tforbes-2 The 1973 version of Miracle on 34th Street was not the first remake, as one was done for television around 1959 or so. Remakes are not necessarily a good idea, and this might be the case here.However, this version cannot compare to the 1947 original because it is a sort of different animal.Think of a Christmas special with some of the grittiness one finds in such a movie as The French Connection. Yes, this was shot in New York in the early 1970s, complete with the battered urban landscape to go with it. Unlike the 1994 version, there is no cheery cinematography; instead, we have a bleak urban landscape. And the bleakness is most appropriate, since the 1947 original has a noir side to it as well.I prefer to take this version on its own terms, because my memories of 1973 are so vivid. I found it a fascinating, rewarding time. Hence, like one of the other reviewers, I am going to be prejudiced. And believe me, one could do worse when it comes to Christmas specials.One note: I saw toward the opening sequences a 1974 AMC Matador coupe. It makes me wonder if this was actually shot on a tight time schedule, since the coupe would have been new in the fall of 1973. Definitely a fascinating touch!

dukefan1971 Personally, I have seen all three versions of this film, and while I understand why older generations and purists stand by the original as the best one, that doesn't mean that people can't still enjoy this version. For a made-for-TV version, it has a wonderful cast, with Sebastian Cabot being the highlight. I thought the way the court case was handled was better here than in the 1994 version, and having grown up with color all of my life (and having been born only 2 years before this version originally came out), I still claim this one as my favorite. That is not to say that the original or 1994 versions aren't good--I think they all have a place for those who enjoy them. I just think that this story--like many others--is a generational one, and everyone is going to have at least a little nostalgia for the one from their generation. My only wish, which so far has gone unfulfilled, is that someone will eventually put this version out on DVD and Blu-Ray so that those of us who enjoy it can watch it again. The 1947 and 1994 versions' fans have access to their movies--why can't we? I think the reviewer who offered the option of a box set including all versions of this movie has a wonderful idea--that way, everyone's happy, and each is different enough from the others that you can watch them all and enjoy them.

happipuppi13 I have seen and liked all 3 versions of this movie (and let's pray no one else remakes it again)but this version I've only seen twice. I saw it in the early 90s one night in December on late night TV and then last night the MY-TV Network played the new DVD version. I could tell it was the DVD because it had those squares that interfere with the picture for a moment.It was better than I remember it but I do agree with some here that it's not the best version. That always will be the first one,with the 1994 one being fairly close to that version. This version however is really pretty good. It only suffers from 1970s sensibilities,fashion and although I hate to say it,former "Good Morning America" host David Hartman. He does well enough for a TV-movie and he did seem more into his role in the second half of the movie. Especially the very famous mailmen in the courtroom scene. The actress playing Susan's mother is nice and demonstrates the modern woman of that day admirably but it seems rushed in how she and Hartman fall in love and get together. I wont fault the girl who played Susan at all,a kid is a kid and maybe she's not Natalie Wood but I still think she did a good job. Sebastian Cabot was the perfect choice for Kris. Loved his song too and glad there was only one song in the movie. He brought just the right energy to the role. The film is filled with A-List (and B list) TV actors of the day and they all play their roles great and all were funny too. So,overall I can't find a tremendous amount of fault with the movie,I liked it too much to rate it less than a 9 out of ten. I'd say ten but the other two films truly outshine it. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! (END)

mistymountain OK, this version was kind of lost in the shuffle when the 1994 (gasp, another one!) remake made its way to cable TV. So now these days you have your choice of the original 1947 B&W version with Maureen O'Hara or the 1994 remake with cute little Mara Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire). What about the 1973 version?? Isn't that good enough to show on TV??? I grew up watching the 1973 version on Thanksgiving in the 1970s. The cast was definitely all-star. Sebastian Cabot (Mr. French on "Family Affair") was excellent as Kris Kringle. Jane Alexander was great as Karen Walker, the single mom, and David Hartman (former host of Good Morning America)was so-so of an actor as the attorney. Tom Bosley (Mr. Cunningham on "Happy Days") and David Doyle (Bosley on "Charlie's Angels") were both pretty good. This was kind of like a 1970s updated version of the 1947 movie.