Natalie woods sister lana wood also became an actress wood aged 7 later appeared as a german orphan in tomorrow is forever in 1946 the director welles later said that she was a born professional wood later signed with the 20th century fox studio for her first major role in the movie miracle on 34th street. Miracle on 34th street initially released as the big heart in the united kingdom is a 1947 american christmas comedy drama film released by 20th century fox written and directed by george seaton and based on a story by valentine daviesit stars maureen ohara john payne natalie wood and edmund gwennthe story takes place between thanksgiving day and christmas day in new york city and . Natalie wood was one of hollywood golden stars and a legend both on and off the silver screen born to russian immigrants wood found herself in the spotlight as a child capturing the audiences hearts in the holiday classic miracle on 34th street 1947