This attempt to update/remake/refresh the film for 1973 ultimately fails despite a spirited attempt.
I find the PROS to be 1) the full integration of Macy's which gives it authenticity 2) the on-location filming in NYC, 3) I like Suzanne Davidson who played Susan 4) some other casting such as Tom Bosley as the Judge and James Gregory as the DA.
But there are many more CONS including 1) David Hartman and Jane Alexander who lack any spark and are just boring here 2) Sebastian Cabot ultimately has not enough charm to win over viewers 3) David Doyle and Jim Backus were miscast - they should have played each other's role - Backus as RH Macy and Doyle as Shellhammer, 4) the goofy musical numbers 5) the lack of spectators in the court room - likely to save on budget for extras 6) the post office climax scenes are clumsily and hastily executed and Hartman does a poor job especially "solving the case". 7) NYC in 1973 just feels worn down and not Christmasy no matter how it is filmed.
This is for the die-hard 34th street enthusiast only.
I find the PROS to be 1) the full integration of Macy's which gives it authenticity 2) the on-location filming in NYC, 3) I like Suzanne Davidson who played Susan 4) some other casting such as Tom Bosley as the Judge and James Gregory as the DA.
But there are many more CONS including 1) David Hartman and Jane Alexander who lack any spark and are just boring here 2) Sebastian Cabot ultimately has not enough charm to win over viewers 3) David Doyle and Jim Backus were miscast - they should have played each other's role - Backus as RH Macy and Doyle as Shellhammer, 4) the goofy musical numbers 5) the lack of spectators in the court room - likely to save on budget for extras 6) the post office climax scenes are clumsily and hastily executed and Hartman does a poor job especially "solving the case". 7) NYC in 1973 just feels worn down and not Christmasy no matter how it is filmed.
This is for the die-hard 34th street enthusiast only.