That Scene

The most important scene from the 1947 movie Miracle on 34th Street. This little girl's story is so sad, but Santa Claus knows exactly what she needs. Susan (Natalie Wood) watching from the shadows understands how miraculous it is. Here is what is said in English, which I only learned many years later.

Santa: I'm happy that you came to visit me.
Dutch girl: You really are Sinterklaas!
Santa: I sure am.
Dutch girl: I knew you would understand.
Santa: Of course. You can tell me what ever you want from Santa Claus.
Dutch girl: I want nothing. I already got a lot of things. The only thing I want is to be with this lovely lady. (The reaction from her mother tells us that she knows Dutch.)
Santa: Do you want to sing something for me?
(Sings a Dutch song about Sinterklaas.)

I haven't seen the 1994 remake, in which Santa knows sign language. While the moment is touching, it's not exactly miraculous, because a lot of people know sign language, professional Santas more than others. The original was as if they pulled a language out of a hat filled with nations that were affected by the war. That tragic war story resonated with the audience in 1947 and beyond. I look forward to watching the whole movie again soon. Miracle on 34th Street is described as a family Christmas movie/love story/comedy/etc. but I call it my favorite courtroom drama.