Opened: June 11, 1947
Directed by: George Seaton
Starring: Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Gene Lockhart, Natalie Wood, Porter Hall, William Frawley, Jerome Cowan, Philip Tonge, Jack Albertson, Harry Antrim, Lela Bliss, Jeff Corey, Mary Field, William Forrest, Alvin Greenman, Theresa Harris, Percy Helton, Herbert Heyes, Robert Karnes, Snub Pollard, James Seay & Thelma Ritter
A Christmas classic that stands the test of time, Miracle on 34th Street is worth the yearly viewing during the holidays.
Macy’s Event Director Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) hires Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) for the Thanksgiving Parade when her original Santa (Percy Helton) becomes intoxicated. Kris swears that he is Santa Claus, and his claim takes him all the way to court.
You couldn’t find a more perfect Santa than Gwenn. He is perfectly jovial and embodies the character in every way. His interactions with Doris’ daughter Susan (a young Natalie Wood) are wholesome and heartwarming. Wood delivers an incredible performance that’s a preview of her future talents.
The storyline shows how far people will go to squander magic, but it takes just a few headstrong people to keep it alive.
Final say: A miracle indeed. ★★★★★
Not So New Review 