Get ready for a festive treat on Paramount+ this Christmas season, as a beloved classic is making its way to the streaming service. Starting December 1, viewers can enjoy the enchanting 1947 holiday film Miracle on 34th Street, a masterful creation by George Seaton based on a heartwarming story by Valentine Davies, which was also adapted into a book. This iconic movie has delighted audiences for decades, becoming a holiday tradition despite its occasional scarcity. It was groundbreaking as one of the first black-and-white films to be colorized and has inspired numerous remakes, including a notable version directed by Les Mayfield and co-written by John Hughes. The original film’s charm remains unmatched, earning a remarkable 96% from critics and an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.

The plot of Miracle on 34th Street revolves around the captivating character of Kris Kringle, an elderly man who unexpectedly finds himself in the spotlight of Manhattan after stepping in for a drunken Santa Claus during the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. His heartfelt portrayal of Santa captures the hearts of both children and adults alike, leading Macy’s to hire him for regular appearances at their flagship store. However, the joyful atmosphere is threatened when Kris boldly claims to be the real Santa Claus, prompting skepticism from both customers and employees. This assertion sets off a gripping legal battle to ascertain his mental stability and ultimately confirm his identity as the true Santa Claus, raising questions about belief, magic, and holiday spirit.

This all-time classic, crafted by Seaton and Davies, stands as one of the most celebrated Christmas films in cinematic history. At the prestigious Academy Awards, Miracle on 34th Street garnered three Oscars, including a coveted Best Supporting Actor award for the talented Edmund Gwenn in his portrayal of Kris Kringle. Additionally, the film won writing accolades for Seaton and Davies in the screenplay and original story categories. It even earned a nomination for Best Picture, though it ultimately lost to Laurence Olivier‘s acclaimed adaptation of Hamlet. While Gwenn received the highest honors for his exceptional performance, the film also showcased the remarkable talents of Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and a young Natalie Wood, who made her film debut in this beloved holiday tale.

Explore the Additional Christmas Classics Streaming on Paramount+

In addition to the heartwarming Miracle on 34th Street, Paramount+ is unveiling a delightful array of festive films to celebrate the holiday season. Among the exciting new titles set to join the platform is the classic adaptation of A Christmas Carol from 1984, featuring the brilliant performance of George C. Scott, which will also be available at the start of December. Alongside this, viewers can look forward to the unique animated film Arthur Christmas, released in 2011 and featuring the voices of James McAvoy and Hugh Laurie. Furthermore, the streaming service is anticipating a modern holiday favorite with the original film Dear Santa, starring Jack Black as Satan. This comedic adventure, directed by Bobby Farrelly, follows a young boy who hilariously misaddresses his Christmas wish list to the ruler of Hell instead of Santa, leading to a whirlwind of entertaining chaos. This new film is set to premiere even earlier on November 25.

Mark your calendars: Miracle on 34th Street will be available for streaming on Paramount+ starting December 1. Be sure to stay connected with Collider for updates on other cherished Christmas classics arriving on streaming platforms throughout the holiday season.

Miracle on 34th Street

Release Date

June 11, 1947

Director

George Seaton

Cast

Maureen O’Hara , John Payne , Edmund Gwenn , Gene Lockhart , Natalie Wood , Porter Hall

Runtime

96

Main Genre

Comedy

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