A Christmas Story Behind The Scenes Of A Holiday Classic
For many Americans, watching A Christmas Story has become a beloved holiday tradition. The classic movie has been entertaining audiences since its release in 1983, and its popularity only continues to grow. But what goes into making a holiday classic like A Christmas Story? In this article, we'll take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this iconic film.
The Inspiration Behind A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is based on the book "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash" by author and radio personality Jean Shepherd. Shepherd, who narrates the film, drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in Indiana during the 1940s. The movie's setting is also based on Shepherd's hometown of Hammond, Indiana.
The Casting Process
The casting process for A Christmas Story was extensive, with over 9,000 children auditioning for the lead role of Ralphie. Eventually, the part went to Peter Billingsley, who had previously appeared in several commercials and TV shows. The rest of the cast was also carefully selected, including Darren McGavin as Ralphie's father and Melinda Dillon as his mother.
The Filming Process
The majority of A Christmas Story was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, with several scenes shot in Toronto, Canada. Despite the winter setting of the movie, much of the filming took place during the summer months. The crew had to work hard to create a winter wonderland on set, with fake snow and ice being used in many scenes.
The Leg Lamp
One of the most iconic props in the movie is the leg lamp, which Ralphie's father proudly displays in the window. The leg lamp was actually created specifically for the movie, with the production team working to make it look as absurd as possible. Today, leg lamp replicas are a popular holiday decoration for fans of the movie.
The Red Ryder BB Gun
The Red Ryder BB gun is another memorable aspect of the movie, with Ralphie's obsession with the firearm driving much of the plot. The gun used in the movie was a real antique, but a non-functional version was also created for safety reasons. The gun's popularity skyrocketed after the release of the movie, with many fans rushing out to buy their own Red Ryder BB gun.
The Release and Reception
A Christmas Story was initially a box office disappointment, only grossing $19 million during its theatrical run. However, the movie found new life on home video and cable TV, eventually becoming a holiday classic. Today, it's hard to imagine the holiday season without A Christmas Story, with its memorable characters and quotable one-liners.
The Legacy of A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with references to the movie appearing in everything from TV shows to commercials. The movie's popularity has also spawned a cottage industry of merchandise, including everything from leg lamp nightlights to Red Ryder BB gun replicas. Despite being over 35 years old, A Christmas Story continues to be a beloved holiday classic that generations of families enjoy together.