Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Whether you enjoy the B&W original or the newly colorized version {that evokes the sepia tones of yesteryear}, Miracle on 34th Street is a Christmas classic.

The story of a sensible little girl, Suzie (Natalie Wood) and her sensible mother, Doris (beautifully played by Maureen O'Hara) learn to believe. A drunk Santa in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade gives way to a bearded Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) who plainly shares he's the Santa. As a Macy's supervisor, Doris is concerned about the mental well being of Mr. Kringle. Hilarity gives way to a heartwarming story that cynics and optimists alike can enjoy.

Either version is simply beautiful. Edmund Gwenn actually won a Best Supporting Actor for his role here. I love his version of Santa--sick of the commercialization of the holiday, merry and gentle-hearted. The 1940's era set and costuming hearken to a America at her best.

Skip the remakes! Smart, humorous dialogue, characters to relate, intriguing plot-line--I mean, imagine, Santa on trial!--makes Miracle on 34th Street a must-see during the holiday.