Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Directed by: George Seaton
Starring: Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie
Wood, and Edmund Gwenn
Some drunk guy (Percy Helton) is hired
to play Santa in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) has a problem
with that and takes his place with the help of event director Doris Walker (Maureen
O’Hara). He does so well that he’s hired
to work at the flagship Macy’s store on 34th Street in New York
City. Kris gets into his job so much
that he insists to everyone, including Doris’ children, that he is the real
jolly old Saint Nick. His passion gets him
fired and eventually institutionalized.
However, Doris’ neighbor Fred Gailey (John Payne) has a heart and helps
Chris to fight for his freedom and prove that he is the real Santa. Though Miracle
on 34th Street is a little ripe for the holiday movie bucket
list, it’s the original heartwarming Christmas film. Spike the eggnog and enjoy this holiday
classic.
