Rating of
3/4
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - Review
Matthew Brady - wrote on 12/25/23
"I believe... I believe... It's silly, but I believe."
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) has been on my watch-list for a while, but I never had time to watch it. It was the same with It's a Wonderful Life. Now that I have seen it, I can see why.
But I watched the 1947 version before the 1994 one with Richard Attenborough because I wanted to start with the original and not leave it in the dust.
So, the 1947 Mircale on 34th Street lives up to the hype of being a pleasant and festive film that stood the test of time. I could tell the people making it loved being a part of it as it came across through the screen.
I liked how the movie does not give away whether he is the genuine Santa Claus. Is he the real deal? Or is he just a madman taking the role of Santa too far? Instead, it leaves it up to you if you believe or not. Why spoil the magic and mystery of a beloved character?
Edmund Gwenn is the definitive movie Santa Claus in my eyes. Just the way he interacts with children, you feel like a kid again just by listening to him. Edmund Gwenn does make you believe. He won an Oscar for this performance, and rightfully so. Although it might be only me who finds this strange, Santa Claus knowing how to use a whip can, unfortunately, lead one's mind to grim implications. But anywhere, Ho ho ho.
Also, I did not expect to see a nine-year-old Natalie Wood before her career blew up.
However, one of the most amusing things I have found from the movie is when researching, I watched the trailer to get an idea of what the movie will be like and came across a trailer that is one of the worst advertisements for any media. In the trailer, you get text on the screen saying, “You will love Miracle on 34th Street!” Is that a threat? Then, it shows a montage of greedy studio people watching the film, laughing, crying, and enjoying the experience. Then they all talk about promoting the movie to the people, shouting suggestions. After that, the text, “You will love Miracle on 34th Street!” returns on the screen.
That was a fascinating find. Other than that, it's a great Christmas movie that remains timeless.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
