Miracle on 34th Street Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lady who doesn’t believe in anything hires a guy who claims to be Santa, then has to defend him in court so she can get a house, a husband, and a baby she didn’t know she wanted.

🍿 Miracle on 34th Street: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Introduction of Kris Kringle

Dorey Walker, in charge of the Cole’s department store Thanksgiving Day parade, is in a crisis when their Santa Claus actor is drunk. A kind, older gentleman, Kris Kringle, steps in and impresses everyone with his authentic portrayal of Santa. Dorey hires him to be the store’s Santa for the holiday season. Kris quickly becomes a hit, bringing joy to children and increasing sales for Cole’s. His genuine spirit captivates many, but Dorey’s pragmatic daughter, Susan, remains skeptical, having been taught not to believe in fairy tales.

Kris’s Influence and Susan’s Wish

Kris encourages people to embrace the spirit of Christmas and directs customers to other stores if Cole’s doesn’t have what they need, much to the initial dismay of management but ultimately proving successful. He befriends Susan and learns of her Christmas wishes: a dad, a house, and a baby brother. Susan agrees that if she receives these gifts, she will believe in Santa Claus. Kris becomes determined to help make her wishes come true, setting off a chain of events that test the beliefs of everyone around them.

Legal Troubles and the Courtroom Showdown

A rival store, Shopper’s Express, feeling threatened by Cole’s success, orchestrates Kris’s arrest for assault. He is set up by the drunken former Santa, leading to a court case to determine his sanity and, ultimately, the existence of Santa Claus. Dorey’s boyfriend, Bryan Bedford, a lawyer, takes on Kris’s case, facing the daunting task of proving that Kris is indeed Santa. The trial becomes a public spectacle, with the community rallying behind Kris. Bryan cleverly argues that if the government can put ‘In God We Trust’ on money based on faith, then the court can acknowledge the existence of Santa Claus.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kriss Kringle (Richard Attenborough): A kind, elderly man who claims to be Santa Claus and spreads Christmas spirit.
• Dorey Walker (Elizabeth Perkins): A pragmatic single mother who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus until events challenge her skepticism.
• Susan Walker (Mara Wilson): Dorey’s intelligent and precocious daughter who initially doubts Santa but learns to believe.
• Bryan Bedford (Dylan McDermott): A kind and supportive lawyer who is Dorey’s neighbor and love interest, defending Kris Kringle in court.
• Ed Collins (J.T. Walsh): The district attorney who prosecutes Kris Kringle, representing the skeptical legal system.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kris Kringle: “I’m not just a symbol. I’m not just a man in a suit. I am what I am.” – Kris defends his identity when questioned about his authenticity as Santa Claus.
• Susan Walker: “I believe, I believe, it’s silly, but I believe.” – Susan expresses her growing faith in Santa Claus despite her mother’s skepticism.
• Dorey Walker: “Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.” – Dorey explains the importance of faith to her daughter as she begins to understand the magic of Christmas.
• Bryan Bedford: “Maybe believing is as simple as letting it happen.” – Bryan tries to convince Susan to believe in Santa Claus by opening her heart to the possibility.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,320,136
• Worldwide Gross: $46,264,384

💥 Miracle on 34th Street Reviews

Personal Review

I adore this movie! Richard Attenborough is the perfect Kris Kringle, bringing such warmth and believability to the role. Mara Wilson, as Susan, is just so charming and captures the essence of childhood skepticism turned belief. I especially loved the courtroom scene, it’s clever and heart-warming. It always puts me in the Christmas spirit. I watch it every year.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming Christmas movie”
  • “Fans of Richard Attenborough and Mara Wilson”
  • “Viewers who enjoy classic holiday stories with a touch of magic”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief mild violence (a punch)”
  • “Some thematic elements involving belief in Santa Claus”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “While it will never replace the original, this is a sweet, gentle, good-hearted film that stays true to the spirit of the original and doesn’t try to make everything slick and exploitative.
• Variety: “An entertaining update of a holiday classic, with a strong cast and a heartwarming message. While it may not surpass the original, it captures the essence of the story for a new generation.

Audience Reactions

Richard Attenborough’s portrayal of Kris Kringle is generally considered a great perfomance.: It is considered to have a generally heart-warming message and spirit that captures the essence of Christmas.

Overall Consensus: A charming remake that, while not surpassing the original, offers a heart-warming and enjoyable experience for a new generation, mainly due to the performance of Richard Attenborough. However it is considered to have dated script writing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Macy’s declined to have their name used in the film, leading to the creation of the fictional Cole’s department store.”
• “The film was written and produced by John Hughes, known for his family-friendly movies, adding a contemporary touch to the classic story.”
• “Many scenes were shot on location in New York City, adding a sense of realism to the fantasy elements.”

🖥️ How to Watch Miracle on 34th Street?

Miracle on 34th Street (1994) is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video (for purchase or rental), Apple TV (for purchase or rental), and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite options during the holiday season, as it is often aired on television.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Miracle on 34th Street (1947): The original classic film upon which this remake is based.
• Elf (2003): Shares a similar theme of believing in the magic of Christmas and spreading holiday cheer.
• A Christmas Story (1983): Captures the nostalgic feeling of Christmas through the eyes of a child.
• The Polar Express (2004): A visually stunning animated film that emphasizes the importance of believing in the spirit of Christmas.
• It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): A heartwarming story about the importance of believing in yourself and the impact you have on others.

🛒 Miracle on 34th Street Related Products

• Miracle on 34th Street (Original 1947 Film) [Blu-ray]: Own the classic that started it all. Experience the original ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ in stunning Blu-ray quality. A timeless film that still resonates with audiences today.
• Miracle on 34th Street (DVD): The original movie has a colorized version that everyone will enjoy, including the youngest ones.
• Personalized Santa Letter from Kris Kringle – North Pole Delivery: Capture the magic of Christmas with a personalized letter addressed from Santa himself, delivered straight from the North Pole. A wonderful keepsake to cherish for years to come.
• Christmas Holiday Santa Claus Figurine: Adorn your house for the christmas season with this Santa Claus figure.

🎧 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 Natalie Cole

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 wonder what happened to the cast of “Miracle on 34th Street”? This short video gives a glimpse into the lives of some of the actors who are no longer with us. It’s a touching tribute to the legacy of this classic film!

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

Want to pay your respects to the stars of “Miracle on 34th Street”? This video takes you on a tour of their final resting places. It’s a bit somber, but also really fascinating to see where these iconic actors are remembered.

Santa’s Cane

This video is seriously sweet. Someone left a cane at Edmund Gwenn’s grave (you know, Kris Kringle!). It’s such a cool, touching gesture that shows the impact this movie still has.

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