(Original reviewed 12/4/2012)
While there have been two serviceable remakes, neither come close to the magic of the original “Miracle on 34th Street”. This 1947 Christmas picture has become a stalwart for Christmas movie watchers each and every year. But while most modern Christmas movies are cheap and gimmicky, “Miracle on 34th Street” rightfully holds its place as a true Christmas classic as well as an incredibly well-made film. It’s also one of the few seasonal pictures to get recognition from the Academy Awards. It won four Oscars, was nominated for Best Picture, and is a movie that deserves the accolades and treasured status it has received.
George Seaton directed and wrote the script which begins on Thanksgiving day. The beautiful Maureen O’Hara plays Doris, a cynical single mother who works for Macy’s and is in charge of their Thanksgiving Day Parade. As she frantically works to get the parade under way, she discovers that her Santa Claus is drunk off his feet. Desperate to find a replacement for the big finale of the parade, she convinces a passerby named Kris (Edmund Gwenn), who strikingly looks the part, to fill in. His convincing work eventually earns him a spot as Macy’s department store Santa. His only quirk? He claims to be the real Santa. But Doris’ bosses overlook that after seeing their customers positive reaction to him.
But the core of the story and the most satisfying component of it revolves around the relationship between Kris, Doris, and her young daughter Susan (Natalie Wood). Susan is just like her mother, cynical and skeptical about all sorts of things, most notably the existence of Santa Claus. Kris sets out to not only convince Susan that he is Santa Claus but to convince Doris that there are many things in life worth believing it. Helping him along the way is Fred Gailey (John Payne), a struggling attorney who is also attracted to Doris. Fred uses the crafty old technique of getting close to the daughter in order to get close to the mother. He and Doris eventually hit it off even though his willingness to believe in things sometimes clashes with her stubbornness.
I really like the chemistry between O’Hara and Payne. Their developing relationship is easy to buy into especially thanks to O’Hara’s cautious confidence and Payne’s witty self-deprecating humor. Both give spot-on performances. Also, young Natalie Wood is fantastic. She wonderfully portrays Susan and her childlike innocence combined with her inherited skepticism. And then there is Edmund Gwenn who is still the most convincing Santa Claus I’ve seen on film. His undeniable sincerity and infectious charm flows from every scene he’s in and his Oscar was well deserved. The movie also gives us great supporting roles such as Porter Hall as Macy’s psych evaluator and the movie’s chief antagonist, James Seay as a nursing home doctor and friend to Kris, and Jerome Cowan as a district attorney given an certain impossible task. The cast is fantastic from start to finish.
“Miracle on 34th Street” is a nice mix of holiday sentimentality (in a good way) and genuine feel-goodness. But it’s also a wonderfully written story that’s flawlessly realized through sharp direction and the perfect cast. It’s easy for some to dismiss Christmas movies as shallow seasonal escapism. But there are those special gems that are simply great movies. They show us that sense of style and craft that remind us of how good movies can be. This is one of those films.
I have to admit to never actually seeing this. I should really check it out. Seen the Attenborough remake but didn’t care much for it. Nice work bro!
Thanks man. I thought the remake was ok but not in the same league as this one. It definitely deserves its Oscar recognition. And Gwenn is fabulous.
Agreed, on more or less every point. Especially the cast. And especially Gwenn – every other attempt at playing Santa pales in comparison to his mastery.
Even if the remakes are decent, they just don’t compare to this original. It is simply just that good.
You’re right. The remakes can’t touch the original. And isn’t Gwenn just fantastic? Love him.
I haven’t seen it either. Might need to see if I can find it on TV over Christmas.
Hopefully you can. Such a great movie.
One of those films that is well made on all accounts. A perfect film in general any time of the year. Maureen O’Hara is radiant and Gwenn is perfect. Natalie cute as a button. Nice review, Keith.
Yes, yes, and yes. O’Hara is just beautiful and Wood is sooo charming.
It’s crazy that I haven’t seen this one for some reason Keith, I know, shame on me! I should watch “Miracle on 34th Street” at some point, hopefully sometime this Christmas even 😀
Oh yes, you really need to see it. I would love to read your review on it. Maureen O’Hara is stunningly beautiful and young Natalie Wood, she’s just great. But Edmund Gwenn is the show stealer. You just gotta see him!
I also meant to say I have it on DVD and would be happy to let you borrow it. I don’t know if I could get it to you before Christmas though. 🙂
Oh that’s ok Keith, I think it’s probably on Netflix. Thanks for your kind offer though, if for some reason I can’t find it I might take you up on it 😀
I need to watch this again. I remember not being too fond of it, though that was years ago. Nice review.
Thanks man. Give it another shot. I’m a big fan myself.