“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.”
A Christmas movie that is truly special has that moment. . . that specific sequence magically able to transcend the medium – enlivening our spirits, touching our hearts, rejuvenating the soul. . . a bell ringing – it giving an angel its wings; a humbug of a man able to get another chance at really living life; a family, despite all odds, getting home to their young son that has been left home alone; and, in today’s film, though the ending could arguably be it, a woman brings her newly adopted (orphaned) Dutch daughter to see Santa Claus at the mall, as the little girl truly believes she will be able to speak to him – her mother, knowing that he can’t speak the language, is gobsmacked when he starts to talk to her – bringing so much joy to her cherub-like face.
Of course, you’ve probably guessed it, I am referencing George Seaton’s 1947 classic Miracle on 34th Street (he both writes and directs). After a drunk Santa is removed from his post during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade thanks to the complaint of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn – winning an Oscar for the role), methodical event director Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) asks the man to don the suit – filmed during the actual parade.
Acquiescing, he does such a wonderful job that he is asked immediately afterward to take on the role at Macy’s department store on 34th Street – their flagship location (also shot in the actual locale). What soon becomes evident to toy department manager Julian Shellhammer (Philip Tonge) is that Kris truly believes he is the one and only Santa Claus, and that he is directing Macy’s shoppers (the great Thelma Ritter in her screen debut) to other department stores so that the children can get what they truly want (and not just something that the store wants to sell them).
Conflict also arises between Doris and her lawyer neighbour, Fred Gailey (John Payne), after the man takes her daughter Susan (Natalie Wood, in a performance well beyond her years – like a seasoned adult actor) to see Santa Claus at Macy’s – the logical, cynical young divorcée has raised her daughter to not believe in fairy tales. . . meaning that the idea of Jolly Old Saint Nick is a bunch of hooey to Doris (and she does not want her daughter to believe in such silly things – though the girl still does ask Kris for a house this Christmas).
But the wise old soul, at her tender young age, can tell that something is different about this Santa (after witnessing the scene described in the introductory paragraph), though this does not stop Doris from being very upset with her neighbour for exposing her to the experience. Also, Shellhammer wants to terminate Kris for sending their patrons elsewhere.
Having brought so much goodwill upon the store, Mr. Macy (Harry Antrim), is not only unwilling to fire the man, but also wants to give Doris and his Toy Manager a raise. But after an incident that leads Kris down a path that will force him to defend his sanity (in that he is the real Santa Claus), he finds himself on trial (in front of an on-the-rise Judge, played by Gene Lockhart), passionately defended by Fred. Will the kindly old soul be able to prove the near impossible claim? Will Doris and Susan waver in their steadfast belief that there is nothing to believe in? Will the rather extravagant wish for a home somehow be granted to the cute little dear?
The winner of three Academy Awards (and Best Picture nominee), Miracle on 34th Street is a true Christmas classic – with more than enough inspiring cheer to continue to brings smiles to millions of viewers each year. Starting with its dynamic actors, Edmund Gwenn had the entire cast and crew convinced he was the real deal. . . Natalie Wood believed he was the real Santa until seeing him dressed normally at the wrap party, while Maureen O’Hara stated, “. . . by the time we were halfway through the shoot, we all believed Edmund really was Santa Claus. I’ve never seen an actor more naturally suited for a role.” In one of those magical Oscar moments, when Gwenn’s name was called and he made his way on stage to accept the award, the first words he uttered were, “Now I know there’s a Santa Claus”.
One of only three Christmas movies to ever have been nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards (the others: The Bishop’s Wife and It’s A Wonderful Life – all three were made within a year of each other), Miracle on 34th Street is well worth celebrating. Seaton fought so hard to bring the film to life (as 20th Century Fox head Darryl F. Zanuck was not a fan – thinking it was too corny), his skill, Alfred Newman’s score, and the cast’s infectious comradery coming through with a seemingly effortless grace – a magical spirit shining through the screen, a blessing of faith, generosity, and love for the holiday season – a perfect cure for battling cynicism, still relevant all these years later, a movie whose themes and style do not feel even a day old. Intriguingly, Miracle on 34th Street has been a success from day one (with critics and the movie viewing public), unlike many other Christmas classics, that flopped when first released, only to gain traction much later with the advent of television showings each December, its message of “Christmas isn’t just a day – it’s a frame of mind” still as popular as it was back in 1947. So, this is a movie miracle to cherish every joyous season, be it in your house, new or old!