This is a twentieth-century Christmas Carol, a warmly humorous story of an old man who thinks he is Santa Claus. There is plenty of evidence to support his claim. To begin with his name is Kris Kringle. The reindeer in the Zoo eat out of his hand. The children who come to Macy's to see him of course are convinced he is Santa Claus. And so are their parents, especially after he sends them to Gimbels for toys that Macy's does not carry. Rival jewelers begin to get customers sent by Cartier's, and all in all he lets loose such a wave of Christmas cheer and Christmas giving that the city is engulfed in a flood of good will.
Unfortunately there are, as always, certain practical souls who refuse to believe that Kris is Santa Claus. Unmoved by any Christmas spirit, they take steps to have Kris put away as a lunatic. The case goes to court. On the outcome hangs not only Kris's own fate but the political future of presiding Judge Harper; the integrity of the U.S. Post Office Department; the happiness of Fred Gayley, Kris's lawyer; the salvation of Doris Walker, whom Fred loves and who had hired Kris for Macy's; and the far-ranging dreams of Doris's once-cynical little daughter Susan. Indeed peace on earth and good-will toward men are the issues at stake as Judge Harper renders his verdict.
This is a story that young and old will welcome as a touching and hilarious prelude to the Christmas season.
Editorial Reviews
"You say there is no Santa Claus? Oh, yes, there is! And he lives again and again within the pages of Valentine Davies' warmly humorous homespun story which is now affording movie patrons one of the most lovable stories every written." —San Francisco Call-Bulletin
"Whimsical, appealing, humorous, exciting and enjoyable readings." —Miami Herald
"This charming fairy tale for children of all ages centers around an old man who thinkers he is Santa Claus. It makes a lot more sense than most of u would like to admit." —Newsweek
"It's the same tale that brought chuckles in the movie, born of good will, simple and sane enough for everyone. Don't forget to include a copy in a Christmas package!" —Akron Beacon-Journal
About the Author
Valentine Davies (1905 — 1961) was an American film and television writer, producer, and director. He wrote the story for the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street, which was given screen treatment by director George Seaton and received an Academy Award for Best Story. Davies also novelized the story, publishing a novella in conjunction with the film release.
