Miracle on 34th Street

FromGeorge Seaton

WithMaureen O'Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Gene Lockhart, Natalie Wood u.a.

Year1947

Duration96min.

LanguageEnglish

Part of the special series JOLLY SEASON

Susan: “I believe… I believe… It’s silly, but I believe.”

When the Santa Claus at the Macy’s Parade shows up drunk, a kind older gentleman named Kris Kringle steps in and wins everyone over with his authenticity. Soon he is hired as the store’s official Santa, but when he claims to be the real Santa Claus, he ends up in court. Little Susan, the daughter of the skeptical PR manager Doris, begins to believe. And with her, an entire city.

Miracle on 34th Street is a plea for imagination, kindness, and childlike belief. Edmund Gwenn’s portrayal of Santa Claus earned him an Oscar, and Natalie Wood as Susan gives the film emotional depth. The blend of courtroom drama, family story, and Christmas magic remains irresistible to this day.