Christmas bells are ringing in 2024 with the publication of Jeffrey Paul Thompson’s Miracle on 34th Street: The Making of a Christmas Classic. One of many beloved holiday films stemming from Hollywood’s Golden Age, Miracle on 34th Street (1947) is examined in-depth by former Twentieth Century Fox archivist Thompson.

The story of Miracle on 34th Street has been adapted into a book, three television films, several radio dramas and stage plays, a Broadway musical, and a feature film remake. Here, Thompson examines the story’s origins, the film’s casting process, as well as the successes and challenges behind the production of the film. In addition, Thompson also discusses the legacy of the film today alongside numerous publicity and production photographs.

Thompson’s examination of the film’s production is exceptional and educational. In addition to telling the story of how this classic came to be, Thompson’s work also includes a fabulous appendix, including a wonderful “on location” tour of photographs that depict points of interest visible or alluded to in the film.

I highly recommend this book to fans of the film and its stars.

Miracle on 34th Street: The Making of a Christmas Classic is available for purchase via Lyons Press.