Backstory: Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street doesn't fit today's standards for what makes a movie Christmassy. It involved a cynical child and a Santa Claus who gets locked up in a mental health institution before undergoing a public psych hearing. Not only that, but the movie was released in June of 1947. And yet, it has gone on to become not only a beloved movie, but also a cherished tradition. How did that happen? We'll find out with the help of film critic Alonso Duralde.

Music in this episode

“Losing Love” — Dexter Britain "Hard Boiled" — Kevin MacLeod "Cherry Blossom" — Kevin MacLeod "Sad Marimba Planet" — Lee Rosevere "Do You Hear What I Hear?" — Jimmy Atkins 

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