The little girl is actually deaf, and she was not told that Richard Attenborough would sign to her. Her reaction is genuine. He learnt sign language to be able to do it.
The little girl had no idea he was going to sign to her. Her reaction of amazement when he begins to speak to her in ASL is 100% genuine. Merry Christmas to the late, great, irreplaceable Richard Attenborough.
Sami Krieger, the beautiful little girl, didn't know Mr. Attenborough was going to sign when she sat on his lap. Her joy, and the moment, was real. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
Richard Parker i think hes thinking hard to figure out the best way to make a happy moment for the girl, because he truly cares about all children. this scene is just beautiful
I dont know if you guys know, but this one was a surprise for the little girl too....the scene was supposed to be shooted with the little girl making the signs to Santa, but Richard Attenborough trained the sign language in secret for this scene, so the smile on the little girl is a genuine one, since she didn´t expect that response...that single detail make this movie a classic.
That confirms what I suspected. My aunt and two cousins are deaf and when they communicate their faces are often intensely expressive. I got that vibe from the little girl. That was a genius move on his part and an incredibly compassionate one as well. There is a video somewhere on UA-cam, I forget the channel, where a mall Santa surprised a deaf child by signing. It reminded me of this scene.
There's a couple of those Santa signing videos around - there's also one of Tinkerbell signing to a little girl at Disneyworld - the look on her face is truly priceless.
I understand that Attenborough learned the sign language necessary for the scene in order to surprise the girl, and so her delight is not manufactured, she was genuinely surprised. Her smile, this approach to the scene, makes it perfect.
I'm guessing learning/understanding sign language isn't that easy? If so, it only makes this scene all the more amazing; not to mention that it makes Richard look even more like the true Santa
Sami played herself in this scene, being a deaf child of a family of 5. The crew did not tell her that Santa would sign back. When Attenborough signs that she's a beautiful young lady, her surprise is genuine.
Sami the deaf girl (Samantha Krieger) was actually deaf (one of three deaf siblings from deaf parents). Richard Attenborough asked for her not to be rehearsed for the scene, so the surprise on her face when he signed to her was genuine.
I dont know if you guys know, but this scene was a surprise for the little girl too....Richard Attenboroug trained in secret the deaf sign language, so what you see is 100% natural reaction, since the little girl didn´t know he would answer like that.....that just make this scene pure gold.
I don't know how you know this but that makes this scene all the more magical. I love that the actor learned American Sign Language to surprise the little girl in this scene. It would mean the girl did her part improvising with a huge smile vs what ever they told her to do for this scene.
I always cry at this scene. Nothing like the act of pure love that Christmas brings out of people. But even more the excitement on her face as she realizes Santa can talk to her and she doesn’t feel different 💙
So this scene makes me want to cry because when I worked in a restaurant I had two customers that were def a man and his wife and I ended up taking short lessons online so I can help them communicate and the wife started crying and gave me a big hug the first time I did it
When he looks at her, then back at the mom, and then starts signing it always gets me. This is my favorite scene and such a nod to the original where the little girl speaks Dutch and he speaks to her. He played this part perfectly
Watching this scene, I did not see Sir Richard Attenborough acting. I saw Santa Claus talking to a little girl in the language that she could understand. That is a clear testament to the creativity and talent of the cast and crew of this particular version of "Miracle on 34th Street". It is an amazing experience where watching a movie is not about watching the actors acting, but watching the scenes where we believe it is about real people. That is art in its purest form.
When I was a kid at the Walmart we went to in the next town over there was an employee there who was deaf. When I found out I ( as an eight year old child ) figured she must be lonely due to probably having no one to speak to or speak to her during her shift so I learned ASL alphabet so that I could go up to her everytime I saw her just to sign hello to her. She got the biggest smile on her face everytime and was so happy to see me.
That’s awesome I want to learn. I work as force protection officer one a military base and a few times while working in inspections we have adults or kids that are deaf. So sometimes they write or us e their phone to communicate to us or have a translator. It would be cool to learn a little bit. Since we wear gear and carry a gun I feel like they may be nervous. Would love to be able to make them feel comfortable.
The exact same thing happened to me with a girl I met in high school. She always seemed so lonely. It took me a while to learn but we were in the same school for four years so I had plenty. We’re married now and I’m in the process of teaching our son to say “I love you Mommy” in sign language to surprise her.
what gets me is when he learns the child is deaf, the expression he has means a thousand words. I actually shed a tear each times I see this scene. Thanks a million and merry christmas
Sir Attenborough truly was a gem. So is this girl who played Sammy. This is just such a feel good scene. So is the scene in the original where Santa speaks Dutch to the girl. They're both magical.
If you don’t love this film then your heart is cold 🥶. That’s coming from someone who thinks Christmas is overhyped but Miracle on 34th street is magical.
The child believed that Santa could not communicate with her, but her adoring gaze on him revealed that she was okay with that, and just wanted to be with him. Touching scene.
I have been playing Santa on my reservation for about 15 years. I am a preschool teacher for my day job. I have lost most of my hearing and I've been learning ASL for when the time comes that it goes completely. Where I work, I have a student who is deaf. He's four years old and has very little language. Today, I was playing Santa and he came to see me. I gave him a gift and he looked at me like he recognized me. I signed hello to him and Merry Christmas. He just kept looking at me as if to say, "why are you in that ridiculous get-up, Teacher Ron? He got a Spider-Man action figure. A really big one.
From the LA Times: Director of the film Les Mayfield also said the scene ‘tore my heart out’, while Richard Attenborough was also moved. He recalled not rehearsing with little Sami so her surprise in the scene was real. “When I signed ‘What is your name?’ the surprise on her face was genuine,” he told the Los Angeles Times. The star added: “And after the scene, she signed ‘Thank you’ to me. Well, I was gone, I can tell you. That got me” he thumps his heart, “right there”
Richard Attenborough (RIP) did not know ASL and they did not require him to even know ASL for this scene, but he learned it just for this scene and as you just seen it was a total surprise to the little girl who's name is Samantha Krieger. At least that's what I read.
How you do a remake 101. This scene does the original justice so much. When he said Santa speaks the language of all little children. Why sign language? Cleverly done and beautifully put together
why sign language? the mom said the girl was deaf and she told santa he didn't have to talk to her she just wanted to see him! But santa had an idea to still be fair to the girl and uses sign language so she could still interact with him!
I wanna cry. I'm so touch by this scene. you can see the joy of happiness when Richard Attenborough (the actor) improve the scene by actually communicate with a deaf girl. I wanna shout out to all the deaf community that this scene actually promotes better awareness of and sensitivity to the deaf and hard of hearing community. This scene is iconic. I believe many people would learn ASL alphabet so that we also can "communicate" and sign hello to u. 🥰
You hear about so many scenes where you surprise actors, but the fact that this Santa surprised this sweet little girl and spoke to her in ASL is just heart melting.!
nah thats not disapproval. That is empathy. He recognizes the mothers learned helplessness. The look, to me, says "oh you poor thing. It's sad that you feel the need to say that because you've had to soooo many times"
Is this not the most beautiful child u have ever seen in a film? Her face is Angelic....I've watched this scene a hundred times and cry everytime when she realizes she can speak to him and he can speak to her
"How can we possibly forget the scene where Father Christmas uses sign language to communicate with the little girl who is deaf. What is even more heart-warming about that scene is that the girl who played her, Sami Krieger, is actually deaf. Richard Attenborough asked the producers not to tell Sami that he would reply to her Christmas present request. So, when he signs “what is your name?” the look of surprise on her face is genuine." I LOVE THIS SCENE SO MUCH, nothing better than seeing inclusion with disabilities and the joy on their faces when they aren't excluded!
There are people who have a pure heart and are proud to be like this, this girl had the happiest day of her life, being with Father Christmas is beautiful, this scene made me emotional❤❤❤
Though I still prefer the original, there are certain elements that I think the remake does better. This scene, and Richard Attenborough's performance, are among them
Just watched this classic scene for the millionth time in my life and for the VERY first time I just bawled my eyes out. I'm 31 and my nieces and nephews are looking at me all cray lol. I guess I'm old now. #Nostalgia ❤️👏🏾🙌🏾🎅🏼
When I was a little girl I saw this scene and since then I've try to learn some signs so one day I can surprise a deaf person talking a little with they... that must be fantastic.
Sherry Holmes that’s what I’ve always dreamed. I’m finally doing it. There are many channels on here that help. ASL THAT. Bill Vicars. My Smart Hands. And Rochelle Barlow. I’m studying with my mother and daughter. We have learned so much in a very short time. Good luck 😄
When the mom said he doesn't have to talk to her, I thought she was being a jerk. But she really does care about her deaf daughter and was happy Santa did that for her. Amazing. It's also sweet but sad that she just wanted to see him, even though she assumed they wouldn't be able to communicate with each other. Awesome scene.
No, the mother was really a jerk. It's normal for hearing people to completely disregard what it is like for Deaf people. We are NOT pets, we are PEOPLE!
The original film with the Dutch girl scene IS heartwarming, true. But I find this version of the movie and the scene to be better for a specific reason. I don't recall many people being that skilled in sign language. So, seeing an elderly man who resembles Santa expertly communicate with a child through sign language is truly amazing
because the original movie was filmed just after the war, the little girl was a Dutch war orphan with Edmund Gwenn singing a Dutch Christmas song with her. the 1994 ver that would have not made sense, hence the deaf girl scene was a more relevant. just as tear inducing as the 47 ver. ua-cam.com/video/br2xtz47miU/v-deo.html
In the original it's heavily implied that the girl's parents were murdered by Nazis. It's not something many modern viewers would get but a 1947 audience hearing she was from Rotterdam would get it immediately: This child has been through hell.
Thanks for sharing. I have a little deaf sister, and we've never seen this show. We will though. I wish they would make more movies with deaf people in them. It makes it more interesting for other deaf people. Especially for those that live in small towns that don't have any deaf friends. It gets lonely for them, because only a select few know sign language. In our town there is only 3 people, besides her that know how to sign, and I'm one of them. Sign language books can be found online, on the Internet, or you can take classes. It's actually an easy language to learn, and makes getting a job easier. 😀
Dorene Mellene I want to hug you and your sister! It’s been a lifelong dream of me and my mother to learn sign language and since having my kids I decided I have to do it. My kids are learning along with us! It’s fun !! I really wish it was something that was mainstreamed and taught in schools early on so no one had to feel alone! I hope one day to meet a deaf person and speak to them. Everyone matters 🙂❤️ Wishing you and your sister the absolute best!
One of the most touching movies of all time. The magic of love and faith in all that is good and right in the world. Santa Claus is a representation of this good. I tear up every time I see this scene. Plus the look on Santa's face when he hears the little girl is deaf speaks volumes. No deformity, no handicap, diminishes the preciousness of a child in his eyes. A simple but wonderful lesson. RIP Lord Attenborough.
It makes me happy when deaf people feel seen and included! I tried to learn how to sign jingle bells and the one I learned was different than the one she is doing but thats fine
This is an amazing scene! Just as touching as the scene with the little Dutch orphan girl in the 1947 original, though I must admit that one will always be my personal favourite.
Google original took this video down for copyright until I argued that it was a tribute to one of the best human beings who ever lived. And then they restored the video. No idea if it plays ads because i don't get money on UA-cam
There shouldn't be a dry eye in the house with this scene - a wonderful update to the 1947 original, where Sinteklaas speaks to the little Dutch girl - both equally emotive; it certainly made me cry :)
I read somewhere that the girl didn’t know that Santa could speak in sign language, and that her reaction to it is genuine. But I haven’t found any sources for this.
That sounds true. Given the kind of actor and person Richard Attenborough was, he would have made a point to learn and would have enjoyed the reaction of pleasant surprise from it.
medmar76 Does that sound true? Because I’ve found absolutely no info on any such thing and considering the practicalities of it, I’m starting to think it’s just made up.
@@TheWolfwiththeDragon I used to work with deaf people and her reaction seems very genuine to me - ie, a side effect of their hearing means they can be more expressive with their reactions for things like surprise and joy - and that coupled with the kind of person Attenborough was, leads me to believe it. I mean, I'm sure the rest of the scene was scripted and filmed after the event and pieced together later (the editing looks a bit jumpy right after her reaction), but that bit rings true to me.
The young girl's name is Sami Krieger and her reaction is genuine. Richard Attenborough purposely rehearsed the scene in private so they could get the reaction. You can find the archived 1994 LA Times article here: articles.latimes.com/1994-11-20/entertainment/ca-65012_1_deaf-girl
Though I prefer the original film overall, I agree that this scene is beautiful. I know that look of surprise and delight from a deaf child when a hearing person signs to them. I work in schools, and when I met a deaf teen in a high school I used to work in, that was the look he had when I greeted him in ASL. At that point, he had had little to no interaction with hearing people who knew much sign, including his own parents. He himself had only begun to learn ASL from an interpreter a couple of years before, so it was a real treat for him to meet a teacher's assistant who signed to him.
I know right. the mom figured the "store santa" wouldn't know sign language so just to let the girl sit there and enjoy being there with him. Imagine her surprise when he turns out to be the real santa signing to her child.
I've watched this film two times just today and honestly this scene wrecks me every time. I can't even imagine how happy Sammy and her mother would have been if this was real life?!
Believe it or not, that little girl is really deaf and Richard Attenborough asked the producers not to tell her that he would reply to her in sign language. So when he starting signing to her, the look of surprise on her face is genuine.
The little girl is actually deaf, and she was not told that Richard Attenborough would sign to her. Her reaction is genuine. He learnt sign language to be able to do it.
I’m not crying, you’re crying…
Wow, no sabía eso. Muchas gracias, eso hace que la escena sea más conmovedora.
And Richard specifically requested not to rehearse the scene so that the girls reaction would be genuine.
Easily the sweetest Christmas movie scene there is! 🥰
❤❤❤❤❤
The little girl had no idea he was going to sign to her. Her reaction of amazement when he begins to speak to her in ASL is 100% genuine. Merry Christmas to the late, great, irreplaceable Richard Attenborough.
Joel Crofts
0:27
Priceless reaction.
Joel Crofts he looks just like Santa
@@jennakaufman4471he IS Santa and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
I don't care what y'all say. He gets a pass for letting all those dinosaurs loose solely for this act alone.
bro hahaha
What makes it even more special for me is that the young lady's name really IS Sami, Sami Kreiger, and she really IS deaf. What a beautiful scene!
And she didn't know that Santa was going to sign to her - Attenborough learned in secret so the look of surprise on her face is genuine.
Punches thrown bro XD
Sami Krieger, the beautiful little girl, didn't know Mr. Attenborough was going to sign when she sat on his lap. Her joy, and the moment, was real. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
BEST SANTA EVER!
...and no i m not bawling my eyes out, thats just allergies!!
Malefizia you have hay fever like Tracy Beaker, just allergies 😂😂😂
Kelcey can’t beat 00s cbbc
Me too I’m allergic to amazing and heartfelt films
I like the older version of this movie where Santa speaks Dutch.
Malefizia I dant knaw eunglish hoas is my eunglisa?
Ninjas cuttin onions up in here, Beautiful scene :,)
Apparently Richard Attenborough learned sign language in secret so the surprised look on the little girl's face is real.
Aww that made me cry all over again - what a beautiful man he was
where did you see this? I hope its true
The look on Santa's face when he realises this little girl is deaf. Pure love. Moving beyond words.
Richard Parker i think hes thinking hard to figure out the best way to make a happy moment for the girl, because he truly cares about all children. this scene is just beautiful
I dont know if you guys know, but this one was a surprise for the little girl too....the scene was supposed to be shooted with the little girl making the signs to Santa, but Richard Attenborough trained the sign language in secret for this scene, so the smile on the little girl is a genuine one, since she didn´t expect that response...that single detail make this movie a classic.
That confirms what I suspected. My aunt and two cousins are deaf and when they communicate their faces are often intensely expressive. I got that vibe from the little girl. That was a genius move on his part and an incredibly compassionate one as well. There is a video somewhere on UA-cam, I forget the channel, where a mall Santa surprised a deaf child by signing. It reminded me of this scene.
This is what made him a "Sir".
There's a couple of those Santa signing videos around - there's also one of Tinkerbell signing to a little girl at Disneyworld - the look on her face is truly priceless.
And I thought I was done crying after watching this scene...
I understand that Attenborough learned the sign language necessary for the scene in order to surprise the girl, and so her delight is not manufactured, she was genuinely surprised. Her smile, this approach to the scene, makes it perfect.
I'm guessing learning/understanding sign language isn't that easy?
If so, it only makes this scene all the more amazing; not to mention that it makes Richard look even more like the true Santa
@@sadlobster1 They tried teaching us sign language when I was in elementary and middle school. None of it stuck.
Shows what a gentleman he was and truly dedicated to his craft.. what a beautiful scene. Would melt the heart of old Ebenezer himself!
Sami played herself in this scene, being a deaf child of a family of 5. The crew did not tell her that Santa would sign back. When Attenborough signs that she's a beautiful young lady, her surprise is genuine.
I don't think the crew knew either
This scene brings tears to my eyes every time.
Same here. Every single time
Sami the deaf girl (Samantha Krieger) was actually deaf (one of three deaf siblings from deaf parents). Richard Attenborough asked for her not to be rehearsed for the scene, so the surprise on her face when he signed to her was genuine.
She didnt know he was going to sign to her right
I can't watch this scene without crying. Its very beautiful and touching.
The joy in her eyes when he start to sign, it is something special ♡
I loved this movie as a child.
I dont know if you guys know, but this scene was a surprise for the little girl too....Richard Attenboroug trained in secret the deaf sign language, so what you see is 100% natural reaction, since the little girl didn´t know he would answer like that.....that just make this scene pure gold.
was the actor who portrait the littel girl really deaf?
norgi yes
I’m honestly not surprised if this was ALL one take!
I don't know how you know this but that makes this scene all the more magical. I love that the actor learned American Sign Language to surprise the little girl in this scene. It would mean the girl did her part improvising with a huge smile vs what ever they told her to do for this scene.
Wait how does that work? So she didn't have a script?
Richard Atrenborough learned sign language just for this scene. The man was an international treasure and the best movie adaptation of Santa Claus
I always cry at this scene. Nothing like the act of pure love that Christmas brings out of people. But even more the excitement on her face as she realizes Santa can talk to her and she doesn’t feel different 💙
Even in Italy we cry (at least me), an authentic must in the Christmas period. Does anyone know if the child was really deaf or just a good actress?
She was really deaf
I am deaf and speak sign. All the signs are correct in this scene. Very heartwarming scene.
Richard Attenborough really helps the scene too. He was a great choice for Santa
@@gftyhify next Ed Asner they are the best!
She didn't know he was going to use sign language so her (Samantha Krieger) reaction is genuine.
I didn't know that.👍
So this scene makes me want to cry because when I worked in a restaurant I had two customers that were def a man and his wife and I ended up taking short lessons online so I can help them communicate and the wife started crying and gave me a big hug the first time I did it
Such a wonderful thing to do!!
You just made their night that night.
When he looks at her, then back at the mom, and then starts signing it always gets me. This is my favorite scene and such a nod to the original where the little girl speaks Dutch and he speaks to her. He played this part perfectly
Watching this scene, I did not see Sir Richard Attenborough acting. I saw Santa Claus talking to a little girl in the language that she could understand. That is a clear testament to the creativity and talent of the cast and crew of this particular version of "Miracle on 34th Street". It is an amazing experience where watching a movie is not about watching the actors acting, but watching the scenes where we believe it is about real people. That is art in its purest form.
It never fails to bring tears to my eyes
When I was a kid at the Walmart we went to in the next town over there was an employee there who was deaf. When I found out I ( as an eight year old child ) figured she must be lonely due to probably having no one to speak to or speak to her during her shift so I learned ASL alphabet so that I could go up to her everytime I saw her just to sign hello to her. She got the biggest smile on her face everytime and was so happy to see me.
Awh that’s so sweet!!
You're an Angel!
That’s awesome I want to learn. I work as force protection officer one a military base and a few times while working in inspections we have adults or kids that are deaf. So sometimes they write or us e their phone to communicate to us or have a translator. It would be cool to learn a little bit. Since we wear gear and carry a gun I feel like they may be nervous. Would love to be able to make them feel comfortable.
The exact same thing happened to me with a girl I met in high school. She always seemed so lonely. It took me a while to learn but we were in the same school for four years so I had plenty. We’re married now and I’m in the process of teaching our son to say “I love you Mommy” in sign language to surprise her.
As we say in Ireland, Amanda, "You Have a heart of corn" (Gold) :)
that gotta be the most precious moment ive ever seen in a movie
One of my favorite Christmas scenes along with the end of Its a Wonderful Life and the Christmas eve true in Le Joyeux Noel
Have you seen the scene from the original film?
ua-cam.com/video/ibDD8Y3IJrg/v-deo.html
what gets me is when he learns the child is deaf, the expression he has means a thousand words. I actually shed a tear each times I see this scene. Thanks a million and merry christmas
Sir Attenborough truly was a gem. So is this girl who played Sammy. This is just such a feel good scene. So is the scene in the original where Santa speaks Dutch to the girl. They're both magical.
If you don’t love this film then your heart is cold 🥶. That’s coming from someone who thinks Christmas is overhyped but Miracle on 34th street is magical.
Every single year this scene makes me cry❤️
The child believed that Santa could not communicate with her, but her adoring gaze on him revealed that she was okay with that, and just wanted to be with him. Touching scene.
I have been playing Santa on my reservation for about 15 years. I am a preschool teacher for my day job. I have lost most of my hearing and I've been learning ASL for when the time comes that it goes completely. Where I work, I have a student who is deaf. He's four years old and has very little language. Today, I was playing Santa and he came to see me. I gave him a gift and he looked at me like he recognized me. I signed hello to him and Merry Christmas. He just kept looking at me as if to say, "why are you in that ridiculous get-up, Teacher Ron? He got a Spider-Man action figure. A really big one.
What a wonderful story
From the LA Times:
Director of the film Les Mayfield also said the scene ‘tore my heart out’, while Richard Attenborough was also moved.
He recalled not rehearsing with little Sami so her surprise in the scene was real.
“When I signed ‘What is your name?’ the surprise on her face was genuine,” he told the Los Angeles Times.
The star added: “And after the scene, she signed ‘Thank you’ to me. Well, I was gone, I can tell you. That got me” he thumps his heart, “right there”
Mum: you don’t have to talk to her she’s deaf
Santa: Hold my beer mum....
I'm now watching the film on TV 😁
It's Santa. "Hold my Eggnog"
Richard Attenborough (RIP) did not know ASL and they did not require him to even know ASL for this scene, but he learned it just for this scene and as you just seen it was a total surprise to the little girl who's name is Samantha Krieger.
At least that's what I read.
Such a beautiful scene. Try not to have tears in your eyes when you see it.
How you do a remake 101. This scene does the original justice so much. When he said Santa speaks the language of all little children. Why sign language? Cleverly done and beautifully put together
why sign language? the mom said the girl was deaf and she told santa he didn't have to talk to her she just wanted to see him! But santa had an idea to still be fair to the girl and uses sign language so she could still interact with him!
There's a deaf cashier at the store close to my home, she's the reason i start learning sign language so i can talk more with her
i meet hooker in bangkok who was deft,, beautiful girl,,, i use the sign you are beautiful from it,,, and i got a huge bonus
@@fredysanmiguel4488 damn lol
@@icy_1337😂
I wanna cry. I'm so touch by this scene. you can see the joy of happiness when Richard Attenborough (the actor) improve the scene by actually communicate with a deaf girl. I wanna shout out to all the deaf community that this scene actually promotes better awareness of and sensitivity to the deaf and hard of hearing community. This scene is iconic. I believe many people would learn ASL alphabet so that we also can "communicate" and sign hello to u. 🥰
The irony that you want to shout out to them.
rafiq zulrani I am teaching myself sign language 🤟 got a lot of books and videos on the subject I hope you will reply to this
I started tearing up when he signed to her. Her face just lit up when he started signing to her. This scene is so beautiful.
The girl in the scene was legit deaf. Her reaction was real. Attenborough asked director Les Mayfield not to rehearse her.
Richard Attenborough is majestic. I LOVE this movie. Merry Christmas !!
You hear about so many scenes where you surprise actors, but the fact that this Santa surprised this sweet little girl and spoke to her in ASL is just heart melting.!
Apparently, the girl WAS deaf. Richard Attenborough was secretly taught ASL, and wanted to surprise her. What a surprise that must've been!
There's this quiet look of disapproval when he hears her say it's okay to not talk to the child and it's so endearing.
nah thats not disapproval. That is empathy. He recognizes the mothers learned helplessness. The look, to me, says "oh you poor thing. It's sad that you feel the need to say that because you've had to soooo many times"
I adored this scene since I was little - so beautiful. Richard Attenborough was an incredible actor ❤️
He is without a doubt the best on-screen Santa Claus
This scene makes me teary-eyed every single time. Here's to Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All.
And also with you
Is this not the most beautiful child u have ever seen in a film? Her face is Angelic....I've watched this scene a hundred times and cry everytime when she realizes she can speak to him and he can speak to her
"How can we possibly forget the scene where Father Christmas uses sign language to communicate with the little girl who is deaf. What is even more heart-warming about that scene is that the girl who played her, Sami Krieger, is actually deaf.
Richard Attenborough asked the producers not to tell Sami that he would reply to her Christmas present request. So, when he signs “what is your name?” the look of surprise on her face is genuine."
I LOVE THIS SCENE SO MUCH, nothing better than seeing inclusion with disabilities and the joy on their faces when they aren't excluded!
There are people who have a pure heart and are proud to be like this, this girl had the happiest day of her life, being with Father Christmas is beautiful, this scene made me emotional❤❤❤
His voice on "You shall have them" is a tear jerker by itself.
i cant stop watching this beautiful exchange.
What a beautiful scene. Richard Attenborough is the greatest Santa I've seen on film.
Whenever I'm having a bad day and I need to regain my faith in Humanity, I always look up scenes like this 🥰💗
Though I still prefer the original, there are certain elements that I think the remake does better. This scene, and Richard Attenborough's performance, are among them
this scene always makes me cry. You can see it that Attenborough broke character for a split second. It's humbling and beautiful
still wholesome video even after 9 years...
This is most beautiful part in the whole film. ❤️💕❤️
*Oh so very sweet!*
In the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street, *the scene with the Dutch girl was equally sweet!*
I've never seen this movie but I think once my eyes dry up I'll have to see it.
Just watched this classic scene for the millionth time in my life and for the VERY first time I just bawled my eyes out. I'm 31 and my nieces and nephews are looking at me all cray lol. I guess I'm old now. #Nostalgia ❤️👏🏾🙌🏾🎅🏼
Me too man
You can practically see his heart break at 0:12...
1:32 she said Merry Christmas, Santa!
When I was a little girl I saw this scene and since then I've try to learn some signs so one day I can surprise a deaf person talking a little with they... that must be fantastic.
Would be nice huh :)
Sherry Holmes that’s what I’ve always dreamed. I’m finally doing it. There are many channels on here that help. ASL THAT. Bill Vicars. My Smart Hands. And Rochelle Barlow. I’m studying with my mother and daughter. We have learned so much in a very short time. Good luck 😄
my favorite scene!! the surprise and delight on her face is just the sweetest thing ever
Some people say this version isn't very good, but this scene is adorable 🎅
ranger fanboy I like the Dutch and deaf girl both which is very touching
Powerful scene. Gets me every time.
Richard Attenborough was truly a great man. He will be missed. RIP. You're in God's house now.
Sir Richard Attenborough* 💯🎯💯
He should've been cast as Dumbledore in *Harry Potter*
There is no better word to say, simply "beautiful". There's nothing that makes me smile more :-)
When the mom said he doesn't have to talk to her, I thought she was being a jerk. But she really does care about her deaf daughter and was happy Santa did that for her. Amazing.
It's also sweet but sad that she just wanted to see him, even though she assumed they wouldn't be able to communicate with each other.
Awesome scene.
No, the mother was really a jerk. It's normal for hearing people to completely disregard what it is like for Deaf people. We are NOT pets, we are PEOPLE!
The original film with the Dutch girl scene IS heartwarming, true.
But I find this version of the movie and the scene to be better for a specific reason. I don't recall many people being that skilled in sign language.
So, seeing an elderly man who resembles Santa expertly communicate with a child through sign language is truly amazing
because the original movie was filmed just after the war, the little girl was a Dutch war orphan with Edmund Gwenn singing a Dutch Christmas song with her. the 1994 ver that would have not made sense, hence the deaf girl scene was a more relevant. just as tear inducing as the 47 ver. ua-cam.com/video/br2xtz47miU/v-deo.html
In the original it's heavily implied that the girl's parents were murdered by Nazis. It's not something many modern viewers would get but a 1947 audience hearing she was from Rotterdam would get it immediately: This child has been through hell.
A brilliant film from my childhood
I’m now 36
And we will be watching this film
RIP Richard Attenborough
As of today, I'm one year behind you (35)
HOW DARE YOU TOUCH YOUR CHILD LIKE THAT
I swear......whoever keeps leaving these damn onions here.....!
Enough to make a grown man cry
Thanks for sharing. I have a little deaf sister, and we've never seen this show. We will though. I wish they would make more movies with deaf people in them. It makes it more interesting for other deaf people. Especially for those that live in small towns that don't have any deaf friends. It gets lonely for them, because only a select few know sign language. In our town there is only 3 people, besides her that know how to sign, and I'm one of them. Sign language books can be found online, on the Internet, or you can take classes. It's actually an easy language to learn, and makes getting a job easier. 😀
Dorene Mellene I want to hug you and your sister! It’s been a lifelong dream of me and my mother to learn sign language and since having my kids I decided I have to do it. My kids are learning along with us! It’s fun !! I really wish it was something that was mainstreamed and taught in schools early on so no one had to feel alone! I hope one day to meet a deaf person and speak to them. Everyone matters 🙂❤️
Wishing you and your sister the absolute best!
One of the most touching movies of all time. The magic of love and faith in all that is good and right in the world. Santa Claus is a representation of this good. I tear up every time I see this scene.
Plus the look on Santa's face when he hears the little girl is deaf speaks volumes. No deformity, no handicap, diminishes the preciousness of a child in his eyes. A simple but wonderful lesson.
RIP Lord Attenborough.
It makes me happy when deaf people feel seen and included! I tried to learn how to sign jingle bells and the one I learned was different than the one she is doing but thats fine
This scene was always makes me tear up
He puts her on his lap and tells her “welcome to Jarrasic Park”
"I spared no expense."
Fucking dead 😂
This scene is beautiful. Every time this movie is on around the holidays I watch.
Really does your heart good watching this scene, doesn't it?
😢😢❤❤😢😢 i think i watched over 20×.. Lost count already..
This is an amazing scene! Just as touching as the scene with the little Dutch orphan girl in the 1947 original, though I must admit that one will always be my personal favourite.
I’m not crying .... my eyes are sweating 😭
This scene is so heartwarming.
This scene makes me cry happy.
RIP Richard Attenborough (August 29, 1923 - August 24, 2014), aged 90
You will always be remembered as a legend.
Google original took this video down for copyright until I argued that it was a tribute to one of the best human beings who ever lived. And then they restored the video. No idea if it plays ads because i don't get money on UA-cam
@@chompchompnomnom4256 Don't worry it doesn't play ads.
There shouldn't be a dry eye in the house with this scene - a wonderful update to the 1947 original, where Sinteklaas speaks to the little Dutch girl - both equally emotive; it certainly made me cry :)
I think it’s beautiful but I did not cry so do t get mad at me
I read somewhere that the girl didn’t know that Santa could speak in sign language, and that her reaction to it is genuine. But I haven’t found any sources for this.
That sounds true. Given the kind of actor and person Richard Attenborough was, he would have made a point to learn and would have enjoyed the reaction of pleasant surprise from it.
medmar76 Does that sound true? Because I’ve found absolutely no info on any such thing and considering the practicalities of it, I’m starting to think it’s just made up.
@@TheWolfwiththeDragon I used to work with deaf people and her reaction seems very genuine to me - ie, a side effect of their hearing means they can be more expressive with their reactions for things like surprise and joy - and that coupled with the kind of person Attenborough was, leads me to believe it. I mean, I'm sure the rest of the scene was scripted and filmed after the event and pieced together later (the editing looks a bit jumpy right after her reaction), but that bit rings true to me.
The young girl's name is Sami Krieger and her reaction is genuine. Richard Attenborough purposely rehearsed the scene in private so they could get the reaction. You can find the archived 1994 LA Times article here:
articles.latimes.com/1994-11-20/entertainment/ca-65012_1_deaf-girl
Well, Attenborough said in an interview that he was born for the role of Santa in this film, so to me, it's no surprise.
I love how they dress in this film. It's so elegant.
It’s how society used to be
Still one of the most heart warming moments ever ❤
The last line the girl says is "Merry Christmas Santa Claus"
What a beautiful scene in such a charming movie!
The smile and happiness on the girl's face shows how beautiful it is
I love this! This scene brought a smile to me.
What a beautiful scene
This film and the original are some of the cutest Christmas films ever made.
Though I prefer the original film overall, I agree that this scene is beautiful. I know that look of surprise and delight from a deaf child when a hearing person signs to them. I work in schools, and when I met a deaf teen in a high school I used to work in, that was the look he had when I greeted him in ASL. At that point, he had had little to no interaction with hearing people who knew much sign, including his own parents. He himself had only begun to learn ASL from an interpreter a couple of years before, so it was a real treat for him to meet a teacher's assistant who signed to him.
Her reaction wasn't even scripted, either!
"You don't have to talk to her."
"I'm Santa Claus, I fly around the whole world in one night and you think I don't know sign language?"
She signs “Merry Christmas Santa Claus”
The last sign you didn’t know was Santa’s name sign.
I'm not crying...you're crying.
I liked how happy the mom was that Santa was able to speak in sign language
it must have been a real kick in the pants too. she wanted
Santa to completely NOT talk to her at all
I know right. the mom figured the "store santa" wouldn't know sign language so just to let the girl sit there and enjoy being there with him. Imagine her surprise when he turns out to be the real santa signing to her child.
At the end the little girl Sami says Merry Christmas Santa Claus
This was completely off script Richard learned sign to do this and it wasn’t in the script at all. He really wanted to communicate with her
It must be magical when kids see Santa like that. Like no matter what even if they can't hear, Santa will always be able to make a Christmas magical
I've watched this film two times just today and honestly this scene wrecks me every time. I can't even imagine how happy Sammy and her mother would have been if this was real life?!
Believe it or not, that little girl is really deaf and Richard Attenborough asked the producers not to tell her that he would reply to her in sign language. So when he starting signing to her, the look of surprise on her face is genuine.