- Jimmy Stewart: It’s a Wonderful Life
- Maureen O’Hara: Miracle on 34th Street
- Barbara Stanwyck: Christmas in Connecticut
- Bing Crosby: White Christmas
I’m not sure why, but Miracle on 34th Street (1947) doesn’t seem to get the attention many other Christmas movies do. Yes, the others are outstanding… but so is Miracle on 34th Street!
This has been one of my favorite movies since I was around the age of Natalie Wood’s adorable character Susan. The movie is filled with love, laughter, emotion, and hope – who can ask for more than that from a Christmas movie?
The fact that you often hear people talk about Die Hard as a Christmas movie more than this one is enough to make you as nutty as the cookies you leave out for Santa.
Okay, ranting over. Let’s just celebrate this wonderful, beautiful movie!
Did You Know?
- According to a Natalie Wood biography, young Natalie believed that Edmund Gwenn was actually Santa Claus! In fact, it wasn’t until she saw him out of costume at the wrap party that she realized he wasn’t Santa.
- Natalie Wood was eight years old when filming Miracle on 34th Street.
- Maureen O’Hara had this to say about Edmund Gwenn, “By the time we were halfway through the shoot, we all believed Edmund really was Santa Claus. I’ve never seen an actor more naturally suited for a role.”
- The department stores (Macy’s and Gimbel’s) depicted in the movie had to grant permission in order for the producers to use their names. Both stores wanted to see the finished film first before they gave this approval. Fortunately (and for obvious reasons), both stores loved the film and gave their permission!
- From Maureen O’Hara’s autobiography: “Everyone felt the magic on the set and we all knew we were creating something special. I am very proud to have been part of a film that has been continually shown and loved all over the world for nearly sixty years. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) has endured all this time because of the special relationship of the cast and crew, the uplifting story and its message of hope and love, which steals hearts all over the world every year. I don’t think I will ever tire of children asking me, ‘Are you the lady who knows Santa Claus?’ I always answer, ‘Yes, I am. What would you like me to tell him?'”
Below are just a few special scenes from this extra special movie.
Santa Won’t Lie to Susan:
Susan Believes:
The One and Only Santa Claus!
