Miracle on 34thStreet(also calledThe Big Heartin the UK) became an instant holiday classic as soon as it was released in 1947. The film was written by Valentine Davies, was directed by George Seaton, and starred Maureen O’Hara, Natalie Wood, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn.
The miracles begin when Kris shows up to the Macy’s day parade and introduces himself to the parade Santa Claus. However, Kris is disappointed to find the man portraying Santa is drunk! Furious, Kris Kringle reports the Santa imposter to the parade director who in turn convinces Kris to play the role in the parade and subsequently in the department store. Children and adults alike are drawn to Kris and many begin to believe that Kris Kringle is the real Santa Claus.
The film was highly recognized at the Academy Awards. Edmund Gwenn, who played Kris Kringle, won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and the film also won Oscars for Best Writing: Original Story and Best Writing: Screenplay. It was also a nominee for Best Picture.Miracle on 34thStreethas since received several other honors. The American Film Institute ranked it ninth on its list of “100 Years… 100 Cheers.” AFI also ranked the film fifth on its list of the top ten films in the fantasy genre. And in 2005,Miracle on 34thStreetwas selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
There have been several remakes of the classic film, including four movies and a Broadway musical. There were television movies made in 1955, 1959, and 1973. The Broadway musical based onMiracle on 34thStreetwas calledHere’s Loveand opened in 1963. It was written by Meredith Wilson (who is best known for writingThe Music Man). The latest remake of the film was released in 1994. The script was adapted by John Hughes from the original 1947 script, and starred Dylan McDermott, Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, and Mara Wilson. Macy’s refused to allow this film to use its name, so the store was renamed Cole’s.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade scenes in the 1947 film were shot during the real-life 1946 parade. Since they were using the real parade in the film, re-shoots were of course impossible, so the film crew set up numerous cameras along the parade route to ensure they got everything they needed. Unbeknownst to most parade-watchers, the Santa in the 1946 parade was actually played by Edmund Gwenn, the actor who plays Kris Kingle in the movie.
The scenes at Macy’s were shot on location at the realMacy’sDepartment Store on 34thStreet. During filming, it turned out that the film crew required more electricity than the store could provide, so additional power sources had to be set up in the Macy’s basem*nt.
Despite the fact thatMiracle on 34thStreetis a Christmas movie, the producers of the original 1947 film wanted to release the film in May, since more people went to see movies in the summer. While advertising the film, they kept the fact that it was a Christmas movie secret!Hop on the Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour to get an up close and personal look at Macy’s.
* In an effort to stay current, we are constantly updating our tours with new locations and cannot guarantee the presence of locations mentioned on our site. If you have a particular interest in locations from a specific TV show or movie, please let your tour guide know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
TAKE THE TOURS THAT FEATURE SOME OF THESE FILMING LOCATIONS!
As a seasoned film enthusiast and expert in cinematic history, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for the subject at hand. My extensive understanding of classic films, including "Miracle on 34th Street," is grounded in a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling, filmmaking techniques, and the cultural impact of iconic movies.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating details of "Miracle on 34th Street," a timeless holiday classic that has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
1. Overview of the Film:
- Title and Alternate Name: "Miracle on 34th Street," also known as "The Big Heart" in the UK.
- Release Year: 1947
- Writer: Valentine Davies
- Director: George Seaton
- Main Cast: Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn
2. Plot Summary:
- The story unfolds as Kris Kringle intervenes in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, replacing a drunken Santa Claus impersonator. This marks the beginning of a series of miracles as Kris continues to portray Santa, both in the parade and the department store.
3. Awards and Recognition:
- The film received acclaim at the Academy Awards, with Edmund Gwenn winning the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
- Additional Oscars were awarded for Best Writing: Original Story and Best Writing: Screenplay.
- Nominated for Best Picture.
4. Cultural Impact and Recognition:
- Ranked ninth on the American Film Institute's list of "100 Years... 100 Cheers."
- Ranked fifth on AFI's list of the top ten films in the fantasy genre.
- Selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2005.
5. Remakes and Adaptations:
- Several remakes, including four movies and a Broadway musical titled "Here’s Love" in 1963.
- The 1994 remake featured a script adapted by John Hughes, with Macy's refusing the use of its name, resulting in the store being renamed Cole’s.
6. Filming Details:
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade scenes in the 1947 film were shot during the real-life 1946 parade.
- Edmund Gwenn, who played Kris Kringle, also portrayed Santa in the 1946 parade.
- On-location filming took place at the real Macy’s Department Store on 34th Street, requiring additional power sources due to the crew's electricity needs.
7. Marketing Strategy:
- Despite being a Christmas movie, the producers aimed for a May release to capitalize on higher summer movie attendance.
- The Christmas theme was kept secret during advertising to attract a broader audience.
As you embark on the Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour, you'll gain a firsthand look at the iconic Macy’s, a central filming location for "Miracle on 34th Street." This classic film's enduring legacy is a testament to its heartwarming narrative and the dedication of its cast and crew.
