History of Miracle on 34th Street in Timeline
Miracle on 34th Street is a heartwarming 1947 Christmas film set in New York City. The story revolves around Kris Kringle, a department store Santa who insists he is the real deal. His claim stirs up a mix of reactions, from skepticism to belief, among store employees, customers, and even a psychologist. Doris Walker, a pragmatic events director, initially hires Kris but remains unconvinced. Her young daughter, Susan, has also grown cynical about the magic of Christmas. As Kris's genuine kindness and generosity touch the lives of those around him, including Doris and Susan, the question of his authenticity becomes a legal matter. The film explores themes of faith, consumerism, and the spirit of Christmas, ultimately leaving audiences with a renewed sense of wonder and belief.
1946: Filming of the Macy's Parade
During the 1946 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, scenes were filmed live for the movie, adding an authentic touch to the film.
June 4, 1947: New York City Premiere
"Miracle on 34th Street" opened at the Roxy Theatre in New York City on June 4, 1947.
December 22, 1947: Lux Radio Theatre Adaptation (1st broadcast)
Lux Radio Theatre aired a one-hour radio play of "Miracle on 34th Street" on December 22, 1947, featuring the original film's cast.
1947: Critical Acclaim and "Christmas Classic" Status
"Miracle on 34th Street" garnered widespread praise in 1947 and attained its status as a "Christmas classic."
1947: Miracle on 34th Street Release
In 1947, "Miracle on 34th Street" (titled "The Big Heart" in the UK) premiered. This Christmas comedy-drama, directed by George Seaton, tells the story of a department store Santa who claims to be the real deal, and stars Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn.
1947: Original Film Reference
The 1994 remake references the original 1947 film while adding new subtexts and plot alterations.
December 20, 1948: Lux Radio Theatre Adaptation (2nd broadcast)
The second Lux Radio Theatre broadcast aired on December 20, 1948, this time without Natalie Wood.
December 23, 1949: Screen Directors Playhouse Adaptation (half-hour)
On December 23, 1949, a half-hour version of "Miracle on 34th Street" was presented by Screen Directors Playhouse.
December 21, 1950: Screen Directors Playhouse Adaptation (one-hour)
A one-hour adaptation aired on Screen Directors Playhouse on December 21, 1950.
December 21, 1954: Lux Radio Theatre Adaptation (3rd broadcast)
The Lux Radio Theatre adaptation was broadcast for the third time on December 21, 1954.
1954: Australian Radio Adaptation
"Miracle on 34th Street" was adapted for Australian radio as "There is a Santa Claus," with a script by Morris West, in 1954.
1955: Television Adaptation
A one-hour TV version titled "The Miracle on 34th Street" aired in 1955 as part of The 20th Century Fox Hour, starring Thomas Mitchell as Kris. It later re-aired as "Meet Mr. Kringle."
1955: TV Remake Included as Extra
The 1955 TV adaptation was included as a bonus feature in the 2006 Special Edition DVD release.
1959: Live Television Adaptation
A live, color television rendition of the movie, starring Ed Wynn as Kris, was broadcast on NBC in 1959, the day following Thanksgiving.
1963: Broadway Musical Adaptation
"Here's Love," a musical adaptation of "Miracle on 34th Street" written by Meredith Willson, premiered on Broadway in 1963.
1973: Miracle on 34th Street (1973 TV Movie)
A made-for-television version of Miracle on 34th Street, adapted by Jeb Rosebrook and directed by Fielder Cook, aired in 1973. The film starred Jane Alexander, David Hartman, Roddy McDowall, and Sebastian Cabot as Kris Kringle, among others. Notably, this was the last adaptation where the featured department store was Macy's.
1985: Colorization
In 1985, "Miracle on 34th Street" became one of the earliest black and white films to undergo colorization, a process that lasted 4½ months and was done by Color Systems Technology, Inc.
1987: VHS and LaserDisc Release
"Miracle on 34th Street" made its debut on VHS and LaserDisc in 1987.
1993: Colorized VHS and LaserDisc Release
The colorized edition was brought out on VHS and LaserDisc in 1993.
1994: Film Remake
In 1994, a remake of the film starring Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott, and Mara Wilson was released. Notably, due to Macy's refusal, the fictional "Cole's" replaced their name.
1994: Inclusion in DVD Pairing
The original black and white version was later re-released in a DVD pairing with the 1994 remake.
October 1999: First DVD Release
October 1999 marked the first DVD release of "Miracle on 34th Street," including the original film and its theatrical trailer.
2000: Stage Play Adaptation
A stage play adaptation of "Miracle on 34th Street," written by Will Severin, Patricia Di Benedetto Snyder, and John Vreeke, was released in 2000.
December 2005: Kinescope Discovery Reported
The discovery of a kinescope of the 1959 NBC broadcast was reported in December 2005 in Classic Images magazine.
2005: National Film Registry Induction
"Miracle on 34th Street" was added to the United States National Film Registry in 2005 for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic value.
2005: National Film Registry Selection
In 2005, "Miracle on 34th Street" was chosen for preservation in the National Film Registry.
November 2006: Special Edition DVD Release
In November 2006, a two-disc "Special Edition" DVD set came out, featuring a new colorized version and extras like the 1955 TV remake.
October 2009: Blu-ray Release
The black and white version of "Miracle on 34th Street" was launched on Blu-ray in October 2009 with additional features.
2009: Film Preservation
In 2009, the Academy Film Archive preserved "Miracle on 34th Street".
2012: Miracle on 34th Street Puppet Show at Macy's
In 2012, a 30-minute puppet show adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street, featuring the voices of Brian Stokes Mitchell and Victoria Clark, was presented in the Santaland display at Macy's Herald Square in New York City.
2017: 4K Restoration
In 2017, "Miracle on 34th Street" was restored in 4K resolution, initially made available through DCP.