“What I want for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time. I think that everybody should have a Red Ryder BB gun. They’re very good for Christmas I don't think that a football's a very good Christmas present."
This is the class theme and Christmas wish of 9-year-old Ralphie from the 1983 film A Christmas Story.
During the holiday season, I usually watch classic Christmas films like
A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. While I adore these
movies, what I particularly love about A Christmas Story is its
nostalgic portrayal of the joys and anticipation of being a child before
Christmas. It gives us a glimpse into what kids really desire for
Christmas from their own perspective. I just had the incredible opportunity to watch the film on
the big screen surrounded by my loved ones and friends. The shared
delight of experiencing this movie together truly enhanced my entire
experience.
When
A Christmas Story was released in 1983, it introduced a new kind of
holiday movie, one that embraced the "unrestrained greed," consumerism,
disappointments, heartaches, and overall misfortune that often
accompany the jolly season. Simply put, it showcased the true reality of
Christmas within real families. This film delivered a refreshing dose
of satire and realism, presented through a hilarious and perfectly told
story of a middle-class family navigating the challenges of Christmas as
told through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy. Although filmed in the
1980s, it remains timeless.
I
just had the incredible opportunity to watch the film on the big screen
surrounded by my loved ones and friends. The shared delight of
experiencing this movie together truly enhanced my entire experience.During the holiday season, I usually watch classic Christmas films like A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. While I adore these movies, what I particularly love about A Christmas Story is its nostalgic portrayal of the joys and anticipation of being a child before Christmas. It gives us a glimpse into what kids really desire for Christmas from their own perspective. When A Christmas Story was released in 1983, it introduced a new kind of holiday movie, one that embraced the "unrestrained greed," consumerism, disappointments, heartaches, and overall misfortune that often accompany the jolly season. Simply put, it showcased the true reality of Christmas within real families. This film delivered a refreshing dose of satire and realism, presented through a hilarious and perfectly-told story of a middle-class family navigating the challenges of Christmas as told through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy. Although filmed in the 1980s, it remains timeless.
Last year, I had the amazing opportunity to visit The Christmas Story House, which can be seen in the iconic film. It can be found at 3159 W 11th Street in Cleveland, Ohio. This gorgeous Victorian house from the 19th century was featured in both exterior and interior scenes as the Parkers' home. In 2004, a private developer purchased the house and took the initiative to restore and renovate it to its original charm, just like in the film. Now, it proudly stands as a museum, alongside three other buildings dedicated to the movie. And guess what? You can visit it any time of the year! Additionally, they've recently renovated the neighboring Bumpus house, which is also available for overnight stays.
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"I Triple Dog Dare YOU!"
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The Family Car
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| Actual Firetruck that comes to Flick's rescue! |
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In this delightful memoir, Jean Shepherd, the renowned humorist, takes us on a journey through his childhood in Hammond, Indiana during the 1940s. Back then, all young Jean dreamed of was getting his hands on a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The story comes to life with incredible performances by Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, and the talented Peter Billingsley, who portrays Ralphie. Oh, and here's a fascinating fact—Peter, believe it or not, is actually related to Sherman Billingsley, the bootlegger-turned-restaurateur who founded the famous Stork Club.
The small-budgeted, charming comedy premiered before Thanksgiving on less than 900 screens. During its first weekend, the film made around $2 million and doubled that amount during the Thanksgiving weekend - a solid achievement for that time. The movie quickly gained positive word-of-mouth support. However, MGM didn't anticipate its success and had no plans to distribute it beyond the initial screens leading up to Christmas. As a result, A Christmas Story vanished from theaters. Nevertheless, the film managed to collect approximately $19 million at the box office. Meanwhile, the popularity of home video and cable television was on the rise, and A Christmas Story found its way into the mainstream through videotape and cable broadcasts. In 1986, MGM sold the rights to the movie to Warner Bros. as part of a package deal including 50 films. Interestingly, MGM practically gave away the movie by including it in the deal, just to meet the agreed-upon quota of 50 films. In 1988, TNT launched a special event known as the 12-showing, 24-hour marathon on Christmas Eve. It was initially intended as a fun stunt, but due to overwhelming fan requests, it quickly transformed into a cherished tradition.
Author Shepherd based his concept for the iconic "major award" leg lamp on a real illuminated Nehi logo lamp. The production designer, Reuben Freed, who had no prior knowledge of leg lamps, created the distinctive style of the leg lamp for the movie A Christmas Story. Sadly, all three leg lamps made for the film were accidentally broken during the filming process.
The
small-budgeted, charming comedy premiered before Thanksgiving on less
than 900 screens. During its first weekend, the film made around $2
million and doubled that amount during the Thanksgiving weekend - a
solid achievement for that time. The movie quickly gained positive
word-of-mouth support. However, MGM didn't anticipate its success and
had no plans to distribute it beyond the initial screens leading up to
Christmas.
As a result, A Christmas Story vanished from theaters. Nevertheless, the
film managed to collect approximately $19 million at the box office.
Meanwhile, the popularity of home video and cable television was on the
rise, and A Christmas Story found its way into the mainstream through
videotape and cable broadcasts. In 1986, MGM sold the rights to the
movie to Warner Bros. as part of a package deal including 50 films.
Interestingly, MGM practically gave away the movie by including it in
the deal, just to meet the agreed-upon quota of 50 films.
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| “After the snap of a few sparks, a quick whiff of ozone, the lamp blazed forth in unparalleled glory" | | |
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Darren McGavin
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There's no denying it - I absolutely adore this movie and never tire of watching it. It's not just because of my sentimental attachment, but also because it's expertly crafted with fantastic performances and witty writing. I can't help but laugh out loud at the numerous hilarious moments and quote the clever lines effortlessly. The secret behind its success lies in the delightful blend of humor and sincerity that shines through every actor's portrayal. Ralphie goes on a quest to convince his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus himself to grant his Christmas wish. However, a sense of uncertainty dampens his childlike excitement, preventing him from fully enjoying the anticipation of receiving such an amazing gift. Ralphie's father (Darren McGavin) is an old-fashioned car enthusiast and Chicago Bears fan, while his mother (Melinda Dillon) embodies the role of a cautious and concerned parent that we can all relate to.
Then there's Randy, played by Ian Petrella, who captures the essence of a typical little brother. His pals Schwartz (R.D. Robb) and Flick (Scott Schwartz) are your regular school yard buddies - great fun but not always reliable. Billingsley, who had acted in numerous films as a child, was widely recognized during the 1980s. However, it was in this particular role that he truly shined and delivered his best performance.
Also making a cameo is Jean Shepherd himself as the man on the Santa line. But for me, McGavin steals every scene he's in and brings the film's funniest moments to life. He flawlessly portrays the father character, perfectly fitting into the film's time period. Moreover, his character has several hilarious quirks that provide endless laughter. Dillon, playing the calming force in the film, complements him wonderfully. The chemistry between the two is spot-on. Every actor in the film delivers impeccable performances, and director Clark skillfully utilizes each character to their fullest potential. In conclusion, this film is a true gem that surpasses its holiday theme.
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Melinda Dillon
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| "You'll shoot your eye out, kid. Merry Christmas" |
In
this delightful memoir, Jean Shepherd, the renowned humorist, takes us
on a journey through his childhood in Hammond, Indiana during the 1940s.
Back then, all young Jean dreamed of was getting his hands on a Red
Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The story comes to life with incredible
performances by Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, and the talented Peter
Billingsley, who portrays Ralphie. Oh, and here's a fascinating
fact—Peter, believe it or not, is actually related to Sherman
Billingsley, the bootlegger-turned-restaurateur who founded the famous
Stork Club. Isn't that something?
In
this delightful memoir, Jean Shepherd, the renowned humorist, takes us
on a journey through his childhood in Hammond, Indiana during the 1940s.
Back then, all young Jean dreamed of was getting his hands on a Red
Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The story comes to life with incredible
performances by Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, and the talented Peter
Billingsley, who portrays Ralphie. Oh, and here's a fascinating
fact—Peter, believe it or not, is actually related to Sherman
Billingsley, the bootlegger-turned-restaurateur who founded the famous
Stork Club. Isn't that something?
Last
year, I had the amazing opportunity to visit The Christmas Story House,
which can be seen in the iconic film. It can be found at 3159 W 11th
Street in Cleveland, Ohio. This gorgeous Victorian house from the 19th
century was featured in both exterior and interior scenes as the
Parkers' home. In 2004, a private developer purchased the house and took
the initiative to restore and renovate it to its original charm, just
like in the film. Now, it proudly stands as a museum, alongside three
other buildings dedicated to the movie. And guess what? You can visit it
any time of the year! Additionally, they've recently renovated the
neighboring Bumpus house, which is also available for overnight stays.
How cool is that?
Last
year, I had the amazing opportunity to visit The Christmas Story House,
which can be seen in the iconic film. It can be found at 3159 W 11th
Street in Cleveland, Ohio. This gorgeous Victorian house from the 19th
century was featured in both exterior and interior scenes as the
Parkers' home. In 2004, a private developer purchased the house and took
the initiative to restore and renovate it to its original charm, just
like in the film. Now, it proudly stands as a museum, alongside three
other buildings dedicated to the movie. And guess what? You can visit it
any time of the year! Additionally, they've recently renovated the
neighboring Bumpus house, which is also available for overnight stays.
How cool is that?
Last
year, I had the amazing opportunity to visit The Christmas Story House,
which can be seen in the iconic film. It can be found at 3159 W 11th
Street in Cleveland, Ohio. This gorgeous Victorian house from the 19th
century was featured in both exterior and interior scenes as the
Parkers' home. In 2004, a private developer purchased the house and took
the initiative to restore and renovate it to its original charm, just
like in the film. Now, it proudly stands as a museum, alongside three
other buildings dedicated to the movie. And guess what? You can visit it
any time of the year! Additionally, they've recently renovated the
neighboring Bumpus house, which is also available for overnight stays.
How cool is that?
Last
year, I had the amazing opportunity to visit The Christmas Story House,
which can be seen in the iconic film. It can be found at 3159 W 11th
Street in Cleveland, Ohio. This gorgeous Victorian house from the 19th
century was featured in both exterior and interior scenes as the
Parkers' home. In 2004, a private developer purchased the house and took
the initiative to restore and renovate it to its original charm, just
like in the film. Now, it proudly stands as a museum, alongside three
other buildings dedicated to the movie. And guess what? You can visit it
any time of the year! Additionally, they've recently renovated the
neighboring Bumpus house, which is also available for overnight stays.
How cool is that?
This
is the class theme and Christmas wish of 9-year-old Ralphie from the
film A Christmas Story. During the holiday season, we usually watch
classic Christmas films like A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful
Life. While I adore these movies, what I particularly love about A
Christmas Story is its nostalgic portrayal of the joys and anticipation
of being a child before Christmas. It gives us a glimpse into what kids
really desire for Christmas from their own perspective. When A Christmas
Story was released in 1983, it introduced a new kind of holiday movie,
one that embraced the "unrestrained greed," consumerism,
disappointments, heartaches, and overall misfortune that often accompany
the jolly season. Simply put, it showcased the true reality of
Christmas within real families. This film delivered a refreshing dose of
satire and realism, presented through a hilarious and perfectly-told
story of a middle-class family navigating the challenges of Christmas as
told through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy. Although filmed in the
1980s, it remains timeless.
This
is the class theme and Christmas wish of 9-year-old Ralphie from the
film A Christmas Story. During the holiday season, we usually watch
classic Christmas films like A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful
Life. While I adore these movies, what I particularly love about A
Christmas Story is its nostalgic portrayal of the joys and anticipation
of being a child before Christmas. It gives us a glimpse into what kids
really desire for Christmas from their own perspective. When A Christmas
Story was released in 1983, it introduced a new kind of holiday movie,
one that embraced the "unrestrained greed," consumerism,
disappointments, heartaches, and overall misfortune that often accompany
the jolly season. Simply put, it showcased the true reality of
Christmas within real families. This film delivered a refreshing dose of
satire and realism, presented through a hilarious and perfectly-told
story of a middle-class family navigating the challenges of Christmas as
told through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy. Although filmed in the
1980s, it remains timeless.
This
is the class theme and Christmas wish of 9-year-old Ralphie from the
film A Christmas Story. During the holiday season, we usually watch
classic Christmas films like A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful
Life. While I adore these movies, what I particularly love about A
Christmas Story is its nostalgic portrayal of the joys and anticipation
of being a child before Christmas. It gives us a glimpse into what kids
really desire for Christmas from their own perspective. When A Christmas
Story was released in 1983, it introduced a new kind of holiday movie,
one that embraced the "unrestrained greed," consumerism,
disappointments, heartaches, and overall misfortune that often accompany
the jolly season. Simply put, it showcased the true reality of
Christmas within real families. This film delivered a refreshing dose of
satire and realism, presented through a hilarious and perfectly-told
story of a middle-class family navigating the challenges of Christmas as
told through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy. Although filmed in the
1980s, it remains timeless.
This
is the class theme and Christmas wish of 9-year-old Ralphie from the
film A Christmas Story. During the holiday season, we usually watch
classic Christmas films like A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful
Life. While I adore these movies, what I particularly love about A
Christmas Story is its nostalgic portrayal of the joys and anticipation
of being a child before Christmas. It gives us a glimpse into what kids
really desire for Christmas from their own perspective. When A Christmas
Story was released in 1983, it introduced a new kind of holiday movie,
one that embraced the "unrestrained greed," consumerism,
disappointments, heartaches, and overall misfortune that often accompany
the jolly season. Simply put, it showcased the true reality of
Christmas within real families. This film delivered a refreshing dose of
satire and realism, presented through a hilarious and perfectly-told
story of a middle-class family navigating the challenges of Christmas as
told through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy. Although filmed in the
1980s, it remains timeless.This is the class theme and Christmas wish of 9-year-old Ralphie from the film A Christmas Story. During the holiday season, we usually watch classic Christmas films like A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. While I adore these movies, what I particularly love about A Christmas Story is its nostalgic portrayal of the joys and anticipation of being a child before Christmas. It gives us a glimpse into what kids really desire for Christmas from their own perspective. When A Christmas Story was released in 1983, it introduced a new kind of holiday movie, one that embraced the "unrestrained greed," consumerism, disappointments, heartaches, and overall misfortune that often accompany the jolly season. Simply put, it showcased the true reality of Christmas within real families. This film delivered a refreshing dose of satire and realism, presented through a hilarious and perfectly-told story of a middle-class family navigating the challenges of Christmas as told through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy. Although filmed in the 1980s, it remains timeless.
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