Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

A lawyer and a little girl must prove that a man claiming to be Santa Claus is the real thing.

Director:

Les Mayfield

Writers:

Valentine Davies (story), George Seaton

Stars:

Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Attenborough	...	Kris Kringle
Elizabeth Perkins	...	Dorey Walker
Dylan McDermott	...	Bryan Bedford
J.T. Walsh	...	Ed Collins
James Remar	...	Jack Duff
Jane Leeves	...	Alberta Leonard
Simon Jones	...	Donald Shellhammer
William Windom	...	C.F. Cole
Mara Wilson	...	Susan Walker
Robert Prosky	...	Judge Henry Harper
Kathrine Narducci	...	Mother
Mary McCormack	...	Myrna Foy
Alvin Greenman	...	The Doorman
Allison Janney	...	Woman in Christmas Shop
Greg Noonan	...	Cmdr. Coulson

Storyline

Six-year-old Susan Walker discovers dreams do come true if you really believe. She has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle, Santa Claus. Her mother, Dorey, told her the "secret" about him a long time ago, so she doesn't expect to receive the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, she is given the most precious gift of all, something to believe in.

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Plot Keywords:

santa claus | girl | remake | parade | court | 

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Taglines:

If you really believe, anything can happen.

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Genres:

Family | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild language

Did You Know?

Trivia

In its original theatrical release, Twentieth Century Fox offered a full refund to any viewer who didn't enjoy the movie. Approximately 1,500 tickets were returned to the studio.

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Goofs

When Kris tells the little girl his name in other countries, he says that in Holland his name is "Sinterklaas", however, that is the name of another December holiday figure. In Holland, he is referred to as "De Kerstman". They act and dress differently, and have their own separate holiday.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Grandson: Ask him. Ask him. Look at him, Grandpa. Ask him.
Judge Henry Harper: Uh, I'm sorry. He, uh he thinks you're Santa Claus.
[Kris Kringle and Judge Harper laugh]
Kris Kringle: [quietly to Harper's grandson] I am.
[to Harper]
Kris Kringle: Merry Christmas.

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Connections

Featured in Best Ever Christmas Films (2005)

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Soundtracks

Jingle Bells
Performed by Natalie Cole
Written by James Pierpont
Produced by Tommy LiPuma
Courtesy of Elektra Records

User Reviews

I adore this movie

I watch it every year. I've read negative reviews of Mara Wilson's performance but I think she is charming and smart but not at all obnoxious or know-it-all as others have said. She is acting over maturely as she was raised by her no-nonsense and jaded mother. Her subtle winks and expressions are very apropos to her role and she interacts very well with Mr. Kringle. (Perhaps I like her because she looks like my daughter when she was little.) Regardless, I love the way this story is told and Mara makes it for me. Even though logically she was taught that Santa was not real, as a little girl she was still willing to believe. Take a little joy in believing! I hope you enjoy :)

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English American Sign Language Dutch Italian Russian Swahili

Release Date:

18 November 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Miracle on 34th Street

Filming Locations:

Central Park West, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,753,208, 20 November 1994

Gross USA:

$17,320,136

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$46,264,384

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox, Hughes Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1