Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – Rewatch

This is such the seminal telling of the story that I can’t watch any of the other versions despite trying. Edmund Gwenn IS Santa Claus, come to spread Christmas and belief to Macy’s executive Maureen O’Hara, her young daughter Natalie Wood, and New York City at large. I’ve been watching this film all my life at Christmastime and the sentimentality, nostalgia, and desire to believe in the Christmas spirit have never wavered upon each viewing. The one thing that has changed in recent viewings is my joy at seeing the US postal service being a hero in the film. There’s a bittersweetness that gets added when thinking of how it has been gutted in recent years.    

Oscar Wins: Best Actor in a Supporting Role; Best Writing, Original Story; Best Writing, Screenplay

Oscar Nomination: Best Picture