The classic film Miracle on 34th Street is something few can pass up during the holiday season.
There are so many wonderful Christmas movies out there, but with the warm and fuzzy feelings this particular film delivers, it's no wonder it seems extra special. Surprisingly, the cast and crew were among some of the people who were touched most by this film, and many have stated that it was one of the most special projects they've ever worked on.
Maureen O'Hara, who played Doris Walker, once said that her relationship with little Natalie Wood was one she would never, ever forget. She played the mother of over 40 children in films, but she said she had a special connection with the little rising star. Plus, years after the film's 1947 release, children still asked her if she was the woman who knew the real Santa, to which she would reply, "Yes, what would you like me to tell him?"
Those little known facts — along with the rest of these classic film secrets — are the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Let us know if we missed anything in the comments, and please SHARE these secrets with your family and friends on Facebook!
1. Natalie Wood Thought Santa Was The Real Deal
Natalie Wood thought that Edmund Gwenn was actually the real Santa Claus up until she saw him without his costume at the wrap party.
2. It Was Freezing
It was so cold during the filming that the cameras literally froze at times. A woman named Vaughn Mele saw the cast and crew freezing their buns off across the street from her home one day and offered her residence for warming up.
3. It Was Considered Immoral At The Time
Because Maureen O'Hara played a divorcée, the highly influential Legion of Decency gave the movie the rating of a B, classifying it as "morally objectionable in part."
4. Valentine Davies Wondered What The Real Santa Thought Of Christmas
Valentine Davies, the story's creator, was shopping for a Christmas gift for his own wife. All of the hectic consumerism got him pondering what the real Santa Claus would think of the whole thing.
5. Macy's Couldn't Power The Shoot
The scenes at the department store were shot on location, but the store did not generate enough power for all of the film equipment. The crew had to stash additional power sources in the store's basement.
6. It's One Of Three Christmas Films Nominated For The Big Prize
In 1946, It's A Wonderful Life was nominated for the Academy Award for best film. Miracle On 34th Street was nominated for the big prize the next year, along with The Bishop's Wife. No other Christmas films have been nominated since.
7. Executives Didn't Want People To Know It Was A Christmas Movie
The movie was released in May, so executives had to jump through hoops to promote it without letting on to the fact that it was a Christmas movie. This included dropping "Christmas" from the original title, Christmas Miracle on 34th Street.
8. A Screenplay For A Sequel Exists Somewhere Out There
Or at least it did at some point in time. John Payne, who played Fred Gailey, loved the film so much that he wrote the sequel himself. Unfortunately, he passed away before he could send it to anyone, and his words never came to life.
9. Mrs. Shellhammer Had A Bit Of A Buzz
Mrs. Shellhammer has apparently drunk nine martinis before her phone conversation with Mrs. Walker. You can tell by counting the number of toothpicks on the table next to the phone.
10. John Payne Bought The Rights For Himself
Payne was unhappy with the roles he was getting, so when he read the script for Miracle on 34th Street, he saw it as an opportunity for stardom and bought the rights to push his career forward.
Did you already know any of these fun facts about this lovely film? Please SHARE with family and friends on Facebook!
