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Peter Billingsley was actually 12 years old during filming, but in the DVD audio commentary he mentioned he was 13.
But that number was used in good faith that Peter would remember his own age correctly.
– All exterior shots of the house were filmed in Cleveland, but it should be noted that some other exterior scenes were filmed on location in Canada. The script originally stated that the fact applied to the house scenes, but the phrase “at the house” was removed during the editing process without realizing the misleading nature of the omission.
– The word “mall” was used out of habit due to the cultural association in America with Santas and shopping malls, but to be more accurate they filmed the Santa scene at an old department store called Higbee’s.
How did “A Christmas Story” initially fare with critics and audiences, and how did it become a Christmas classic over time?
Christmas is arguably the most celebrated holiday in the world, and many people have their own ways to celebrate it. One of the most popular pastimes during the season is watching Christmas movies. Among many classics, “A Christmas Story” has become a household name since its release in 1983. It’s funny, heartwarming, and a delightful watch, and behind it all, there is an exciting story. In this article, we will explore 25 behind the scenes facts about “A Christmas Story”, how it came to be, and how it has affected our holidays ever since.
1. “A Christmas Story” was released in 1983 and directed by Bob Clark, who also directed “Porky’s” and “Black Christmas.”
2. It was based on Jean Shepherd’s semi-autobiographical stories, published in his book “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash.”
3. Jean Shepherd was not happy with the movie’s final version and refused to be a part of its promotion.
4. The movie received mixed reviews when it was first released but became a Christmas classic over the years.
5. The film takes place in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, but was mostly shot in Canada.
6. The exterior of the Parker family’s house is now a tourist attraction in Cleveland, Ohio, and hosts a museum.
7. Director Bob Clark and his son were killed in a car accident in 2007 by a drunk driver.
8. The famous leg lamp in the movie was originally a cannibalized mannequin leg covered in fishnet stockings.
9. The leg lamp has become an iconic symbol of the film and a popular Christmas decoration.
10. The Christmas dinner that the Parkers eat was made of Chinese food, which was a typical meal for Jewish families who didn’t celebrate Christmas.
11. The Chinese restaurant depicted in the movie, the Chop Suey Palace, was constructed entirely on a soundstage.
12. The scene where Flick’s tongue sticks to the flagpole was filmed by attaching a suction cup to actor Scott Schwartz’s tongue.
13. The actors were allowed to improvise some of their lines, such as Darren McGavin’s famous line, “Fra-gee-lay. It must be Italian!”
14. The film’s budget was only $4 million, and it grossed $20.6 million at the box office.
15. The film was a box office failure when released, and Warner Bros. stopped promoting it shortly after Christmas.
16. TNT began airing 24 hours of “A Christmas Story” in 1997, and it has become a tradition ever since.
17. Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie, made a cameo in the film’s sequel, “A Summer Story.”
18. Billingsley also produced the film “Iron Man” in 2008.
19. The film takes place in the 1940s and features many period-appropriate props, such as a Red Ryder BB gun and a Radio Flyer wagon.
20. The film’s composer, Paul Zaza, also composed the score for “Prom Night” and “My Bloody Valentine.”
21. Director Bob Clark had a cameo in the film as a neighbor who receives a major award.
22. The film’s narrator, Jean Shepherd, also appears in the movie as Ralphie’s department store Santa Claus.
23. The network TBS hosted a marathon of “A Christmas Story” for 19 years before it moved to TNT.
24. The film’s script was turned into a Broadway musical in 2012.
25. “A Christmas Story” has become a cultural phenomenon, with parades, merchandise, and even a restaurant chain named after it.
In conclusion, “A Christmas Story” is a film that has touched many hearts and defined the holiday season for millions of families worldwide. Its behind-the-scenes story is one of triumph over disappointment, and the film’s popularity has grown beyond all expectations. Hopefully, these 25 facts shed some light on the making of this beloved holiday classic and add to its already impressive lore.
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