Continuity mistake: In the opening scene, the guy bothered by Kris Kringle about the authenticity of the reindeer display is leaning in different positions between the front angle and its reverse. (00:02:00)
Continuity mistake: The note that Susan wrote to Santa Claus changes in writing style between the time it's first shown and the time her mother signs it seconds later - the words "Yours Truly, Susan" are written completely differently the second time. (01:23:30)
Continuity mistake: When Dr. Sawyer is giving Kris the exam, during the part where Kris is doing the physical coordination test, we see Kris from Sawyer's point of view, and Sawyer is drumming his fingers. When the shot switches to Kris's, he is fingering his eyebrow. When it switches back, fingers drumming. Finally, when it switches back again, his hands are neatly folded in front of him.
Visible crew/equipment: When Kris is being taken to the court house, when he meets Alfred before getting on the elevator, the camera pulls in for a closer angle, and you can see the camera mobile's shadow on a pillar to the left.
Other mistake: The traveling camera used during the opening credits is not positioned correctly; it is tilted to the right, causing the whole scene to be crooked.
Character mistake: In the scene where Kris's knowledge is being tested, he incorrectly gives the vice president of President John Quincy Adams. Kris states John Quincy Adams' vice president was Daniel D. Thompkins. That's wrong. John Quincy Adams' vice president was John C. Calhoun. Daniel D. Thompkins was the vice president under President James Monroe.
Answer: One would presume that the orphaned girl's adoptive mother does speak Dutch, or else they wouldn't be able to communicate while the daughter is learning English. Of course, Santa Claus (or Sinterklaas, in Holland) understands all languages of the world. Here is the dialogue between Kris and the young girl, interpreted into English: Santa: "I'm glad you came." Girl: "I knew it, you are Sinterklaas." Santa: "But of course." Girl: "I knew it, I was sure that you would understand" Santa: "Of course, just tell me what you would like to have from Sinterklaas." Girl: "Nothing, I already have a lot, I only want to be with this nice lady." Santa: "Will you sing a song for me?" And then they sing a together a Dutch song about Sinterklaas.
Michael Albert