrites and reshootings.

Frankly, in view of the fact that much of "Miracle" had already been shot on location in Macy's New York City store (to say nothing of the fact that studio heads of that era -- or any era, for that matter -- were notoriously prone not to take such financial risks), this "legend" is likely just so much "hype," otherwise known as "nonsense."

Thankfully, this is the only trace of phoniness attached to this jewel of a movie. "Miracle On 34th Street" is just that, in every sense of the word: a miracle.

Take a perfectly-crafted, thoughtful screenplay. Add an impeccable cast (from top-to-bottom, by the way; catch, just as one example, Thelma Ritter's uncredited turn as "Peter's Mother"). Throw into this mix an on-location "shoot" (along with Macy's, there's the store's actual 1946 Thanksgiving Parade, footage in a post office facility and a courthouse) which gives this film a nice sense of verisimilitude . . . just in case you're not already prepared (courtesy of Edmund Gwenn, in a totally-deserved Oscar-winning performance) to recapture your belief in Santa Claus.

"Miracle On 34th Street" is many things: a celebration of the Christmas spirit, a heartfelt plea against the "over-commercialism" (even in 1947)of Christmas, an examination of faith itself . . . just to name a few.

It works on every level. Every bit as well today, 54 years after its initial release, as then. Don't waste your time with the remakes -- both on TV as well as theatrical productions (and the less said about an abortive 1963 Broadway musical adaptation, "Here's Love," the better.)

Go for the original film. Go for the genuine article. Again and again and again.

Christmas confection from Twentieth Century Fox, released in the summer of 1947 (!), might have been a treacly mess were it not for director George Seaton's nimble handling and his wise, caring screenplay-adaptation from Valentine Davies' story. Edmund Gwenn is perfectly cast as the department store Santa who really is; Natalie Wood is adorable as a non-believing tyke who learns about faith and miracles. A most deserving recipient of the Supporting Actor Oscar, Gwenn seems like an incredibly nice man--maybe because he never has to force kindliness; more than that, he has an innate happiness and twinkle that comes from within (he truly glows in this part). Dated? Perhaps. But the message of belief, ultimately, is timeless and the silvery black-and-white cinematography from Lloyd Ahern and Charles Clarke is wonderful. The adults--Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Gene Lockhart, William Frawley and Thelma Ritter (in a wonderful bit) all shine in this classic fairy tale. It is a film without artifice. Four Oscar nominations with three wins including Seaton for his screenplay and Davies for Best Original Story. Remade for television three times; a theatrical remake followed in 1994. ***1/2 from ****

Doris Walker (Maureen O'Hara) is running the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She is a no nonsense woman who tells her daughter Susan (Natalie Wood) the truth no matter what. She insists that there is no Santa Claus. When the parade's Santa Claus falls over drunk, she grabs Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) to take his place. He then gets the job as Macy's Santa. The store's miserable psychologist refuses to believe in Kris Kringle, and schemes to put him into Bellevue. Fred Gaily (John Payne) refuse to let him go, and bring his case to court. The only thing he has to do is to prove that Kris Kringle is the one and only true Santa Claus.

There are a lot of scenes that will tuck at your heartstrings. This is especially true in the first half as he does things to make people believe that he's the real deal. When he speaks to the little Dutch girl, it would put a smile on the grinchiest Grinch. Then there is the great climax in the courtroom. There is nothing better.

Mrs. Shullivan and I have watched this classic Christmas film year after year and each year it becomes more special for rendering that true meaning of Christmas. The performances by the four main stars, namely Edmund Gwenn (Santa Claus), Maureen O'Hara, John Payne and who could forget then nine (9) year old child actress Natalie Wood. This was so well written and the four main characters performances are so memorable that they are burnt into our memories with all their famous lines.

It's a story about a single working mother and her only daughter who both have no time for believing in fairy tales like Santa Claus and Christmas until the two new men come into their lives with their very strong belief in the magical powers of the Christmas spirit.

Edmund Gwenn is "THE" real Santa Claus and even the most doubtful nine (9) year old Susan Walker and her even more serious mom Doris Walker an executive at the Macy's department store need a lot of convincing before they will transform into Christmas believers like all the rest of us movie viewers who believe in this Christmas classic film, A Miracle on 34th Street. I am eternally grateful for the film's writers George Seaton (written for the screen by), Valentine Davies who brought us such an annual memorable Christmas film classic.

A Perfect 10 out of 10 rating

I still remember this unusual picture. "Miracle on 34th Street" was released back in 1947, but it seems that this story is relevant to this day. Such stories, stories of fairy tales, are sometimes simply necessary.

The film centers on an elderly man named Kris Kringle, who unexpectedly appears at the Macy's Christmas parade in New York. He claims to be a real Santa Claus, which causes skepticism among others. Nevertheless, his sincere kindness and friendliness win the hearts of people, and he is invited to work as a "Santa" in the store. However, his claim that he is indeed Santa puts him under the scrutiny of the authorities and even leads to a lawsuit. There comes a time when faith in miracles and in the very essence of Christmas becomes a key issue not only for Chris, but for all those around him.

The painting explores many subjects. The main theme of the film is the belief in miracles and the importance of trust even in the most skeptical times. It makes you think that the Christmas spirit is not just a commercial tradition, but a symbol of inner faith in goodness and humanity. Adults often lose the ability to believe in magic and miracles, but it is at such moments, when important values are at stake, that we understand how necessary it is to preserve this faith. The film touches on a deeper question - how important are the symbols and ideas that unite people to us. Even in a cynical world where everyone needs a logical explanation, faith remains a powerful force that can change lives. Less than a couple of years after the end of World War II, the picture appeared on wide screens. The aspect of the most destructive conflict seems to be felt in the painting. People are not ready to believe in miracles when they have seen terrifying things all over the planet. And I saw something through the plot from this skepticism, from the feeling that there can be no fairy tales in principle.

The film skillfully balances fantasy and reality, creating an atmosphere that reminds us of the importance of human values. The plot highlights how important it is to believe in what cannot be touched, and also shows how one kind heart can change the views of others.

The decent acting deserves special mention. Edmund Gwenn, who played the role of Kris Kringle, showed Santa, who is not just a symbol of the holiday, but embodies the ideas of kindness, sincerity and honesty. His image turned out to be incredibly touching, and it is not surprising that for this role Gwenn received an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category. He made Kris Kringle alive and believable, embodying the Christmas spirit not only through his appearance, but also through his actions and dialogues.

Marin O'Hara as Doris Walker also impresses with her performance, showing the transition from skepticism to recognition that miracles really exist. Her duet with John Payne, who played the role of a lawyer, gives the film emotional depth, revealing both personal and general human conflicts. Their interaction and the development of relationships in many ways make the film more personal and vital.

The film was not only commercially successful, but also received critical acclaim and awards, becoming an important part of the history of cinema. The film won three Academy Awards - for "Best Story", "Best Adapted Screenplay" and "Best Supporting Actor". Moreover, the film was nominated for "Best Film", but lost to "Gentleman's Agreement" by Elia Kazan. These awards confirm how well and subtly the script and dialogues of the picture were worked out, which masterfully convey the atmosphere, the spirit of the holiday and questions of faith.

This film stands out for its scale not only in terms of the plot, but also in the way it explores such deep themes as faith and human nature. The story of Kris Kringle still remains relevant, and its message - that faith in miracles can change lives - continues to inspire.

"Miracle on 34th Street" is a film that touches hearts thanks to its simple but powerful idea. Its scale is not only in the visual images, but also in the emotional themes that the film touches on, and in the impact it has on the audience, reminding them that miracles are possible if we are open to them.

7 out of 10.

"I believe... I believe... It's silly, but I believe."

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) has been on my watch-list for a while, but I never had time to watch it. It was the same with It's a Wonderful Life. Now that I have seen it, I can see why.

But I watched the 1947 version before the 1994 one with Richard Attenborough because I wanted to start with the original and not leave it in the dust.

So, the 1947 Mircale on 34th Street lives up to the hype of being a pleasant and festive film that stood the test of time. I could tell the people making it loved being a part of it as it came across through the screen.

I liked how the movie does not give away whether he is the genuine Santa Claus. Is he the real deal? Or is he just a madman taking the role of Santa too far? Instead, it leaves it up to you if you believe or not. Why spoil the magic and mystery of a beloved character?

Edmund Gwenn is the definitive movie Santa Claus in my eyes. Just the way he interacts with children, you feel like a kid again just by listening to him. Edmund Gwenn does make you believe. He won an Oscar for this performance, and rightfully so. Although it might be only me who finds this strange, Santa Claus knowing how to use a whip can, unfortunately, lead one's mind to grim implications. But anywhere, Ho ho ho.

Also, I did not expect to see a nine-year-old Natalie Wood before her career blew up.

However, one of the most amusing things I have found from the movie is when researching, I watched the trailer to get an idea of what the movie will be like and came across a trailer that is one of the worst advertisements for any media. In the trailer, you get text on the screen saying, "You will love Miracle on 34th Street!" Is that a threat? Then, it shows a montage of greedy studio people watching the film, laughing, crying, and enjoying the experience. Then they all talk about promoting the movie to the people, shouting suggestions. After that, the text, "You will love Miracle on 34th Street!" returns on the screen.

That was a fascinating find. Other than that, it's a great Christmas movie that remains timeless.

There are really just a handful of Christmas movies threat are worthwhile. This is the true classic, better than any of the remakes. To me, its not Christmas until I see Its a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and this movie.

Do yourself a favor, ignore all the remakes and watch this. Edmund Gwynne makes you want to really believe he is Santa. Great roles by Maureen O'Hara ( whom I could watch all day anyway), and Natalie Wood. Combines love elements, a pointed commentary on faith, humor, and a little bit of suspense ( not much, but enough to make it fun). Detractors would say it is predictable and I cannot argue with that, but I also believe that it is part of the magic of the film.

Miracle on 34th Street tells the story 9f an old man who goes by Kris Kringle. After he comes across Macy's Christmas parade with a drunk Santa. He speaks to the director a single woman mother Susan (Natalie Wood) ends up taking part in the parade and later a job as Santa at Macy's. Only for. He became amicably popular with everybody around him. Especially Susan's daughter Doris who doesn't believe in fairy tales or Santa but starts to which what her mother doesn't like. While Miracle on 34th Street is a classic, to say the least not detoru8ng from its overall theme it is a heartwarming watch that paces its story well and aloud to get to know the cast. While also embodying the spirit of Christmas of Family and happiness. While also poking jabs at the commercialism of the holiday tastefully. That's primarily why KS to its likeable from the Characters of Susan and her neighbor Mr. Gailey they add this sense of chemistry between them not romantically, but more so ideas and sort of Gener switching the roles. Where's the mother is all bitter and doesn't care or want to believe in such nonsense as Santa? Doesn't want her daughter to believe in such false promises hinting at the father not being around. She makes for a good antagonist that you can hate at first but understand a little. Where's Mr. Gailey computed through and throughout the film? You also have the Macy manager, the Psychologist, the young man Kris befriends, and of course Kris Kringle himself. Who brings so much charm and likability to this film? He's just so festive and positive It does a great of keeping that Whimsical magic yet keeping it simple in reality. Whether he's Santa or just some kind of old man is never really concrete there's no magic in the sense in the movie. Which in a way makes it even better. Setting up more the idea of making a difference in others' lives regardless of who you are.