A discussion of the holiday classic film A Christmas Story with comedian and podcast host Jim Webber. This a holiday of a film club edition of You’re Watching A Movie With Silas Lindenstein.
“A Christmas Story,” a cherished holiday classic released in 1983, masterfully captures the whimsy and nostalgia of childhood around Christmas time. Directed by Bob Clark and based on Jean Shepherd’s semi-autobiographical stories, this 94-minute film, rated PG, falls into the comedy and family genre. It revolves around Ralphie Parker, a young boy in the 1940s, and his singular wish for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The narrative delightfully unfolds the various escapades and challenges he faces, from confronting schoolyard adversaries to navigating the idiosyncrasies of his quirky family. The film is peppered with iconic and humorous moments, such as the unforgettable leg lamp prize, the tongue-stuck-to-a-frozen-pole incident, and the constant adult admonition, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Over the years, “A Christmas Story” has entrenched itself in holiday tradition, renowned for its heartfelt, comedic storytelling and its vivid depiction of Christmas excitement and wonder through the eyes of a child.
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“A Christmas Story” is a film rich with nostalgic anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories. Here are five fun facts about this beloved holiday classic:
Jean Shepherd’s Cameo: Jean Shepherd, the author whose stories the film is based on, makes a cameo in the movie. He’s the man who tells Ralphie and Randy that the line to see Santa Claus at the department store “starts back there.” Shepherd is also the film’s narrator, providing the voice of the adult Ralphie.
The Leg Lamp Origin: The infamous leg lamp, now a cultural icon, was created by production designer Reuben Freed. He was still determining how to design the lamp when he saw a Nehi Soda advertisement featuring a woman’s leg. The lamp has since become a symbol of the film and is a popular Christmas decoration.
Real Tongue-Tied Scene: In the scene where Flick’s tongue gets stuck to a frozen pole, a hidden suction tube was used to safely create the illusion that his tongue had frozen to the metal. It’s one of the film’s most memorable moments.
Location and Set: Although set in Indiana, the movie was primarily filmed in Cleveland, Ohio. The Parker family home is an actual house in Cleveland, which has since been turned into a museum dedicated to the film. Fans can visit and relive their favorite movie moments.
Box Office Underperformance: Much like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “A Christmas Story” wasn’t a massive hit at the box office when it first came out. It only started to gain enormous popularity when it began to be broadcast annually on television, becoming an essential part of many families’ holiday traditions.
- Rated: PG
- Genre: Comedy, Coming Of Age, Drama, Holiday
- Directed by: Bob Clark
- Starring: Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon, Peter Billingsley
- Written by: Bob Clark, Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown
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