Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Adriel L

  
  Wholeheartedly smart, funny and hopeful, it never ceased to bring smiles for one must agree, even the most grounded sort, the age old truth and wisdom that belies it's wonderfully crafted and surprisingly complex, intriguing and delightful story and dialogue. To captivate the… More
  Wholeheartedly smart, funny and hopeful, it never ceased to bring smiles for one must agree, even the most grounded sort, the age old truth and wisdom that belies it's wonderfully crafted and surprisingly complex, intriguing and delightful story and dialogue. To captivate the generations of the true of heart, it succeeds in its purity, depth, charms and all that sentimentality that everyone needs.

• Daniel P

  
  After being subjected to the remake in elementary school, I did not have high hopes for this classic, but when I stumbled upon it this holiday season I was simply blown away. Stop and think for a second: this is one of the most original films ever made. The conceit in itself is what… More
  After being subjected to the remake in elementary school, I did not have high hopes for this classic, but when I stumbled upon it this holiday season I was simply blown away. Stop and think for a second: this is one of the most original films ever made. The conceit in itself is what makes this film stand the test of time, and its charm can make a believer of anyone. Take the workaday New York of the late forties, and through Santa Claus - no, really, that's him! - into it. Genius. What may have surprised me most was how soon after the Second World War this film came; I wouldn't expect this indictment of materialism on the heels of victory. A masterpiece fit for the whole family, one I may just watch every year from now on.

• Zach B

  
  The one thing that has shocked me to no end about this movie was just how complex it really was. You have this old man that claims to be Santa Claus, a corruption of Capitalism, and then you have a mother that is trying to shelter her daughter from the world of fantasy, seeing as how… More
  The one thing that has shocked me to no end about this movie was just how complex it really was. You have this old man that claims to be Santa Claus, a corruption of Capitalism, and then you have a mother that is trying to shelter her daughter from the world of fantasy, seeing as how it is pointless. Then, of course, you have one of the greatest court scenes that involves one simple argument: Who is the real St. Nick? This film, after seeing it, does stand the test of time as being the all time greatest Christmas films. In terms of acting, the main thing to look for is Edmund Gwenn's powerful performance as Kris Kringle/ Santa Clause. I am in awe at how he portrayed this character and in such away that he could have been the real man himself. The script, I am afraid, could have been a tad bit wittier. It does have some moments that are wonderful, and then some that just fall short. The score, made up of mostly Christmas songs, finally treat them with the respect and delicacy that they deserve after years of people remaking and tarnishing them. Now, there is one scene in this film that, in my opinion, sums up the wonder completely: Imagine the character Kris Kringle playing himself in a department store, having kids on his lap telling him what they want for Christmas. In walks this adopted Dutch girl that can not speak any English. After being told of her problem, Kris starts speaking Dutch beyond fluent and there is a moment of pure happiness on the little girl's face and her adoptive mothers. And, that is the true magic of this film: Being able to create a sense of happiness that transients off of the screen.

• Bently L

  
  Christmas Movie Review Mania Episode #11: Miracle on 34th Street This is a wonderful and cute movie. The story and moral are brilliant and the acting is great. The little girls is so enjoyable and so is Santa. I recommend this one if you haven't seen it. Great Christmas… More
  Christmas Movie Review Mania Episode #11: Miracle on 34th Street This is a wonderful and cute movie. The story and moral are brilliant and the acting is great. The little girls is so enjoyable and so is Santa. I recommend this one if you haven't seen it. Great Christmas movie! "That dosen't make me Joan of Arc."

• Cassie H

  
  A must see movie for Christmas about the true & beautiful story of Kris Kringle & how with the help of friends, people will believe that he is Santa Claus. A magnificent film & I have to confess that I do believe in Santa Claus :) A great holiday film classic :)

• AJ V

  
  An interesting Christmas movie, I saw it as a kid and wasn't too impressed, but maybe I should see it again as an adult.

• Randy T

  
  One of my all time favorite movie moments is when Kris (Ed Gwenn) is teaching young Susan (Natalie Wood) how to act like a monkey. <div style="width:400px;"><a… More
  One of my all time favorite movie moments is when Kris (Ed Gwenn) is teaching young Susan (Natalie Wood) how to act like a monkey. <div style="width:400px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com/photos/edmund-gwenn-miracle-on-34th-street1947-miracle-on-34th-street-13089082"><img src="http://content8.flixster.com/photo/13/08/90/13089082_gal.jpg" border="0"/></a></div> Classic.

• Luke B

  
  It avoids any sentimental, schmaltzy rubbish, and goes for a sweet sense of humour that really does aim itself at the child in adults as well as kids themselves. Miracle on 34th Street also manages to be a look at society's perception of sanity, which is a great idea for a… More
  It avoids any sentimental, schmaltzy rubbish, and goes for a sweet sense of humour that really does aim itself at the child in adults as well as kids themselves. Miracle on 34th Street also manages to be a look at society's perception of sanity, which is a great idea for a Christmas film about Santa. The performances are very real and Gwenn is completely believable as Santa. He's a kind soul and manages to avoid the creepiness that usually comes with Santa. It shows us the true meaning of Christmas and faith, but doesn't completely attack the enjoyable commercial side. Just glad it doesn't give a definite answer one way or the other.

• James A

  
  As a cautionary tale for alzhiemers its great. As a movie that tells us logic isnt always the way to go its a lump of dung.

• Jennifer X

  
  Unbelievably cute! I watch this three, four times every Christmas Little Natalie Wood is a sweetheart.

• Lafe F

  
  A classic, done wonderfully. I liked the Santa in this one. The family was great as well.

• Michael G

  
  Christmas is incomplete without watching this film.

• Dann M

  
  Miracle on 34th Street is the greatest Christmas film ever made, and my friend Oscar agrees. It's the most celebrated Christmas film of all time, winning 3 Academy Awards, including one for Santa Claus himself (Edmund Gwenn). The story is brilliantly written and has a… More
  Miracle on 34th Street is the greatest Christmas film ever made, and my friend Oscar agrees. It's the most celebrated Christmas film of all time, winning 3 Academy Awards, including one for Santa Claus himself (Edmund Gwenn). The story is brilliantly written and has a wonderfully charming air about it. Additionally, the performances are exceptional; Edmund Gwenn and Natalie Wood have a particularly good chemistry which draws the audience into the film. Miracle on 34th Street is an extraordinary piece of filmmaking that's sure to entertain and delight audiences of all ages.

• Ryan M

  
  8.3/10 Faith can be defined. It can be "broken down". And it's simpler than you think. Faith is believing in something that cannot be physically proven, and the belief in Santa Clause is one such example of faith. Children believe in Santa because it is indeed… More
  8.3/10 Faith can be defined. It can be "broken down". And it's simpler than you think. Faith is believing in something that cannot be physically proven, and the belief in Santa Clause is one such example of faith. Children believe in Santa because it is indeed fun to await the arrival of a jolly old man on a slay while we sleep. Perhaps this is fun because it involves the slightest hint of imagination and innocence. That is why the belief is popular, but getting less and less so as our society becomes more troubled. I see less and less children believing in Santa Clause every day, and you know what: I blame the parents. It's either the parents or the other kids surrounding the individual. Otherwise, why not believe? Well, common sense tells us not to. As we grow up, it is "proven" to us that Santa is but a figment of our imagination. And indeed he is, but in the world of "Miracle on 34th Street", the big man is very much real. The original "Miracle on 34th Street" is the better of all its variations, and for various reasons. For starters, no other edition of this film can manipulate its charm. Also, may I add that Edmund Gwenn is the best Movie Santa ever? Nothing can top his work in this film. And I mean nothing. Lastly, this film is just so darned entertaining. This is one of the best Christmas films ever made. Third only to "It's A Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Story", this holiday tale is one of extreme originality. It's a film that cannot age whatsoever, and perhaps that is for the better. This is a landmark in cinematic sentimentalism; an achievement in the touching and the thematic. "Miracle on 34th Street" may even help your kids regain or strengthen their belief in Kris Kringle, which last time I checked, is always a good thing. For that and more, I must strongly recommend this film. In all honesty, I liked it a lot. It's a film about faith; it's a film about Christmas. And it has more heart than it needs. Kris Kringle arrives in New York to discover that the Christmas Spirit has since been drained out of society-although not completely. Thus, Mr. Claus takes it upon himself to make a difference. Originally posing as a highly likable and praised Store Santa, Kringle works his way up to much fame and attention. However, not all of this attention is particularly good. While some approach his condition as a good thing, others see it as a dangerous delusion. Those who look negatively upon Kringle decide to do all they can to get him into court, and get him the hell out of their city. And what do you know: it works like a charm. The reason the story works so well is because it works as a compelling and original drama, a touching tale with a hint of comedy, and even a solid courtroom flick. It blends all these elements into a seemingly impeccable work of art; one that deserves to be regarded as one of the best Christmas movies of them all. It's sweet, somewhat sentimental, but never cheesy or sappy enough to turn my head anywhere else other than at the screen. It had me captivated throughout, and I do hope that it will do the same for others. Perhaps it will. And then perhaps it won't. But one thing is for certain: this film is not one to be missed. Edmund Gwenn is undoubtfully the star of this film. The movie itself seems to keep its great big spotlight on the guy. After all, why would it not? Gwenn is the best cinematic Santa of them all. There's no doubt about that. And I know I haven't seen every Christmas movie out there...but man oh man, is he good! Edmund's performance seems to have a heart underneath its undeniable charm, and I can't help but admire that. Natalie Wood is also noticeably good as Susan, while the character's mother is played by Maureen O'Hara. Lastly, John Payne plays the potential father figure of the central family, although even with his performance (and everyone else's), this is still "The Edmund Gwenn Show". And you know what: I'm pretty damn fine with that, as long as Gwenn keeps on giving the best present of all; awesomeness. I won't lie: I loved watching this film. Perhaps I didn't "love" the film overall, but I did like it a lot. "Miracle on 34th Street" has the kind of sentimentality that most Christmas films have been lacking all along: the kind that doesn't want to make you cry or even cringe. It takes a rare and very special film to conquer such a thing, but "Miracle on 34th Street" is indeed that rare and VERY special film. It's everything that I wanted it to be. The cinematography is wonderful; not masterful, but wonderful none the less. The film's original score is also fitting to the Christmas mood, but then again; what's a Christmas masterpiece without the right mood? I don't know the answer because there is none. Without the "mood", you cannot-I repeat, CANNOT-have a good Christmas movie. But the filmmakers behind this beauty seemed to know a lot about human nature, thus they were able to create a good film that is partially about it. I do not believe in St. Nick any more now then I did before, but this film is still a treat for the young and old, regardless of whether you really "believe" or not. I'm sure that most adults walking into this film do not believe, but simply want a good time at the movies. And thankfully, they will get the good time that was promised to them. And who do we have to thank? Why, the cast and crew of course! What would this film be without them? Not too much, I'm afraid to say. I think it's fair to call this film art. Why not? It's fun, interesting, and well-made. So there. It's art. Perhaps it was not intended to be "artistic", but I have respect for good films, and this is a very good one. If you haven't salvaged this treasure yet, then I suppose it's about time that you do. No Christmas Movie list is complete without it. Perhaps it's not as funny or daring as some other Christmas movies, but it's simple and family-friendly enough to work at being whatever it wants to be. If it wants to be family-fare, then it's definitely that. If it wants to suffice as adult entertainment as well, then what do you know: it works. "Miracle on 34th Street" works on so many given levels that it's almost unspeakably pleasant. If I have on complaint, it's that there should have been more "wow" moments, but then again, who needs wonder when you've got plenty of heart, am I right? This film has so much heart in fact that giving it too much of anything else would be almost overwhelming. And you know what: I'm pretty OK with that. That is, as long as this film fails to age in a negative way. But I have my doubts about that ever happening. It has been 63 years-not approximately-from the film's release and today, December 25th 2010. And I've got to say: this movie works as well as it must have back then. Perhaps it was more of a treasure in '47 than it is now, but for those who will, it's fun to dig back up again. My advice is to wind it up and let it spin, and to prevent yourself from stopping it until it stops itself. You won't regret that you did so.

• Cameron J

  
  A fun classic Christmas story, "Miracle on 34th Street", outside of slow points, holds an original and interesting story, strong loveable characters and very high entertainment value. It's a real spirit-lifing Christmas movie masterpiece.

• Danny R

  
  A totally delightful, cherished classic American motion picture that has become synonymous with the celebrating of the Christmas holiday. During the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade their Santa turns up falling down drunk, Doris Walker the Macy's supervisor in charge of the… More
  A totally delightful, cherished classic American motion picture that has become synonymous with the celebrating of the Christmas holiday. During the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade their Santa turns up falling down drunk, Doris Walker the Macy's supervisor in charge of the event played by the beautiful Maureen O'Hara, in a radiant performance reluctantly hires a old cultured gentleman with twinkling eyes and a big snowy beard, played by Edmund Gwenn who delivers a charismatic show-stopping Oscar winning performance that is truly magical and endearing as Kris Kringle, he takes over for the drunk Santa, and becomes an instead hit with the crowds of adults and children, so they hire him to be the Santa at the Macy's flagship department store on 34th street, while working one day he meets Miss Waker's unbelieving daughter Susan played superbly by little Natalie Wood in a amazing performance and becomes determine to make her believe in him. Everything is fine until he comes up against the store's neurotic personnel psychologist superbly played by Porter Hall, who thinks that Kris should be fired because he is crazy believing himself to be Santa Claus. Kris is declared insane and it's up to his friend and lawyer Fred Gailey, played wonderfully by John Payne and Miss Walker and her daughter Susan help him out of this mess. Astute direction by George Seaton with superlative supporting performances by Jerome Cowan, Gene Lockhart, Harry Antrim, Herbert Heyes, William Frawley and Thelma Ritter in her screen debut, but the film belongs completely to Edmund Gwenn and his unforgettable gem of a performance he is a total joy! This is my personal favorite Christmas film. Highly Recommended.

• Deb S

  
  Miracle on 34th Street tells the story of a divorced, cynical, no nonsense Macy's Department Store executive named Doris Walker (Maureen O' Hara), who hires a new Santa Claus for the store. This new employee, who claims his name is Kris Kringle slowly fills the air with… More
  Miracle on 34th Street tells the story of a divorced, cynical, no nonsense Macy's Department Store executive named Doris Walker (Maureen O' Hara), who hires a new Santa Claus for the store. This new employee, who claims his name is Kris Kringle slowly fills the air with holiday spirit that all feel except his boss. Doris's adorable little girl, Susan (whom she has taught to not to believe in Santa and reject all belief in fantasy), begins to wonder whether there might be something to his insistence that he is in fact the real Santa. When Kris is threatened with institutionalization for insanity, Doris's friend, Fred Gailey, a lawyer, is hired to defend his claims, with a highly entertaining court case following. Edmund Gwenn's superb performance as Kris Kringle won him a well-justified Academy Award, and the rest of the cast are also quite good -- including the young Natalie Wood as the little girl who learns to believe in wondrous things, such as Santa Claus. The film is well done with a wonderful story that at times seems a drag but still the themes of hope and belief make the film a timeless classic to watch around the holidays.

• Andrew F

  
  Good, not spectacular. It will probably grow on me.

• Sarah P

  
  A funny Xmas movie which even though is pretty old, still seems current and relevant. Enjoyable!

• Alice S

  
  Show me someone to cumulate in person disinterested kindness, imagination and common sense and I call him anyway he likes ... Santa Claus if like. But the mere fact that we labeled this as a fantasy film shows that such a person does not exist. So all we got left is hope that at… More
  Show me someone to cumulate in person disinterested kindness, imagination and common sense and I call him anyway he likes ... Santa Claus if like. But the mere fact that we labeled this as a fantasy film shows that such a person does not exist. So all we got left is hope that at least Santa does. Some would say that there's an open ending that can suggest both ways. Me, on the other hand, think that it's perfectly clear who did what and how, but it's always easier to wait for someone else to come and do things in our place.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings