Discuss Miracle on 34th Street
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Deleted Scenes
posted by strntzSTAFFMOD on February 9, 2017 at 4:57 PM
I'm going to repost a message from two users on a now defunct movie database site. There's good information about this old classic film and didn't want to see it flushed. I hope he/she/them joins here but if not, here is the text:
"I've heard that there were several deleted scenes from the film. I wonder if anyone who has detailed knowledge of this could help me make a list of them. These are the ones I've heard of:
- Kringle hides out one night, forcing Doris and Fred together.
- After agreeing to room with Fred, Kringle goes to the Brooks Memorial home to get his belongings and takes leave of Dr. Pierce.
- Susie has several of her friends over to the apartment and they play together.
- Kringle takes his mental test at Bellevue.
- Mr. Mara goes to get the football helmet but discovers that Santa Claus (or someone) has already brought it."
This was the second post in reply:
"I own over 200+ stills from this film & have been collecting them for over a decade, many of which are stills of deleted scenes. There's also these deleted scenes to add to your list:
Fred (in his work suit) & Doris (in her bathrobe) share a late night cup of coffee in her apartment.
Susan crying in Fred's arms on Susan's bed after Susan learns of Kris's predicament. This scene was considered too somber for the overall feel of the movie & ultimately deleted.
Fred bringing a Christmas tree over to Doris & Susan's apartment.
Fred showing Kris an engagement ring he bought for Doris."
I thought this was worth saving.
Reply by Mrs.peacock
on November 27, 2018 at 1:15 AM
It's a good thing you did. I love this movie and never knew it had deleted scenes. It makes sense he had a test done since everyone kept questioning his sanity.
Reply by strntz
on December 1, 2018 at 6:25 AM
Wow, totally forgot I did that. I'm also glad I did.
I wish someone back then thought to store those cut scenes. Supposedly there are many thousands of undocumented film canisters still floating around in storage. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the deleted scenes to this film could be added in an extended cut?
Edit: here is a link to stills from the deleted scenes. Enjoy.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/MiracleOn34thSt/
Reply by apsteinmetz
on December 12, 2018 at 9:33 AM
I'm glad to find this list of "deleted scenes" because over many watchings there is one obvious gap that I really wish had been left in. How does Fred go from the next door neighbor to romantically involved? One one scene he's just the interested guy next door and in the next they are engaged and Doris is chiding him about all the "wonderful plans" they made together. This seems like an establishing scene (first kiss?) is sorely needed. Other missing scenes, like flunking the test at Bellevue, are not needed since Kris does give Fred the recap later and that is in (but I'm sure it would be hilarious to see).
I would love to see some of these scenes come to the surface. I was delighted to find the "jitterbug dance" scene from the Wizard of Oz on youtube because it is the payoff for the comment the witch makes about sending insects ahead to take the fight out of the heroes. It's a throw-away comment in the theater release but major foreshadowing when the deleted scene is revealed.
Reply by strntz
on December 12, 2018 at 8:29 PM
Me too. I'm sure the VAST majority of theater edits are the best possible for pace and maintaining interest, but when movies become legends that get watched dozens of times or more, deleted scenes are pieces of gold to the staunchest fans.