Miracle on 34th Street

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Maureen O’Hara as Doris Walker
• John Payne as Fred Gailey
• Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle
• Gene Lockhart as the Hon. Henry X. Harper
• Natalie Wood as Susan Walker
• Porter Hall as Granville Sawyer
• William Frawley as Charlie Halloran
• Jerome Cowan as District Attorney Thomas Mara
• Philip Tonge as Julian Shellhammer

Uncredited roles

• Jack Albertson as “Al”, the post office mail sorter
• Harry Antrim as R. H. Macy
• Lela Bliss as Mrs. Shellhammer
• Jeff Corey as reporter
• Mary Field as Dutch girl’s adoptive mother
• William Forrest as Dr. Rogers at Bellevue
• Alvin Greenman as Alfred
• Theresa Harris as Cleo, the Walkers’ maid/housekeeper
• Percy Helton as drunken Santa Claus
• Herbert Heyes as Mr. Gimbel
• Robert Karnes as 2nd Bellevue intern
• Snub Pollard as mail-bearing court officer
• Thelma Ritter as Peter’s mother
• James Seay as Dr. Pierce, physician at the Brooks’ Memorial Home for the Aged

Storyline:

Kris Kringle, seemingly the embodiment of Santa Claus, is asked to portray the jolly old fellow at Macy’s following his performance in the Thanksgiving Day parade. His portrayal is so complete that many begin to question if he truly is Santa Claus, while others question his sanity.

About Miracle on 34th Street Movie:

Miracle on 34th Street is an American Christmas comedy-drama film directed by George Seaton and based on a story by Valentine Davies. The film stars Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn, and it has become a beloved holiday classic.

Plot Overview

Set in New York City between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the story begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. When the actor originally hired to portray Santa Claus is found to be drunk, an elderly man named Kris Kringle (Gwenn) is persuaded by event director Doris Walker (O’Hara) to take his place. Kris quickly becomes a hit and is hired as the store Santa at Macy’s.

As Kris insists he is the real Santa Claus, Doris’s daughter, Susan (Wood), who has been raised to be skeptical about such fantasies, begins to question her beliefs. When Kris’s claim leads to a psychological evaluation and ultimately a court case to determine his sanity, attorney Fred Gailey (Payne), who lives next door to Doris, agrees to represent him. The courtroom drama unfolds as Fred attempts to prove that Kris is indeed Santa Claus.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Miracle on 34th Street was both a critical and commercial success. It won three Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Edmund Gwenn, Best Writing for Original Story for Valentine Davies, and Best Writing for Screenplay for George Seaton. It was also nominated for Best Picture but lost to Gentleman’s Agreement. In 2005, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”

The film features several memorable songs, including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” which has become a holiday standard. Its themes of belief, hope, and the spirit of Christmas resonate with audiences of all ages.

Conclusion

Miracle on 34th Street remains a perennial favorite during the holiday season, celebrated for its heartwarming story and charming performances. Its exploration of faith in the unseen and the importance of kindness continues to inspire viewers every year.

Budget & Box Office Collection: