Kris Kringle (the ACTUAL Santa Claus) is in New York investigating why some people don’t believe in him when he is coincidentally and reluctantly hired to play as Santa in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He is then hired to be Santa in the Macy’s department store where he irks store managers by prioritizing goodwill over store profits. Though immensely popular and influential, a mishap sends him to a mental institution for “believing he’s Santa Claus”. Reinvigorated by news that he’s convinced those he most cares about of his existence, he sues for his release and must convince the state of New York to acknowledge his existence.
What a mind trip and amazing story, particularly for the ‘40s (#modernitybias). And I just told it from Santa’s perspective! There were a number of fully fleshed our main and supporting characters that each travelled along their own journey of belief or love—or both! From Natalie Wood’s delightful childhood performance to Santa’s resolute character integrity, this movie is overflowing with wholesome charm. With an admitted bias against old, black and white films, I found myself being won over by this classic for being clever, charming, and perfectly Christmas.
As a final point, I think this film (and my feelings about it) speaks to a change that my grumpy ass has gone through in parenthood. As those close to me may know, I at one point I didn’t want Wes to grow up believing in Santa. I know, I know! But while I begrudgingly lost that battle, this film seemed to speak directly to my conflict in a way that melted my heart and reminded me of my childhood. Christmas is different for me now because of my little dude. A change that is likely for the better. 🤷🏼♂️