Xmas: 'Miracle On 34th Street' (1994) Dir. Les Mayfield

Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Mara Wilson, Dylan McDermott, J. T. Walsh, Simon Jones, James Remar, Jane Leeves and Robert Prosky

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A remake of the beloved 1947 original brings the heartwarming story to a new generation with the late Richard Attenborough as Santa Claus...

Prestigious New York retailer 'Coles' hires Kris Kringle (Attenborough) as a their Department Store Santa to help promote their wares. Kris straight away becomes a hit with parents and children alike due to his warm and loving nature.

Cole's director of events, Dorey Walker (Perkins), lawyer boyfriend Bryan (McDermott) and sceptical daughter Susan (Wilson) are initially curious about Kris and his fascination with Christmas, but soon see the smiles and innocence he brings.

But a rival store CEO frames Kris for assault in a plot to destroy the 'Coles' brand. Taken to court to prove Kris is the real Santa, Bryan faces a case in which the outcome will make or break the magical belief in Christmas for all...

A wonderful, charming and faithful adaptation of the 1947 original, this film has a lot of heart and lots of wide-eyed innocence that faithfully interprets the spirit of Christmas into something more than just presents and family time.

Richard Attenborough is one of the best screen Santa Claus's, due to his kind and loveable portrayal that is grounded and more humane than most. Not a stereotypical jolly fat man with a large beard, here he is seen in casual clothes more than the suit itself and that is only when he is working.

It's a different kind of Santa, one that makes you also question your belief if this man IS who he says he is, or just someone off the street wanting to embody the figure of Christmas to give so much joy to others.

With a brilliant courtroom finale built on a great story full of tender moments, drama and relationships, this is one of the best Christmas films that comes over very differently than most others of the season.

'Miracle On 34th Street' is a Hughes Entertainment production