Based on a story by Valentine Davies, this classic Christmas film was written for the screen and directed by George Seaton and holds up just as well today as it must have back when it was released in the late 1940s. There’s also a very good remake but folk who like to wear silly hats and sip a bit too much hot chocolate at this time of year would do well to check out this movie first of all. It’s, perhaps unsurprisingly, the better film thanks to some quality that you just can’t replicate – it has a charm and gentle way that defines it and has immediately become another seasonal favourite of mine.
After finding a Santa Claus in a state of disgraceful inebriation moments before the big Macy’s Christmas parade, Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) agrees to take his place. He’s a natural, with his body size and white beard and twinkly eyes. Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) is immensely relieved – it was her job to look after the parade and disaster was averted. Kris does so well in his role as Santa that he is hired as the main department store Santa. This goes well until someone overhears him telling parents about other stores where they can find the toys that thei children want, and find them cheaper. Is Kris Kringle insane? Thankfully, disaster is once again averted when the store management realise that they’re gaining loyal customers. People who have been advised to pick up one or two toys elsewhere are very grateful and declare themselves now dedicated Macy’s shoppers. It’s a strange way to gain customer loyalty by seeming to go against the commercialism of the season – and Gimbels (the rival department store) has to try it once it sees how it works. Everything seems just fine and dandy and it could be the best Christmas ever. If only Kris Kringle wouldn’t keep insisting that he actually IS Santa, leading to the inevitable question mark over his sanity and subsequent legal proceedings.
Like any truly great Christmas movie, the heart of Miracle On 34th Street is a sweet and optimistic premise that doesn’t just relate to the expenditure and traditions of the season. No, this movie is all about the spirit of Christmas and the kindness and happiness that can be spread amongst many when a few start doing good deeds. The fact that Kris Kringle believes himself to be Santa Claus isn’t really the central issue, the bigger picture questions just why we would be so cynical with a harmless old man who brings so much joy to others.
Seaton translates the story perfectly, the movie is nicely paced and finds time for each and every character to have at least one special moment, big or small.
The cast are almost faultless. Maureen O’Hara and John Payne may not be the most electric leads but the former sticks resolutely by her attitude of realism for a large portion of the movie while the latter shows the other side of the coin, the ability to stay happy while pursuing, perhaps unattainable, dreams. Natalie Wood plays the little girl influenced by both and she gives a nice performance that’s not overly sweet or sour. Sterling support comes from Philip Tonge, Porter Hall, Gene Lockhart, Alvin Greenman (the only actor who also appeared in the remake) and William Frawley, to name just a few, but the real star of the show is the man who believes he is Santa Claus. Edmund Gwenn is so pleasant and full of good spirits that even modern audiences will start to wonder whether or not he is who he claims to be. It’s a performance so enjoyable and perfect that it more than compensates for the very, very few weaker moments in the movie.
Give yourself a treat this Christmas and watch this film. It will warm you up on a cold, winter evening.
WRITER/DIRECTOR: GEORGE SEATON (BASED ON A STORY BY VALENTINE DAVIES)
STARS: EDMUND GWENN, MAUREEN O’HARA, JOHN PAYNE, NATALIE WOOD, PHILIP TONGE, PORTER HALL, GENE LOCKHART, WILLIAM FRAWLEY, ALVIN GREENMAN
RUNTIME: 96 MINS APPROX
COUNTRY: USA
Film Rating: 
