{"id":15317,"date":"2010-12-29T15:37:06","date_gmt":"2010-12-29T22:37:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=15317"},"modified":"2021-01-01T01:53:10","modified_gmt":"2021-01-01T08:53:10","slug":"miracle-on-34th-street-1947","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=15317","title":{"rendered":"Miracle on 34th Street (1947)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>&#8220;Christmas isn&#8217;t just a day &#8212; it&#8217;s a frame of mind.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-on-34th-Street-Poster.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-on-34th-Street-Poster-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-15328\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-on-34th-Street-Poster-197x300.jpg 197w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-on-34th-Street-Poster-84x128.jpg 84w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-on-34th-Street-Poster.jpg 580w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 197px) 100vw, 197px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Synopsis:<\/strong><br \/>\nA cynical young girl (Natalie Wood) who doesn&#8217;t believe in Santa Claus befriends an older man (Edmund Gwenn) who claims to be Kris Kringle himself.\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>\n<strong>Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Christmas<\/li>\n<li>Courtroom Drama<\/li>\n<li>Do-Gooders<\/li>\n<li>Edmund Gwenn Films<\/li>\n<li>Fantasy<\/li>\n<li>John Payne Films<\/li>\n<li>Maureen O&#8217;Hara Films<\/li>\n<li>Mental Illness<\/li>\n<li>Natalie Wood Films<\/li>\n<li>Thelma Ritter Films<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Response to Peary\u2019s Review: <\/strong><br \/>\nPeary lauds this heartwarming family favorite as a &#8220;marvelous adaptation of Valentine Davies&#8217;s [short story],&#8221; noting that it&#8217;s appropriate &#8220;for children <em>and<\/em> adults (who will better appreciate the social satire) &#8212; <em>every<\/em> Christmas season&#8221;. He accurately notes that the film possesses &#8220;excellent acting down to the smallest parts&#8221;, as well as &#8220;off-beat humor, sharp satire, tremendous warmth, and scenes that will have you choking up&#8221;. He argues that George Seaton&#8217;s &#8220;intelligent, skillfully plotted Oscar-winning&#8221; screenplay &#8220;zeroes in on the American character&#8221;, given that the film&#8217;s characters have &#8220;become so ambitious in their careers, [so] power-hungry, and [so] interested in money, that they have suppressed their finer values&#8221; &#8212; just in time for Kris Kringle to show up and put &#8220;life in perspective&#8221; for them. <\/p>\n<p>Indeed, the film&#8217;s Christmas-time setting is apt, given that this is when the &#8220;good-versus-greedy battle within each person&#8221; is especially evident &#8212; as epitomized by the scene involving Thelma Ritter&#8217;s harried mother, whose son wishes for a certain toy she can&#8217;t find anywhere (the more things change, <a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tickle_Me_Elmo\">the more they stay the same!<\/a>); it&#8217;s up to Kringle to manifest the true spirit of Christmas by breaking allegiance with Macy&#8217;s and telling her precisely where she can go to find one. Of course, one could argue that Kringle&#8217;s brilliant &#8220;marketing scheme&#8221; &#8212; co-opted immediately by all of Macy&#8217;s significant rivals &#8212; merely perpetuates the commercialism so rampant during the holidays. Yet tapping into the power of the &#8220;Christmas spirit&#8221; is also shown to signify a potentially deeper change of heart: for Maureen O&#8217;Hara (Susan&#8217;s mom, a cynical divorcee), it means opening herself up to both new romance (with suitor John Payne) and a life outside of the corporate ladder; for Wood, it means learning how to fantasize, dream, and &#8220;make-believe&#8221; for the first time in her young life. <\/p>\n<p>Part of the film&#8217;s success lies in the fact that we (especially adult viewers) never really know how much of the story is fantasy versus a manifestation of Kringle&#8217;s highly creative take on reality. As a result, we&#8217;re left to wonder &#8212; <em>is<\/em> Kringle &#8220;really&#8221; Santa Claus? And if so, what does that mean, pragmatically speaking? Why would Santa be living in a halfway home in New York, rather than at the North Pole? The mere fact that we&#8217;re led to contemplate these questions, however, speaks to the strength and veracity of Seaton&#8217;s screenplay &#8212; and of the stellar performances given throughout. O&#8217;Hara and Payne are well-cast in critical supporting roles, and the entire ensemble cast provides &#8220;splendid characterizations&#8221;, with &#8220;no one play[ing] their parts tongue-in-cheek&#8221;.  Gwenn, of course, is notoriously &#8220;perfect&#8221; as Santa (Peary opens his review by stating, &#8220;Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and, using Edmund Gwenn&#8217;s SAG card, he gave a convincing performance as himself&#8221;). Perhaps most impressive, however, is Natalie Wood, who gives one of the single best child performances ever &#8212; watch how convincingly she portrays young Susan as alternately cynical, hopeful, playful, dejected, and overjoyed. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Redeeming Qualities and Moments: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Natalie Wood as Susan<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Wood.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Wood.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"544\" height=\"400\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Wood.png 544w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Wood-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Wood-300x220.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle (nominated by Peary as Best <u>Actor<\/u> of the Year, rather than Best <u>Supporting Actor<\/u>, in his <em>Alternate Oscars<\/em> book)<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Gwenn.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Gwenn.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"544\" height=\"400\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Gwenn.png 544w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Gwenn-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Gwenn-300x220.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Maureen O&#8217;Hara as Susan&#8217;s mother<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-OHara.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-OHara.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"544\" height=\"400\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-OHara.png 544w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-OHara-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-OHara-300x220.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>John Payne as Fred Gailey<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Payne.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Payne.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"544\" height=\"400\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Payne.png 544w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Payne-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Payne-300x220.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Fine supporting performances by the entire cast<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Supporting.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Supporting.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"544\" height=\"400\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Supporting.png 544w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Supporting-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Supporting-300x220.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Ritter.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Ritter.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"544\" height=\"400\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Ritter.png 544w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Ritter-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Ritter-300x220.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Supporting2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Supporting2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"544\" height=\"400\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15324\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Supporting2.png 544w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Supporting2-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Supporting2-300x220.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>George Seaton&#8217;s heartwarming script<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Heartwarming.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Heartwarming.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"544\" height=\"400\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Heartwarming.png 544w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Heartwarming-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Miracle-34th-Heartwarming-300x220.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Must See? <\/strong><br \/>\nYes, naturally, as an enduring classic. Nominated by Peary as one of the Best Pictures of the Year in his Alternate Oscars. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Categories<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cult Movie<\/li>\n<li>Genuine Classic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Links: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0039628\/\">IMDb entry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/movies.nytimes.com\/movie\/review?_r=1&#038;res=9401E7DB103EE13BBC4D53DFB066838C659EDE\">NY Times Original Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.moria.co.nz\/fantasy\/miracleon34thstreet1947.htm\">Moria Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Christmas isn&#8217;t just a day &#8212; it&#8217;s a frame of mind.&#8221; Synopsis: A cynical young girl (Natalie Wood) who doesn&#8217;t believe in Santa Claus befriends an older man (Edmund Gwenn) who claims to be Kris Kringle himself. Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors: Christmas Courtroom Drama Do-Gooders Edmund Gwenn Films Fantasy John Payne Films Maureen O&#8217;Hara Films Mental Illness Natalie Wood Films Thelma Ritter Films Response to Peary\u2019s Review: Peary lauds this heartwarming family favorite as a &#8220;marvelous adaptation of Valentine&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=15317\"> Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15317","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-responses-to-peary"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15317"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15317\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60978,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15317\/revisions\/60978"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15317"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}