On November 28, 1946 the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade thrilled the thousands who had gathered in New York City. Known only to a handful of people, the Macy’s Santa Claus was actor Edmund Gwenn who was starring in a soon-to-be-released film set in Macy’s Department Store.
After Thanksgiving 20th Century Fox began a marketing campaign for the film coming out in May. The film was Miracle on 34th Street and the storyline was as protected as President Truman was by White House Police Force under the supervision of the Secret Service.
The actual trailer for the Miracle on 34th Street was just as secretive. Here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ce_op2qG24
The film was released to the public on May 2, 1947 because Darryl F. Zanuck, studio head, believed the ticket sales would be better in Summer than late Fall and Winter. In addition, he had grave reservations about the film—he did not like it at all.
A special edition of the Miracle on 34th Street is available which has both the black and white version as well as the colorized version. It is a film about belief, one of the intangibles.
Edmund Gwenn, Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Santa, plays Kris Kringle. He won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for this role.
The film was given a B by the Legion of Decency because the mother was divorced. Has much changed for single mothers since then?
My full review of the film is on Amazon. It is worth the purchase, and at the moment the price is unbelievable. http://www.amazon.com/
G. D. Williams © 2010
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