Common Sense Media Review
Classic holiday movie has positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
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Miracle on 34th Street
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say the movie elicits mixed feelings; some find it charming and delightful, celebrating the spirit of Christmas and the belief in Santa Claus, while others deem it boring and unsuitable for younger audiences. It is generally recognized as a classic that can evoke fond memories, but viewer enjoyment may depend largely on personal taste and age appropriateness.
- mixed opinions
- charming holiday classic
- suitability varies
- nostalgia factor
- belief in santa
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, Doris Walker (Maureen O'Hara) is an executive at Macy's who's responsible for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. When the Santa Claus she's hired for the parade shows up drunk, she quickly substitutes Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn), who's an enormous success and becomes the store's even more successful in-house Santa. He tells customers to shop elsewhere when Macy's doesn't have what they want. The employees are aghast, but it turns out to be a public relations triumph. Doris raises her daughter, Susan (Natalie Wood), without any fantasies or illusions to help her handle "reality." Susan doesn't believe in Santa Claus. But Kris tells her that he really is Santa Claus, and, after observing him for a while, she begins to believe him. Kris has the enthusiastic support of lawyer Fred Gailey (John Payne), who cares deeply for Doris and Susan. But Kris' insistence that he really is Santa Claus leads to a hearing on his mental competency. Downtrodden, Kris doesn't even want to assist in his defense. So it's up to Doris, Susan, and kids everywhere to show adults the truth.
Is It Any Good?
This holiday classic from 1947 remains a great example of Hollywood studio filmmaking. Both Gwenn and Miracle on 34th Street's screenplay won Academy Awards, and the film itself was nominated for Best Picture. It lost to A Gentleman's Agreement, but while the latter has become rather obscure, best reserved for awards completists, Miracle remains a timeless work of art that can uplift even the most cynical spirits.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Doris doesn't want Susan to use her imagination in Miracle on 34th Street. Why do Kris and Fred think it's important?
Why is it important that Kris tells people to go to other stores to buy things they didn't have at Macy's?
Why doesn't Mr. Sawyer like Kris? Why did Fred have Mr. Mara's son testify in the trial?
How do the characters in Miracle on 34th Street demonstrate courage and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 2, 1947
- On DVD or streaming : October 5, 1999
- Cast : Edmund Gwenn , Maureen O'Hara , Natalie Wood
- Director : George Seaton
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Classic
- Topics : Holidays
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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