It can be hard to avoid feeling cynical about Christmas as an adult, but Miracle on 34th Street reminds us that no one is too young or too old to enjoy the festive period.
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- What is Miracle on 34th Street about?
- Why we love the movie
- Where to watch Miracle on 34th Street in the UK and the US
What is Miracle on 34th Street about?
Miracle on 34th Street (1994) is a remake of a timeless festive classic first released back in 1947, which explores New York City’s response to Kris Kringle – an in-store Santa Claus who boldly claims to be the real Old Saint Nick.
Starring Matilda icon Mara Wilson as the young Susan Walker, Miracle on 34th Street follows Kringle, played by Richard Attenborough, as he wows shoppers with his unconventionally charitable ways and attempts to reignite the dimmed Christmas spirit of a prematurely pessimistic six-year-old Susan.
Kringle is forced to attempt to prove to a rather skeptical court that he is of sound mind and not lying to himself about being Santa, prompting an impassioned response from Susan, who defends Kringle after he promises to make her Christmas wish of a dad, a new house and a baby brother come true.
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Why we love the movie
The sign language representation
One of the many touching moments in Miracle on 34th Street is the adorable scene when our iconic in-store Santa is told by the parent of a young child that he doesn’t have to speak to her, as the child is deaf and just wanted to see Santa in person. Without missing a beat, Kringle greets the girl, played by Samantha Krieger – a deaf actress – and in perfect sign language tells her that she is “a very beautiful young lady.”
Richard Attenborough’s performance
The late actor, director and producer extraordinaire passed away in 2014, boasting an astoundingly comprehensive filmography. And while the brother of David, the iconic broadcaster, may have starred in a range of classics like Doctor Dolittle and Jurassic Park, Miracle on 34th Street is a vintage performance from Attenborough and one that is always fondly remembered by his fans.
A good take on a classic
While many filmmakers shy away from re-hashing Christmas classics out of fear of failing to do them justice, the 1994 take on Miracle on 34th Street is a rare example of a Christmas re-do done right. Although there is little change story-wise from the 1947 original, John Hughes’ and Les Mayfield’s 90s adaptation does a more than adequate job of presenting the movie for a new generation of viewers, without losing that crucial feeling of nostalgia.
The wholesome message
Of course, the best thing about 34th Street is the message of joy it leaves us with. The overarching theme of Miracle on 34th Street is the idea that employing a sense of faith and belief will result in a much more rewarding Christmas than approaching the holiday season with skepticism and reluctance; a message that can be relevant to just about everybody at some point in their lives.
Where to watch Miracle on 34th Street in the UK and the US
Miracle on 34th Street (1994) is available to stream on Disney+ in the UK and the US, and can also be rented or purchased from Rakuten TV.
UK residents without Disney+ are in luck, as the movie will be shown this Saturday (December 23) live on TV on Channel 5 at 11.50am and again at 12.50pm, with Channel 5 +1 repeating each screening an hour later, respectively.
You can find all the movies from our advent calendar on our Christmas page.
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