Today’s quick review: Miracle on 34th Street. In need of a Santa Claus for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) hires Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn), a kindly old man who claims to be the real thing. His performance is a success, and he befriends Doris and her daughter Susan (Natalie Wood), a skeptic of all things magical. But it isn’t long before controversy arises over whether Kringle is who he says he is.
Miracle on 34th Street is a classic Christmas movie about a man claiming to be Santa Claus. The story revolves around the question of whether Kringle is actually Santa or just delusional, a debate that grows to envelop all of New York City. At the center of it all are Doris and Susan, a mother and daughter who doubt Kringle’s story but are swayed by his extraordinary kindness. What follows is a well-crafted story with surprising depth.
The heart of the film is a pair of excellent performances by Edmund Gwenn and Natalie Wood. Gwenn fits the role of Kringle perfectly, capturing the warmth and generosity of Santa while still being believably human. His personal character serves as a much stronger foundation for his claims than the magic seen in modern Christmas movies. Meanwhile, Wood steals every scene she is in, delivering a sharp and charming performance.
Miracle on 34th Street also stands out for its insight into human nature. The question of whether Kringle is actually Santa Claus is secondary to the media firestorm the debate kicks off. Many of the supporting characters are motivated by self-interest rather than altruism, but the tide of public opinion pushes them to act on Kringle’s behalf. This makes the film a rare treat for those interested in the debate between cynicism and idealism.
Miracle on 34th Street earns its place as a holiday classic with outstanding performances and an original story. The film is sweet but not saccharine, idealistic without being naive, and magical without dipping into fantasy. Anyone with a taste for the classics should give it a try, as should anyone who enjoys stories about kindness and innocence. Cynical viewers may want to steer clear.
For another thoughtful take on the Christmas spirit and the nature of faith, check out The Bishop’s Wife. For a classic comedy about a kind, ambiguously delusional man, try Harvey. For a psychological drama with a similar premise, try K-PAX.
[7.9 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039628/). I give it a 8.0 for a charming story and enduring quality.