Hugely bored and depressed by the gloomy french 36 quai des orfevres, that also happens on Christmas eve, i look for something more essential and inspired for 1947 and as soon as i have noticed this one, i knew that was the perfect choice.Maybe Xmas is an universal holiday but i admit that only US understand it right and thus only American movies find this Christmas spirit.Here the story is wonderful: like the Ghostbusters, the real Santa Klaus is sent to Bellevue (NYC mental institution) and only the spirit of justice can save him.It boils with kids joy, human love and there is some great moments: the parade, the store shop, the courtroom.and for sure, the cast is just wonderful with special mention to late Natalie Wood: i left her as a teen in Rebel without a cause and now i found her 10 years before as a kid believing with all her heart in this Holiday!Along Home Alone, it's a really feel good movie that you want to enjoy alone when sad or with your family waiting for the bearded man!

There was a kindness in the forties. Granted, society wasn't all that great. Minorities had no rights. Women had few opportunities for advancement. Most of the time, there was a war on. But for most people, it was a time of pulling together, not complaining, doing what you had to do. This is what my mother did, despite growing up in the Depression. In this movie, a little girl who has had to become sophisticated because of the breakup of her mother's marriage, sees little positive in the world. It's Christmas time and she doesn't believe in Santa Claus or even the concept of him. Enter Edmund Gwen who works at Macy's as a store Santa. He claims to actually be St. Nick because he sees so much unhappiness in little Natalie Wood (superb child actress). Gwen is now seen as a nut case because of his statements. He is hauled into court to see what can be done to get him off the street. The case that ensues is quite touching and should be seen by everyone every Christmas season. Good performances all the way around.

It takes a lot for me to fall for a sentimental Christmas movie, but this one has excellent balance, charming actors and an original angle that still remains pertinent seventy years after the fact. It all thrives on Edmund Gwenn's definitive performance as Kris Kringle, of course, the man who professes to be the true St. Nick despite the protests of his bosses and coworkers at a busy New York Macy's. His warmth is enveloping and genuine, from the twinkle in his eye to the snug connection he shares with the children. The film's cornerstone moment is an unexpectedly touching little interaction between Gwenn's Santa and a freshly-adopted little Dutch girl who blossoms when he speaks her native tongue. It's stuffed with such surprising bits of whimsy, even as the drama ratchets and we find ourselves in the midst of a courtroom drama, which keeps things from feeling excessively heavy. In short, a heartwarming bit of holiday cheer that nails the spirit of the season without feeling too cheesy, preachy or religious. Well worth its reputation as a classic.

it seems perfect. with each new view. fresh, amusing, prepared with the best Santa, with a memorable performance by Nathalie Wood and spirit of holiday who has each ingredient and amazing flavor. it is not exactly a Christmas movie but a splendid lesson about life, miracle, faith and childhood. the film of Edmund Gwenn who remains the master for a character who seems easy only at first sigh. a film who has not only the magic of a great event of year but science to translate its significance out of pink common definitions. a film about truth and about need of the other, more useful for today and more realistic than a documentary. a perfect film . for the story, of course. and, surely, for the admirable performances.