Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - Quotes

The Care of Santa's Whiskers Explained

Fred Gailey: All my life I've wondered something, and now's my chance to find out. I'm going to find the answer to a question that's puzzled the world for centuries. Does Santa Claus sleep with his whiskers outside or in?

Kris Kringle: Always sleep with them out. Cold air makes them grow.

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Court Recognizes Santa Claus as Real

Fred Gailey: Your Honor, every one of these letters is addressed to Santa Claus. The Post Office has delivered them. Therefore the Post Office Department, a branch of the Federal Government, recognizes this man Kris Kringle to be the one and only Santa Claus.

Judge Henry X. Harper: Uh, since the United States Government declares this man to be Santa Claus, this court will not dispute it. Case dismissed.

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Belief in Santa Claus Affirmed

Doris Walker: Would you please tell her that you're not really Santa Claus, that actually is no such person?

Kris Kringle: Well, I hate to disagree with you, but not only IS there such a person, but here I am to prove it.

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Consequences of Denying Santa Claus

Charles Halloran: All right, you go back and tell them that the New York State Supreme Court rules there's no Santa Claus. It's all over the papers. The kids read it and they don't hang up their stockings. Now what happens to all the toys that are supposed to be in those stockings? Nobody buys them. The toy manufacturers are going to like that; so they have to lay off a lot of their employees, union employees. Now you got the CIO and the AF of L against you and they're going to adore you for it and they're going to say it with votes. Oh, and the department stores are going to love you too and the Christmas card makers and the candy companies. Ho ho. Henry, you're going to be an awful popular fella. And what about the Salvation Army? Why, they got a Santa Claus on every corner, and they're taking a fortune. But you go ahead Henry, you do it your way. You go on back in there and tell them that you rule there is no Santy Claus. Go on. But if you do, remember this: you can count on getting just two votes, your own and that district attorney's out there.

Judge Henry X. Harper: The District Attorney's a Republican.

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Deciding Identity in a Legal Hearing

District Attorney: What is your name?

Kris Kringle: Kris Kringle.

District Attorney: Where do you live?

Kris Kringle: That's what this hearing will decide.

Judge Henry X. Harper: A very sound answer, Mister Kringle.

District Attorney: Do you really believe that you're Santa Claus?

Kris Kringle: Of course.

District Attorney: [long pause] The state rests, your honor.

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Unexpected Aspirations in Legal Proceedings

Mrs. Mara: Sometimes I wish I married a butcher or a plumber.

District Attorney: My dear, if I lose this hearing, you may very well get your wish.

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Critique of Commercialism During Christmas

Mr. Shellhammer: But... but maybe he's only a little crazy like painters or composers or... or some of those men in Washington.

Alfred, Macy janitor: Yeah, there's a lot of bad isms floatin around this world, but one of the worst is commercialism. Make a buck, make a buck. Even in Brooklyn it's the same - don't care what Christmas stands for, just make a buck, make a buck.

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The Importance of Intangibles in Life

Fred Gailey: Look Doris, someday you're going to find that your way of facing this realistic world just doesn't work. And when you do, don't overlook those lovely intangibles. You'll discover those are the only things that are worthwhile.

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The Importance of Faith and Kindness

Fred Gailey: Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to. Don't you see? It's not just Kris that's on trial, it's everything he stands for. It's kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles.

Identity and Perception in Everyday Life

Doris Walker: Susan, I speak French but that doesn't make me Joan of Arc!

Authority and Expertise in Unrelated Fields

Kris Kringle: (To Sawyer)--"You have no more right to analyze Alfred than a dentist has to remove a gall bladder!

Defending Christmas Traditions and Children's Joy

Kris Kringle: Do you realize that there are thousands of children lining the streets? Children who have waited weeks just to see you? You are a disgrace to the tradition of Christmas! And I shall not allow you to malign me in public!

The Essence of Christmas Beyond a Day

Kris Kringle: Oh, Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind... and that's what's been changing. That's why I'm glad I'm here, maybe I can do something about it.

The True Spirit of Christmas Reflection

Kris Kringle: You see, Mrs. Walker, this is quite an opportunity for me. For the past 50 years or so I've been getting more and more worried about Christmas. Seems we're all so busy trying to beat the other fellow in making things go faster and look shinier and cost less that Christmas and I are sort of getting lost in the shuffle.