Let's be realistic.

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

My dad Marvin "Corky" Corcoran Sr. worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and was the Head Pilot for these Balloons when this movie came out. We still have the movie today. My dad and Sabaston Cabot didn't get along at all in fact. Sabaston Cabot kept poking those balloons with his umbrella. My dad politely asked him not to do that cause he would punch a hole right through them!!! Well needles to say he did it again and him and my dad got into a really big argument and He never poked another balloon again!! The NYPD told him that if he did he was going straight to jail!!! I never cared for him before this happened but sure didn't care for him when my dad got home and told us how ignorant he was!!!!

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.

I love the original 1947 film and I just despised this totally needless made-for-TV rehash. Sort of fitting to have Sebastian Cabot as Kris Kringle (but he can't match the delight of Edmund Gwenn), and I always like an appearance by Roddy McDowall (trying his best here to little avail as the psychiatrist)... but Jane Alexander and TV personality David Hartman were just TERRIBLE as the bland leads. Same holds true for the boring young actress who plays the crucial role of little Susan (that being the rather plain Suzanne Davidson). These three dead weights can't hold a candle to the original's Maureen O'Hara, John Payne and Natalie Wood. Elements of the original classic are just covered routinely out of obligation, and this is one boring and non-festive experience which doesn't even feel like Christmas much of the time. 0 out of ****

. . . This version of Miracle on 34th Street would be available on VHS and DVD.This is definitely my most favorite version of the classic tale, and I preferred it even over the classic '47 version with Maureen O'Hara and Natalie Wood. Being a baby boomer, there's just something right in the world about seeing Mr. French (Sabastian Cabot) as Santa and all the classic 70's actors doing their very best to waylay him in his holiday duties. To top it off, the three other leads, David Hartman especially, brought a special life and energy to the movie that I found lacking in even the original.If and when the makers ever release this on tape or DVD, I'll be one of the first in line for a copy!