- Directed by Fielder Cook
- December 14, 1973
- CBS
A department store Santa winds up going on trial to prove that he is indeed the real deal.
This television version of Miracle on 34th Street was more than likely my introduction to the basics of Miracle on 34th Street. Not the original black-and-white nor the 1955 television special but rather this television film. Though made before I was born, I recall it playing in heavy rotation on various television stations as a child. It was probably not until maybe I was in fourth or fifth grade that I discovered the original. Anywho…
Now being able to compare them both, what strikes me about this version is how closely it adheres to its predecessor in the story structure and overall script. What this movie does though is take the story and modernizes it without radically changing it. It brings a story into the present and works to smooth out the few rough edges of the original. The ’76 version of King Kong did much the same thing. Fix and modernize and do not slap names and titles on something marginally related.
What I think this version does better than its predecessor for example is craft the relationship between the lawyer (David Hartman)-here named Bill Schaffner- and the mother (Jane Alexander)-here named Karen Walker. There’s a more natural progression from their first meeting all the way up until a relationship and the implied married future. A few moments that could only happen in the 70s occur in this version of the narrative but nothing unusual. It becomes its own thing without trying to ride the good memories of the original.
What they get wrong is that the mother is less of a general Doubting Thomas as she was in the ’47 version of Miracle on 34th Street. That was a plus as it made the outcome of the trial significant on some level for all be it Kris’s freedom or to recapture the belief of youth. While she does little to have her daughter believe in the fanciful, she does almost nothing to dissuade any beliefs. Susan (Suzanne Davidson) has had some roughness in her life and does just fine not believing in much of anything on her own.
I was a little confused by something but then again I am really unfamiliar with New York apartment life. After Susan lets Santa know she wants a house there is an implication Bill and Karen go up to take a look at a house and there is a scene following that appears to take place in something larger than an apartment yet in the finale they clearly arrive at this empty house that they can clearly get and haven’t moved in to yet. I really thought they had moved in during the course of the story rather than get the place at the very end. Bad editing?
Early on there’s an anesthesiologist friend of Bill named Celeste (Ellen Weston) that’s introduced and it looks like Celeste is going to be a romantic rival with Karen for the affections of Bill but it amounts to nothing. I am glad it went nowhere as such an idea would turn this easily into a forgettable romcom. I am disappointed it was even entertained though.
Taking over the role of Santa Claus is Sebastian Cabot. He was most certainly a jolly old elf here. He was charming and does everything you would want in a screen Santa Claus. He has a playful manner to his performance and gives his Kris Kringle a joy no matter what.
Roddy McDowall being in this as Macy’s psychologist Dr. Henry Sawyer was a special treat for me. He makes this doctor less of a direct enemy to Kris and more of someone that is growing increasingly concerned over someone he thinks is unwell. Previously the doctor did what he did more out of revenge than anything. Not so here and it was a nice change. An improvement if you will.
This version of Miracle on 34th Street is photographed like a television movie. It’s not a negative as this is exactly what it is. Somehow that does not make it feel like a discount imitation. Then again with a cast from the time containing Sebastian Cabot, Roddy McDowall, Jim Backus, David Doyle, Tom Bosley, James Gregory, Conrad Janis, and Burt Mustin in roles of varying importance makes this as enjoyable as the original.
The script is really great here. And there are some witty moments much of which are essentially lifted from the original though done in their own way. This is a remake that honors its source material yet does what it must to fit in with the day and age.
This version of Miracle on 34th Street is a fine remake of the original film. It manages to capture the same heart and warmth of its predecessor and be just as enjoyable in its own way. I’m not sure if it’s available anywhere on a streaming service currently. I do know that there are copies of varying quality available for viewing on YouTube. Check it out however you can. You will enjoy it!
Warren Watched A Movie 