And so, we go to the complete opposite end of the spectrum in regard to Christmas films. ‘Miracle On 34th Street’ (1947) is a bona fide Christmas classic, so much so that it has been remade twice (technically four times if you count the two films made for TV). And yet, I don’t think I have ever seen any of them or the way through. Well, I guess I am going to have to change that with this Christmas binge, starting with the one that started it all. I don’t believe I really need to explain the story of this film to you but for the uninitiated, I will give it a go. The film follows a department store Santa (Edmund Gwenn) who is on a mission to change the hearts of Americans who he believes are losing faith in the real meaning of Christmas. However, his insistence on him being the real Santa Clause is questioned by many and he is taken to court to prove that he is indeed Santa Clause.
Heads up, we have a melodrama on our hands. Of course, this isn’t a criticism, in fact, I think it is very much to the benefit of the film that it is melodramatic. It leads to clear characters with clear if basic, personalities and it allows for an uncomplicated, simple narrative that is very effectively told. It also means that all the actors can have a lot of fun with the roles. This is especially true for Porter Hall who lays Granville Sawyer. He is effectively the villain of the piece and quite a pathetic one at that. He is massively dislikeable and pathetic, and this is captured really well by Hall who lays it almost like a cartoon character. His performance was successful enough that I got a genuine kick when the character received his comeuppance. The real star of the show is Edmund Gwenn who won a supporting actor Oscar for his performance. You will believe that this man is Santa Clause. He is completely charming and comes across as the nicest man in the world, even when he is angry at other characters Gwenn manages to be sympathetic and likeable. He also has great chemistry with the whole cast which helps him have this atmosphere around him that makes you believe him when he says he is Santa. The film on a technical level is solid but nothing particularly special. I can’t remember any particular moments which stood out as being beautifully shot, but at the same time, it doesn’t really need to be. It does what it needs to do in its characters, narrative, and mise en scene to capture the audience and get them engaged in what is going on in the story.
It is no wonder this film has become a Christmas classic. It has the feel of Christmas from start to finish. Of course, it does that in its mise en scene and use of Christmas related songs, but it also manages to capture the spirit of Christmas very well. It's hard to explain. It is almost whimsical in its approach to believing in the power of Christmas. I know whimsy is often used in a negative sense but hear I mean it as a positive. It captures the childlike wonder that comes along with Christmas. It has heart and charm and it definitely put the spirit of Christmas in me. It also does make a critique on the commercialisation of Christmas, although it also kind of loses itself in this critique as well where it actually had me start to question the morality of a lot of the characters which I am not sure I was meant to do. Still, it does make a critique so at least there is that. But on the whole, it feels like Christmas and that is exactly what you want from your Christmas films. Even for a Scrooge like me who maybe isn’t as into Christmas as your average Joe, it managed to warm my heart and inflict the message and spirit of Christmas upon me. If that doesn’t sell it to you, I am not sure what will.
If you couldn’t tell already, I definitely would recommend ‘Miracle On 34th Street’. If you are looking to get into the Christmas spirit it is definitely up there as a film that will help you in achieving your goal, It is charming, full of heart, and has a central performance by Edmund Gwenn that is one of the best on-screen Father Christmases (Father Chrismi?) I have personally seen. I am not exactly sure how the other two film versions of this will top it, although I know the 1994 version is beloved so we shall see. I am also a bit annoyed that I watched this film so early as it has maybe got me into the spirit of Christmas too early. Although I am sure I will watch enough shit this month that will dampen that spirit.
Коментари