As we get closer and closer to Christmas, there's no better time than now to revisit those time-tested holiday favorites, including songs, books, animated TV specials, plays, and movies. One heartwarming must-watch of the season is Miracle on 34th Street. This classic captures the spirit of Christmas perfectly; after all, as Kris Kringle says in the beloved film, "Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind.” You're likely familiar with the story, and you've probably seen at least one of the movies. But did you know Miracle on 34th Street is also a best-selling novella by ?
Is based on a book?
Yes! Valentine Davies was inspired to write when he was standing in line at a big department store during the Christmas season. Originally, Davies wrote the story as a screenplay entitled The Big Heart. In October 1946, 20th Century Fox started production on the screenplay—with George Seaton stepping in to direct and rewrite the screenplay. And in June 1947 when it was released, the film was finally given the title Miracle on 34th Street. Valentine Davies also wrote a 120-page novelization of the script which was released in 1947 by Harcourt Brace & Company in conjunction with the film's release.
takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas and follows the story of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real deal, straight from the North Pole. Doris, who works for Macy's, hires Kris Kringle for the Thanksgiving Day Parade after their original Santa is discovered to be inebriated. The new Santa does such a great job that Doris hires Kris Kringle to be their Santa in the department store. Kringle is a quick favorite among the kids who come to see him, but Doris is concerned about the fact that he seems to believe he is the real Santa. Even more concerning is the fact that Doris's daughter, Susan, is being swayed by Kris Kringle too. The story culminates with a trial to determine whether or not Kris Kringle is the real Santa. The 1947 film stars Maureen O'Hara as Doris Walker, John Payne as Fred Gailey, Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle, and Natalie Wood as Susan Walker.
The 1947 film went on to win three Academy Awards: Edmund Gwenn for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Valentine Davies for Best Writing, Original Story, and George Seaton for Best Writing, Screenplay. And while the film is nearly 75 years old, it remains one of the most-watched and most-beloved movies of the holiday season.
