A Christmas Story is a beloved holiday film, capturing the heartwarming and humorous aspects of Christmas through the eyes of a young boy named Ralphie. Released in 1983, it was based on Jean Shepherd’s book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash. The film was directed by Bob Clark and was shot in the 1940s; hence, it remains one of the most enduring Christmas movies ever made.
Movie Reviews
When A Christmas Story first came out, it didn’t exactly have the reception that it enjoys today. The critics were all over the place. Some thought it was sweet and nice, while others really took their shots at it. Roger Ebert gave it three stars on his first viewing, but went back to review it for his “Great Movies” list, which gave it four stars. He pointed out that the movie was a moderate success because such holiday-themed films were never popular during that time. For years, though, that film has become known due to its unique blend of some humor, nostalgia, and wholesome moments.
While New York Times critic Vincent Canby wrote a lukewarm review, which read that although the actors are good, the comedy parts often don’t quite click, the movie has continued to warm its way into the hearts of everyone belonging to different ages and walks of life throughout all the holiday seasons.
Cast & Characters
The cast of A Christmas Story includes some unforgettable performances, with Peter Billingsley playing the young Ralphie Parker, whose dream of receiving a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas drives the plot. Jean Shepherd, the author of the book the film is based on, also provides the voiceover narration of adult Ralphie. Other key characters include:
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Darren McGavin as The Old Man, Ralphie’s father, who plays a pivotal role in many of the film’s funniest and most memorable moments.
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Melinda Dillon as Mrs. Parker, Ralphie’s loving yet sometimes frazzled mother, who does her best to keep the family’s Christmas spirit alive.
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Ian Petrella as Randy Parker, Ralphie’s younger brother, whose exaggerated fear of the cold and constant stuffing of his face with food adds to the humor.
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Zack Ward as Scut Farkus, the school bully who terrorizes Ralphie and his friends.
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Scott Schwartz as Flick, one of Ralphie’s schoolmates who has a memorable encounter with a flagpole.
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D. Robb as Schwartz, Ralphie’s friend and fellow victim of Farkus’ bullying.
Release Date and Reception
A Christmas Story was released just in time for the holidays, on November 18, 1983. Initially it did not fare exceptionally well at the box office but soon became a staple in cult cinema. With its opening weekend, the movie managed to rake in $2 million, and towards the end of its theater run, it collected nearly $19.2 million. A Christmas Story gradually increased its popularity over the years through television broadcasts, where it became a staple of holiday programming. Since 1997, TNT has shown the movie in a 24-hour marathon on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, adding to its status as an established holiday classic.
The Library of Congress added the film to the National Film Registry in 2012 for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,” a testament to its lasting impact on holiday entertainment.
Trailer
The A Christmas Story trailer will give the viewers a sneak peek at how the movie portrays childhood and the holidays in such an endearingly nostalgic manner. Ralphie’s never-ending quest to get his hands on a Red Ryder BB gun, comedic moments with his family, and adventures at school are shown in this trailer. Humor, warmth, and those iconic moments like Ralphie battling with the “You’ll shoot your eye out” warning are all presented in this trailer. This trailer set the tone for a film that would become second to household names.
Plot
The story is about Ralphie Parker, a nine-year-old boy growing up in the 1940s who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Repeatedly, everyone around him, from his mother to his teacher and even Santa Claus, warns him that he will shoot his eye out. The film follows Ralphie’s journey to get the coveted gift and the misadventures that ensue, including his encounters with the school bully, Scut Farkus, and his family’s Christmas traditions.
On Christmas morning, Ralphie finally gets his BB gun; however things don’t go so well after he accidentally shoots his glasses and comes up with a story involving an icicle. And the last scene is of the film which depicts Ralphie looking back on childhood and explaining that the BB gun was probably the greatest gift he ever had.
The episodic structure, along with the narration by adult Ralphie, enables the movie to go into various funny and heartwarming vignettes that would make a wonderful view of family life during the holidays.
Songs and Music
Paul Zaza and Carl Zittrer composed the movie’s music. This adds to the film’s nostalgic and heartwarming ambiance. The film’s signature theme, “Deck the Halls”, and the rest of the classic Christmas carols really make the story feel very festive. The soundtrack features the right balance of traditional holiday classics and original compositions that do justice to the spirit of the 1940s.
While the songs in A Christmas Story are not as mainstream as in other holiday movies, their presence definitely adds a festive feel to the film. The classic “Jingle Bells” played on Ralphie’s father leg while he and Ralphie share a moment is among many memorable musical moments in this film.
Film Location
A Christmas Story was shot in and around Cleveland, Ohio, but parts of the movie were filmed in Canada. The exterior shots of the Parker family home, for example, were shot in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, and the house has since been restored to its film appearance and is now open to the public as A Christmas Story House. Visitors can tour the house, which has been preserved to mirror the interiors seen in the film.
Some other locations that can be identified include Higbee’s Department Store, which had a crucial role in Ralphie’s Christmas, and the exterior scenes depicting the snowy streets of Ralphie’s hometown.
Conclusion
A Christmas Story has become a holiday classic because of its relatable characters, memorable moments, and nostalgic portrayal of Christmas. With its enduring popularity, the film has become a staple of the holiday season, ensuring that generations of viewers continue to laugh, reflect, and embrace the Christmas spirit with Ralphie and his family year after year. Whether it is the first time or the hundredth viewing, A Christmas Story always serves as a touching reminder about the magic of Christmas and the sweet joys of childhood.
