Miracle on 34th Street christmas movie: 10 Best Quotes

Miracle on 34th Street, a cherished Christmas classic, resonates not only for its heartwarming narrative but also for the memorable quotes that have become embedded in holiday lore. This iconic film, with its timeless appeal, delves into the transformative power of belief, kindness, and the intangible magic that defines the Christmas spirit.

Table of Contents

The Timeless Appeal of Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street, first brought to life in 1947 and subsequently remade, stands as a testament to the enduring charm of a story centered around Kris Kringle, the department store Santa who claims to be the real deal. Its narrative, which earned accolades with two Oscars for writing and one for Edmund Gwenn’s portrayal of Kris Kringle, weaves together the lives of lawyer Fred Gailey, single mother Doris Walker, and Doris’ daughter Susie.

At its core, the movie emphasizes the choice to embrace hope and kindness, even in the face of skepticism and adversity. As we explore the film’s best quotes, we unravel the profound messages encapsulated within each line.

10. “If That’s Normal, I Don’t Want It!”

In a unique twist for a Christmas movie, Kris Kringle himself expresses disillusionment at a psychiatric hospital. Kris’s moment of hopelessness adds depth to his character, making Fred Gailey more determined to help him. Kris’s eventual return to cheeriness becomes a poignant and heartening moment, underscoring the transformative power of genuine kindness.

9. “Maybe I didn’t do such a wonderful thing after all.”

As Fred and Doris stand wrapped in the holiday spirit, their romantic moment takes an unexpected turn. The realization that Kris might be more than a symbol challenges their perceptions. Fred’s humorous admission, “Maybe I didn’t do such a wonderful thing after all,” adds a delightful touch to the conclusion, steering away from a conventional emphasis on belief.

8. “I Believe In You Too.”

Doris Walker, portrayed as a pragmatic character, undergoes a significant transformation. Her note to Kris, “I believe in you too,” encapsulates her journey of embracing hope and magic. This subtle yet powerful evolution highlights the impact Kris has on those around him.

7. “Since The United States Government Declares This Man To Be Santa Claus, This Court Will Not Dispute It.”

Judge Harper’s ruling in favor of Kris is not merely legal but symbolic. Faced with the fear of a collapsing election campaign, Harper’s decision becomes a triumphant moment in the story. The blend of relief and humor subtly reinforces the overarching theme of the movie.

6. “Yeah, There’s A Lot Of Bad ‘isms’ Floatin’ Around This World, But One Of The Worst Is Commercialism.”

Alfred, a character at Macy’s, aligns with Kris’s mission to revive the true spirit of Christmas amid commercialization. Alfred’s role extends beyond endorsing Kris; he becomes a pivotal figure in the court case, illustrating the core conflict between kindness and malevolence.

5. “We Intend To Prove That Mr. Kringle Is Santa Claus.”

Fred’s bold announcement in court sets the stage for an unexpected turn in the story. The underdog narrative unfolds, with characters, even those on the opposing side, secretly rooting for Kris’s triumph. The inclusion of scenes featuring the families of the prosecutor and judge adds a human touch to the courtroom drama.

4. “Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind… and that’s what’s been changing.”

Kris’s assertion that “Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind” encapsulates the movie’s unique stance on Santa’s existence. The narrative revolves around abstract concepts associated with Kris, transforming the lives of those he encounters and reshaping perspectives on the holiday season.

3. “Don’t overlook those lovely intangibles. You’ll discover they’re the only things that are worthwhile.”

Fred’s candid advice to Doris reflects a clash of ideals within the story. The confrontation highlights the conflict not only with malevolent forces but also with skepticism and pessimism. It serves as a pivotal moment, emphasizing the importance of hope and joy in a realistic world.

2. “I believe… I believe… It’s silly, but I believe.”

Susie, initially dismissive of Santa and fairy tales, undergoes a subtle transformation. Her muttering, “I believe, I believe, it’s silly, but I believe,” captures the essence of embracing joy and imagination even in the face of skepticism.

1. “Faith is believing things when common sense tells you not to.”

The quintessential quote of Miracle on 34th Street, first spoken by Fred and echoed by Doris, encapsulates the entire narrative. It symbolizes a shift from living solely by common sense to embracing faith and hope. The movie’s enduring appeal lies in this universal message of holding onto belief, even when common sense suggests otherwise.

In Conclusion: A Timeless Christmas Tale

Miracle on 34th Street’s enduring legacy rests not only on its heartwarming narrative but also on the profound messages woven into its memorable quotes. Each line contributes to the tapestry of a timeless Christmas tale, inviting audiences to reflect on the magic of belief, the significance of intangibles, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season. As we revisit these quotes, we find ourselves immersed in the transformative power of Miracle on 34th Street, a movie that continues to capture the essence of Christmas with its timeless wisdom.

Author Profile

Dan Dunn

Executive Managing editor

Editor and Admin at MarkMeets since Nov 2012. Columnist, reviewer and entertainment writer and oversees all of the section's news, features and interviews. During his career, he has written for numerous magazines.

Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ExclusiveGoss/
Email Dan@MarkMeets.com