Miracle on 34th Street
Seen it?1947 | 96 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won 3 Oscars and people are still talking about it. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and families. If you loved Elf or Arthur Christmas, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, feel-good.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 36 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1947: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Kris Kringle, seemingly the embodiment of Santa Claus, is asked to portray the jolly old fellow at Macy's following his performance in the Thanksgiving Day parade. His portrayal is so complete that many begin to question if he truly is Santa Claus, while others question his sanity.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 3 Oscars: Best Supporting Actor, Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay, Best Story. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$3 million worldwide on a $630K budget
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 432K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Elf
Saturday SpecialAnother Christmas comedy, and a Saturday Special.
The Santa Clause
Sunday Safe BetAnother Christmas dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Arthur Christmas Saturday SpecialAnother Christmas drama, and a Saturday Special.
Miracle on 34th Street
Weeknight WatchAnother Christmas drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Noelle Weeknight WatchAnother Christmas family film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by George Seaton
- Maureen O'HaraDoris Walker
- John PayneFred Gailey
- Edmund GwennKris Kringle
- Gene LockhartJudge Harper
- Natalie WoodSusan Walker
- Porter HallGranville Sawyer
- William FrawleyCharlie Halloran
- Jerome CowanThomas Mara
- Philip TongeJulian Shellhammer
- James SeayDr. Pierce (uncredited)