Miracle on 34th Street (1994 film) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Miracle on 34th Street
Original theatrical poster
Directed by	Les Mayfield
Produced by	John Hughes
Screenplay by	John Hughes George Seaton
Starring	Richard Attenborough Elizabeth Perkins Dylan McDermott J. T. Walsh James Remar Mara Wilson Robert Prosky
Music by	Bruce Broughton
Cinematography	Julio Macat
Editing by	Raja Gosnell
Studio	Hughes Entertainment Fox Family Films
Distributed by	20th Century Fox
Release date(s)	November 15, 1994 (1994-11-15) (Radio City Music Hall) November 18, 1994 (1994-11-18) (United States)
Running time	114 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Money made	$46.3 million

Miracle on 34th Street is a 1994 American Christmas movie. It's a fantasy and comedy-drama film. Les Mayfield directed the movie. John Hughes produced and helped write it.

The film stars Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle. Other main actors include Elizabeth Perkins and Mara Wilson. This movie is a remake of the original 1947 film. Like the first movie, 20th Century Fox released this one.

The real Macy's department store in New York City did not want to be in this remake. They felt the original movie was perfect. So, a made-up store called "Cole's" was used instead. Another store, "Gimbels," had closed down. It was replaced by a fictional store called "Shopper's Express."

Story of the Film

Kris Kringle Arrives

Before the big Thanksgiving parade, Dorey Walker works at Cole's Department Store. She is in charge of special events. Dorey fires the store's Santa Claus, Tony Falacchi. She quickly needs a new Santa.

Dorey sees an old man who was complaining about Falacchi. She asks him to be the new Santa. The man says his name is Kris Kringle. Kris does a wonderful job during the parade. Cole's hires him right away. This happens even though Kris truly believes he is the real Santa Claus.

Kris's Popularity

Children and parents love Kris Kringle. He tells shoppers where to find toys cheaper, even at other stores. This unusual idea becomes a big success for Cole's. The store starts doing very well.

Cole's had recently almost been taken over by another company. This sudden success makes rivals angry. Jack Duff leads the executives at Shopper's Express. They are upset by Cole's turnaround.

Susan's Wish

Dorey has a six-year-old daughter named Susan. Dorey has taught Susan that Santa Claus is not real. She worries about Kris's influence on Susan. Bryan Bedford, Dorey's neighbor and a lawyer, tries to make Susan believe.

One night, Kris babysits Susan. Susan tells him her Christmas wish. She wants a dad, a house from the Cole's Christmas catalog, and a baby brother. Kris asks if she would believe in Santa if she got all these things. Susan agrees that she would.

The Court Case

Victor Landberg and Jack Duff realize Kris thinks he is Santa. They plan to make people doubt him. Duff's team pays Falacchi to bother Kris in the street. Falacchi pretends to be hurt when Kris raises his walking stick. This leads to Kris's arrest.

Bryan, the lawyer, helps Kris with legal support. He arranges a court hearing for Kris to explain himself. Dorey convinces the head of Cole's to support Kris. This creates a lot of public support for Kris.

At the court hearing, the prosecutor, Ed Collins, argues that Kris is not fit for society. He lets Kris tell the court that he is the real Santa Claus.

Judge's Decision

That evening, Judge Henry Harper talks to Bryan privately. He feels he has to declare Kris insane. He thinks Kris is a good person, but the law is the law.

The next morning, the judge is about to announce his decision. Susan walks up to him with a Christmas card. Inside is a $1 bill. The words "In God We Trust" are circled on the back. The judge realizes something important. If the U.S. government can trust in God on money without proof, then people can trust in Santa Claus.

Judge Harper dismisses the case. He declares that Santa is real. He says Santa exists in the person of Kris Kringle.

Christmas Wishes Come True

After the court case, Kris helps Dorey and Bryan see their feelings for each other. They get married in a small ceremony. This happens after the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass.

On Christmas morning, Susan hears about the marriage. She is very happy because one of her wishes came true. Susan, Dorey, and Bryan drive to the house from the catalog. Kris, who has now left, arranged for them to buy it. Dorey's big Christmas bonus helps them afford it.

Two of Susan's wishes are now fulfilled. Dorey asks Susan what her third wish was. Susan happily announces it was a baby brother. Dorey and Bryan look at each other, surprised. They then glance at Dorey's stomach and share a kiss.

Main Actors

• Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle
• Elizabeth Perkins as Dorey Walker
• Dylan McDermott as Bryan Bedford
• J. T. Walsh as Ed Collins
• James Remar as Jack Duff
• Mara Wilson as Susan Walker
• Robert Prosky as Judge Henry Harper
• Jane Leeves as Alberta Leonard
• Simon Jones as Donald Shellhammer
• William Windom as C. F. Cole
• Katherine Narducci as the mother
• Mary McCormack as Myrna Foy
• Alvin Greenman as the doorman
• Allison Janney as a shopper at Cole's
• Greg Noonan as Cmdr. Coulson (Col. Colson)
• Byrne Piven as Dr. Hunter
• Peter Gerety as a cop
• Jack McGee as Tony Falacchi
• Jennifer Morrison as Denise
• Horatio Sanz as an orderly
• Ron Beattie as a priest
• Joss Ackland as Victor Landberg (uncredited)

Various newscasters like Rosanna Scotto and Lester Holt also appear.

Release of the Film

The movie first showed at Radio City Music Hall on November 15, 1994. There was a 30-minute stage show before it. This show included parts of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes performed, and Kenny G also played music.

Music from the Film

The film's music was composed by Bruce Broughton. The soundtrack includes many popular Christmas songs.

Song List

More to Explore

In Spanish: Miracle on 34th Street (1994) para niños

• List of Christmas films