Miracle on 34th Street Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An old man gets a job at Macy’s pretending to be Santa, but then he claims he *is* Santa, leading to a wild courtroom showdown where belief in Christmas is put on trial and logic is completely disregarded.

🍿 Miracle on 34th Street: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Thanksgiving Day Parade

Doris Walker, a no-nonsense executive at Macy’s, is in charge of the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. She’s dismayed to find the hired Santa Claus drunk and convinces Kris Kringle, an elderly man with a genuine spirit, to take his place. Kris proves to be a natural, captivating the audience and impressing Doris.

Macy’s Santa and Doubts Arise

Kris is hired as Macy’s store Santa and becomes a sensation, embodying the true spirit of Christmas by directing customers to other stores if Macy’s doesn’t have what they need. However, Doris becomes concerned when Kris claims to be the real Santa Claus. Doris has raised her daughter, Susan, to be practical and reject fantasy, making Kris’s claims all the more troubling.

Confrontation and Commitment

The store’s psychologist, Granville Sawyer, sees Kris as delusional and seeks to have him committed. A conflict ensues, leading to Kris being held at Bellevue for psychiatric evaluation. Feeling despondent, Kris intentionally fails a mental examination, ensuring his commitment, believing he can no longer spread Christmas cheer.

A Courtroom Miracle

Fred Gailey, Doris’s neighbor and a lawyer, believes in Kris’s sincerity and agrees to represent him in court to secure his release. Fred argues that Kris is sane because he is, in fact, Santa Claus. The hearing becomes a battleground of belief, with people’s faith in Christmas and miracles put to the test.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn): A kind old man who claims to be Santa Claus and spreads Christmas spirit while facing a sanity hearing.
• Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara): A divorced, pragmatic Macy’s executive who initially scoffs at Kris Kringle’s claims but gradually opens her heart to belief.
• Fred Gailey (John Payne): A lawyer and Doris’s neighbor, Fred defends Kris in court and woos Doris, advocating for faith and imagination.
• Susan Walker (Natalie Wood): Doris’s daughter who has been taught to reject fantasy, but begins to question her skepticism after meeting Kris.
• Granville Sawyer (Porter Hall): The cruelly incompetent Macy’s staff psychologist who antagonizes Kris and attempts to have him institutionalized.
• Judge Henry X. Harper (Gene Lockhart): The judge presiding over Kris Kringle’s sanity hearing, whose political future is impacted by his decision.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kris Kringle: “I’m not just a patriotic American; I’m a citizen of the world.” – Kris explains that he values all people regardless of nationality.
• Kris Kringle: “Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” – Kris emphasizes the importance of the Christmas spirit beyond the holiday itself.
• Fred Gailey: “Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.” – Fred explains the essence of faith to Doris when discussing Kris Kringle.
• Doris Walker: “I want Susan to be a good, sensible girl. I don’t want her growing up believing in a lot of foolish nonsense.” – Doris explains her reasoning for not wanting Susan to believe in fairy tales.
• Mr. Shellhammer: “I don’t care if he thinks he’s the Easter Bunny; get him back in here!” – Mr. Shellhammer emphasizes the importance of Kris to the store’s success, even if he’s ‘crazy’.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $3,851

💥 Miracle on 34th Street Reviews

Personal Review

This movie just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside! Every year, watching Kris Kringle spread Christmas cheer and melt the heart of little Susan, it reminds me of the magic of childhood. The scene where he speaks Dutch to the orphan girl always gets me – it’s just so heartwarming and shows how a little kindness can go a long way. And I LOVE the ending when they find that dream house! It’s the perfect feel-good holiday movie, and seeing it is a tradition.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming Christmas movie”
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Viewers who enjoy stories about faith and believing”
  • “Anyone seeking a positive and uplifting film experience”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes depict mild conflict and skepticism.”
  • “The film contains portrayals of characters with varying beliefs, which may spark discussion.”

Professional Reviews

• Classic Movie Reviewer: “A timeless classic that explores the importance of belief and imagination. Edmund Gwenn’s performance is iconic, and the film’s message about the spirit of Christmas still resonates today. The film also has a strong commentary on raising children and greed.
• Nostalgic Film Critic: “A warm and charming film that captures the magic of Christmas. While some aspects may seem dated, the core themes of faith, hope, and love remain relevant. The courtroom scene is a standout, showcasing the power of belief in the face of cynicism. Also one of the earlier looks at a divorced woman in the workforce.
• Indie Film Insights: “The perfect Christmas movie, the performances shine throughout and the script explores complex themes with grace. Also great if you’re interested in law movies or the philosophy of justice. Edmund Gwenn makes you really want to believe he is Santa.

Audience Reactions

The courtroom scene is so brilliantly executed!: Viewers overwhelmingly praise Edmund Gwenn’s portrayal of Kris Kringle and the film’s heartwarming message.

Natalie Wood did such a great job at playing as the bright six year old, Susan: The writing is wonderful, spirited and pleasant, maybe it needed to be a little more snappy in places but compared to how wonderful the film was I am past caring.

Overall Consensus: A beloved Christmas classic that continues to charm audiences with its heartwarming story and exploration of faith.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1948
2. Academy Award (Best Writing, Original Story)- 1948
3. Academy Award (Best Writing, Screenplay)- 1948
4. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1948

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was released in May rather than November or December because the studio head thought that a Christmas movie released early would have better chances at the box office.”
• “Edmund Gwenn won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Kris Kringle.”
• “20th Century Fox was given permission to film scenes in the flagship Macy’s department store in New York City.”
• “The film does not contain the standard disclaimer that ‘All characters and events are fictional,’ leading some viewers to believe it was a true story.”

🖥️ How to Watch Miracle on 34th Street?

You can find ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV, where it may be available for purchase or rental. Check local listings for broadcast schedules during the holiday season. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are widely available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Miracle on 34th Street, you might like these similar films:

• It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): Both films are heartwarming Christmas classics that explore themes of faith, hope, and the importance of believing in something greater than oneself.
• Elf (2003): A modern Christmas movie where an individual wholeheartedly embraces the spirit of Christmas, influencing those around him.
• The Bishop’s Wife (1947): A Christmas-themed film from the same era dealing with faith, and divine intervention in everyday life.
• A Christmas Story (1983): A Christmas movie that shows the anticipation and excitement of Christmas, but with a dose of humor.

🛒 Miracle on 34th Street Related Products

• Miracle on 34th Street [Blu-ray]: Own the original and definitive version of this Christmas classic on Blu-ray. The crisp black-and-white transfer enhances the film’s timeless charm, while the included special features offer behind-the-scenes insights.
• Miracle on 34th Street: The Classic Story That Inspired the Movie: Delve deeper into the heartwarming tale with Valentine Davies’ original novella. Experience the story that captivated audiences and discover the nuances and details that brought Kris Kringle to life.
• Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical: Hear the full soundtrack to the Broadway version of the show that was later remade for the stage. Relive the joy of Christmas and remember the feeling you got the first time you saw the show. A classic that never grows old.
• Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle Ornament: A sculpted likeness of Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle will look very nice in any Christmas tree during the holidays! Get one or a few today!

🎧 Soundtrack

Miracle on 34th Street features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Jingle Bells” – performed by James Pierpont

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

7 “Miracle on 34th Street” actors who passed away (part 1)

Ever wondered what happened to the cast of ‘Miracle on 34th Street’? This short video offers a touching look back at some of the beloved actors we’ve lost, it is a great way to appreciate their legacy!

Santa’s Cane

This is such a cool story! Someone actually left a cane at Edmund Gwenn’s memorial on Christmas Eve, how about that? It really shows how much the role impacted people!

Famous Graves – MIRACLE ON 34th STREET – Remembering Natalie Wood & Other Cast Members

Have you ever wondered where some of the cast members from “Miracle on 34th Street” are buried? This video takes you on a tour of their gravesites. It’s a thoughtful way to remember them, kinda sad but interesting!

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