This was the fourth film from director George Seaton, at least as a director before becoming a director he had been a writer at MGM than Fox. He had written for such films as The Wizard of OZ, A Night at the Opera, A Day at the Races, and The Song of Bernadette. Before this film he had directed Diamond Horseshoe, Where Do We Go from Here?, Junior Miss and The Shocking Miss Pilgrim. Though on Where Do We Go From Here? he was an uncredited co-director, Gregory Ratoff was the credited main director. Seaton also wrote this film.
Edmund Gwenn was not only a convincing Santa Claus to the audience, but also to then child actress, Natalie Wood also believed him in the part. She believed he was the real Santa Claus, and who can blame her. She didn't realize she wasn't until she saw him out of costume at the wrap party. Not surprisingly Edmund Gwenn won a well deserved academy award for best supporting actor.
Maureen O'Hara was forced into this movie. She had in fact returned to Ireland, before being called to come back to America to play the role of the mom. She however fell in love with the script.
Despite the fact that this is obviously a Christmas film, Fox studio head, Darryl F. Zanuck felt the movie should be released in May, instead of at Christmas time. His reasoning was that people don't go to the theaters at Christmas time. Because of this most of the film's advertisements avoid saying this film had anything to do with Christmas or Santa Claus. Even the original title of the film, Christmas Miracle on 34th Street, was changed to Miracle on 34th Street.
Zanuck even felt this film was too cheesy for audiences. Boy was he wrong this film grew to become a classic, and boy is it. This is an excellent movie by any standards. The cast is perfect. The directing great, the writing top notch and everything comes together perfectly. This is not one of those movies that's beloved because it's considered a classic, but a classic because it is rightfully so beloved. This is a must watch. Highly recommended.
This film is one of only three Christmas films to ever be nominated for best picture. The others were The Bishop's Wife (released the same year), and It's a Wonderful Life (released the year before).
This film also has appearing in the toy department Warner Brothers cartoon characters despite this being a Fox film. This is odd, but perfectly in line with the film's message.
-Michael J. Ruhland
Resources Used
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/83570/Miracle-on-34th-Street/articles.html
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