miracle on 34th street
High Contrast Cinema welcomes the festive season with a screening of the perennial Christmas classic from 1947, Miracle on 34th Street.
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When bewhiskered gent Kris Kringle, working as a department store Santa Claus at Macy’s in New York, claims to be the real Santa, his sanity is called into question, leading to a court case to determine his authenticity.
Co-starring Maureen O'Hara, John Payne and a very young Natalie Wood, the film has entertained for generations with its seasonably sentimental reminder of the importance of kindness, joy, love and "all the other intangibles"
Maureen O'Hara
Edmund Gwenn
George Seaton
Maureen O'Hara
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Maureen O’Hara was born Maureen FitzSimons on August 17, 1920, in Dublin, Ireland.
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She was a gifted actress whose career began at the Abbey Theatre before she transitioned to film when Charles Laughton asked Alfred Hitchcock to cast her opposite him in Jamaica Inn (1939).
Her role as Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939), with Laughton again, marked her arrival in Hollywood.
Known as the ‘Queen of Technicolor’, O’Hara’s vibrant red hair and commanding presence made her a standout star of her era. She frequently collaborated with John Wayne, creating memorable performances in films like The Quiet Man (1952) and McLintock! (1963).
O’Hara was celebrated for portraying strong, independent women, which resonated with her own spirited nature.
O'Hara drifted away from acting in the 1970s to focus on other pursuits but made occasional returns to both film and TV in the decades that followed. She was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 2014 (having never previously received a nomination) and passed away in October 2015, at the age of 95, at her home in Boise, Idaho.
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Edmund Gwenn
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Edmund Gwenn (1877-1959) was a distinguished British actor, remembered for his versatile performances on both stage and screen.
Born in Wandsworth London, Gwenn's early career flourished in the theatre, where he garnered acclaim for his exceptional talent. Transitioning to film in the early 20th century, he enjoyed a prolific career with standout roles in both British and American cinema.
Gwenn's most iconic role was as Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street (1947), a performance that won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of the kind-hearted Santa Claus captured the hearts of audiences and showcased his ability to bring warmth and authenticity to his characters.
Gwenn also shone in several Alfred Hitchcock films including Foreign Correspondent (1940) and The Trouble With Harry (1955).
Although he remained a British subject all his life, he moved to the United States following the Second World War and settled in Hollywood. He passed away on 6th September 1959, shortly before his 82nd birthday
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George Seaton
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George Seaton, born on April 17, 1911, in South Bend, Indiana as George Edward Stenius, is best known for his significant contributions to the film industry. His journey into the arts began with acting, but he soon transitioned to writing and directing, where he found his true calling.
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Seaton’s career was distinguished by his versatility and talent, which earned him two Academy Awards for screenwriting. His notable works include the beloved holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and the critically acclaimed The Country Girl (1954), both of which showcased his ability to craft compelling narratives.
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Additionally, Seaton directed the 1970 film Airport, a huge commercial success that started the golden age of the disaster film genre during the decade that followed.
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Seaton was married to Phyllis Loughton, a British born acting coach who became the first female mayor of Beverly Hills, from 1936 until his passing on July 28, 1979.
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