Page 15 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 95

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #95 December 2020 15

In Reel Time

Miracle on 34th Street

By Nikolai Adams

I the store wants to sell them).
Believe
“Faith is believing in things Conflict also arises between
when common sense tells you not Doris and her lawyer neighbour,
to.” Fred Gailey (John Payne), after
the man takes her daughter Susan
A Christmas movie that is truly
special has that moment. . . that (Natalie Wood, in a performance
well beyond her years – like a
specific sequence magically able to
transcend the medium – enlivening seasoned adult actor) to see Santa
our spirits, touching our hearts, Claus at Macy’s – the logical,
cynical young divorcée has raised
rejuvenating the soul. . . a bell ringing
– it giving an angel its wings; a her daughter to not believe in fairy
tales. . . meaning that the idea of
humbug of a man able to get another
chance at really living life; a family, Jolly Old Saint Nick is a bunch of
despite all odds, getting home to hooey to Doris (and she does not
want her daughter to believe in
their young son that has been left Photo Submitted Photo Submitted
home alone; and, in today’s film, such silly things – though the girl
still does ask Kris for a house this
though the ending could arguably
be it, a woman brings her newly Christmas).
adopted (orphaned) Dutch daughter But the wise old soul, at her tender
actors, Edmund Gwenn had the Zanuck was not a fan – thinking
to see Santa Claus at the mall, as the young age, can tell that something
entire cast and crew convinced he it was too corny), his skill, Alfred
little girl truly believes she will be is different about this Santa (after
was the real deal. . . Natalie Wood Newman’s score, and the cast’s
able to speak to him – her mother, witnessing the scene described believed he was the real Santa until
knowing that he can’t speak the in the introductory paragraph), infectious comradery coming
language, is gobsmacked when he though this does not stop Doris seeing him dressed normally at the through with a seemingly effortless
wrap party, while Maureen O’Hara
starts to talk to her – bringing so from being very upset with her stated, “. . . by the time we were grace – a magical spirit shining
much joy to her cherub-like face. neighbour for exposing her to the through the screen, a blessing of
halfway through the shoot, we all
experience. Also, Shellhammer faith, generosity, and love for the
Of course, you’ve probably believed Edmund really was Santa
guessed it, I am referencing George wants to terminate Kris for sending Claus. I’ve never seen an actor holiday season – a perfect cure for
their patrons elsewhere. battling cynicism, still relevant all
Seaton’s 1947 classic Miracle on more naturally suited for a role.”
34th Street (he both writes and Having brought so much goodwill In one of those magical Oscar these years later, a movie whose
themes and style do not feel even
directs). After a drunk Santa is upon the store, Mr. Macy (Harry moments, when Gwenn’s name
a day old. Intriguingly, Miracle
removed from his post during the Antrim), is not only unwilling to was called and he made his way
on 34th Street has been a success
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade fire the man, but also wants to give on stage to accept the award, the
from day one (with critics and
thanks to the complaint of Kris Doris and his Toy Manager a raise. first words he uttered were, “Now
Kringle (Edmund Gwenn – winning But after an incident that leads Kris I know there’s a Santa Claus”. the movie viewing public), unlike
an Oscar for the role), methodical down a path that will force him to many other Christmas classics, that
One of only three Christmas
event director Doris Walker defend his sanity (in that he is the movies to ever have been flopped when first released, only
(Maureen O’Hara) asks the man real Santa Claus), he finds himself to gain traction much later with
nominated for Best Picture at the
to don the suit – filmed during the on trial (in front of an on-the-rise Academy Awards (the others: the advent of television showings
actual parade. Judge, played by Gene Lockhart), each December, its message of
passionately defended by Fred. The Bishop’s Wife and It’s A “Christmas isn’t just a day – it’s
Acquiescing, he does such a Wonderful Life – all three were
Will the kindly old soul be able to a frame of mind” still as popular
wonderful job that he is asked made within a year of each other),
immediately afterward to take prove the near impossible claim? Miracle on 34th Street is well as it was back in 1947. So, this is
Will Doris and Susan waver in a movie miracle to cherish every
on the role at Macy’s department worth celebrating. Seaton fought
store on 34th Street – their flagship their steadfast belief that there so hard to bring the film to life (as joyous season, be it in your house,
is nothing to believe in? Will the
location (also shot in the actual 20th Century Fox head Darryl F. new or old!
rather extravagant wish for a home
locale). What soon becomes evident
Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel
to toy department manager Julian somehow be granted to the cute Merry Christmas , Joyeux Noel
little dear?
Shellhammer (Philip Tonge) is that
Kris truly believes he is the one The winner of three Academy Jim McDonell, MPP
and only Santa Claus, and that he Awards (and Best Picture nominee), Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry
is directing Macy’s shoppers (the Miracle on 34th Street is a true www.jimmcdonellmpp.ca
great Thelma Ritter in her screen Christmas classic – with more than
debut) to other department stores so enough inspiring cheer to bring 613-933-6513
that children can get what they truly smiles to millions of viewers each “Stay Protected”
want (and not just something that year. Starting with its dynamic