I always found one of the most touching details in this story was that it was DAD who got him the bb gun in the end. Throughout the entire film, dad was never even considered a potential solution to Ralphies' dilemma. (From his point of view) He desperately campaigned against his mother, teacher, and even santa, but it was dad who came through in the end showing that despite being a hot head and stereotypical 40's father figure, he loved and cared for his son and WAS in tune with the boy's feelings. As someone who's father always went the extra mile to make christmas special, this really hits home for me. I love the film. It's a true classic. Cheers.
Dad bought him the gun. But it was mom who made sure he got it. She’s the one who constantly covered for Ralphie. When Ralphie swore, she handled the punishment. When he got into the fight (and swore again) she swept it under the rug. In those days you only really got in trouble if dad had get involved and through the film, the mom never let it get to that, so in Dad’s eyes, Ralphie was a good kid, so he got him the gun. If mom hadn’t been a shield, dad would never have gotten Ralphie the gun.
My dad was born in 1938 and every Christmas morning we watched this movie and every year he spoke on how he wanted a Red Rider BB gun and when he ( and his twin brother) finally got one it was the best gift! He remembered the clinkers and Oldsmobile car and every part of the film was so nostalgic for him. It is by far my favorite Christmas movie! You did such a great job in this film Peter Billingsley!
I'm so glad they have never tried to remake this movie; nothing could possibly compare to it! Like you gentlemen said, " This is a unique animal"! It has every element possible for a classic Christmas movie. ❤❤❤🎄
I’m writing this at 38 mins in. This is so enjoyable I think I’ll watch it again with some of my buddies (we’re all in our late 50s now) have a few beers and we can all reminisce together because this movie means so much to so many of us it’s just a joy.
My late father was born in 1943 and always said the Red Ryder BB Gun was a real thing and he wanted one also. He said his older sister finally bought him one from Santa. He died in 2008. We loved this movie and watched it for years every Christmas
I feel like, after having seen this, I nerve appreciated the subtleties of Ralphie's loos of innocence throughout the story. I now enjoy this film on a whole other level. I was there in November of 1983 in a very small town in Washington State with my sister at a theater when this premiered, and now, all these years later, It has become such a major part of my life that I feel like I am myself part of the story as well. I think that's why it resonates with so many. This is actually a VERY important film to me, and will always be so. Our own family puts on the marathon EVERY year, and just lets it go. Sometimes the sound is up, sometimes it's muted. It's sort of like lighting the fireplace on Christmas morning. In fact, you can see it playing in the background of many photos in our family albums. It's a true American treasure.
I was born in 83 …my father was born in the 40’s and he would make us watch it every year on Christmas. He passed in 2003 and I wish he knew we watch it 24 hours straight every year for him.
I truly hope you lads read this. I was 15 when Christmas Story hit the scene. Of course my original thoughts were oh boy this is all we need, a new Christmas movie. Like all 15 yr olds I thought I was cool. So for 5-6 yrs never actually watched entire movie or enjoyed it. Then one holiday season around 1990/91 I Invested more time and fell in love with the movie and cast. The writing was great but you actors stole the show. All of you. And as we know now Christmas Story is a classic must watch. You guys give people a nice feeling in their stomachs and hearts. I’m truly thankful for you guys. I’m sure you hear this all the time but I had to speak up. Watching this discussion is priceless. Would love to know how to purchase a signed by all poster or large picture. Been watching Darren’s old movies, he has a great western he was lead in way back when. Anyways , honestly love you guys and hope life is being good to you. Cheers from good ole Toronto where you filmed some of the movie. Cheers lads and give this old man a reply if you have the time
Hurrah for you men for giving this present to the world! I got the same amount of joy from watching of this podcast as I did from seeing the movie in the theater those many years ago.
This movie has been special to me since mom took me to see it at the theater. I've watched it every year , and it has been a staple on my Christmas traditions.
My love for A Christmas Story sent me back to finding Jean Shepherds radio broadcasts, which if your not a senior citizen like me you might not know about, but it’s all available on UA-cam. Do yourself a favor and settle in to all of those wonderful radio broadcasts and you’ll see where a Christmas Story really came from! Thanks so much for this wonderful video, it just extends the greatness of Jean Shepherd and the delight of the movie!
@ Yes! Family Theatre was great, you really had to use your imagination and the shows were wholesome and enjoyable! So many wonderful things have been left in the past unfortunately.
My daughter is almost 3 this Christmas. Every night, since the first time I showed her this movie as we decorated the tree on Saturday after Thanksgiving (a tradition), she has demanded to watch it, sometimes more than once. She calls it “Kids”. She quickly learned what the dvd cover looks like, and she picks it out every night. She has surprised me many times, quoting lines in unison. The best one was when she said, “fifty thousand bucks!”. I’m glad she chose a movie I’ll NEVER get sick of.
Im a kid of the 80s and even though i spent a lot of time playing sports and being outside, at heart i was a movie and tv junkie. I remember being at my friend's house and he told me this movie a Christmas story came on last night and he had recorded it. I remember watching it, probably in December 84 or 85 for the first time in his living room Its funny that that's a memory i hung onto... It was the perfect Christmas movie for a 9 or 10 year old boy. Funny, entertaining and comforting... The fact that we have instant access to almost everything nowadays is cool but it takes away also Today me and my friend would've probably missed that experience, playing Fortnite or Roblox or watching some TikToks like every other kid. I realize im starting to sound like an old man but todays movies, at least the ones that are supposed to make you feel good for a couple of hours, have disappeared
My family and I watch this every Christmas Eve, and have for the last 28 years or so when it first got the 24hr treatment. This is our Christmas tradition movie. We love it: great cast, relatable characters (even to me raised in the 70s), great story. Good to see the boys together, now all grown up, and their take on the making. I get Peter seeing his director as a bit through hero-goggles, but he said he knew of no other director to tackle so many genres. I guess he has never gotten to meet Steven Spielberg....
I attended a pre-release premiere of this movie in Los Angeles. My sister-in-law had won tickets from a radio station, and knowing what a movie buff I was, invited me to attend with her. I loved it from the first to the last scene and have watched it nearly a million times since. Few people realize there was a sequel called "My Summer Story" which was also great fun, but not on the level of the first because there was an entire cast change. Charles Grodin, Mary Steenbergen and Kieran Caulkin as the Father, Mother and Ralphie, and I really give the casting of Peter as giving the original it's heart and soul. Every actor hit their spot, and the direction was great. It's fun to see Peter's work since, and I have seen several of his films and love his work. I wish he would get on lens side of the camera more frequently, because it's always fun when he's in a scene. Thanks for sharing all this fun information to an original fan!
Great hearing you guys reminisce about this wonderful film. You all were just great and perfectly cast in the roles which you acted out flawlessly. Along with the incredible Darren McGaven and the wonderful Melinda Dillon of course. She really had the mom role down from Close Encounters to this film. However for me, the heart of the film will always be Jean Shepherd's narration, it is his creation and you can tell the love and wit and the twinkle in his voice as he relates it. Wish you luck with a sequel if that is in the works but without him as the guiding narrator and story teller, not sure it is going to work.
I don’t own very many movies Because like a dummy I’ve either sold them or given them away I have this one and watch it when it’s not Christmas because it’s that great! Thank you for this behind the scenes treat
A Christmas Story and Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss are my two most cherished movies to watch. Both stories are so middle America and tell real parallel stories as I experienced growing up on the Southside of Chicago.
My Grandpa on my dad’s side passed away in 1996, long after this movie was made, but my dad says how he and his siblings would laugh hysterically during the dad scenes with him yelling because the character all reminded them of their dad. My dad said his dad was always confused why they thought it so funny. Fast forward to 2018, I’m married and it was a struggle to introduce my Ukrainian wife to watch my favorite Christmas movie. She was hesitant because it was old, but she fell in love with it instantly and suggests we watch it several times every Christmas season. I have fond memories growing up watching it. Once I received a hidden present for Christmas as a kid containing a BB gun.
Fantastic film much like Its a Wonderful Life took awhile to become engrained in Americana society but cant imagine Christmas without it. Jean Sheps narration is wonderful. Peter was amazing as Ralphie as well as later on Messy Marvin and the Dirt Bike kid roles.
A Christmas Story was the first movie I watched from start to finish. I grew up with the 24 hr marathon and that started when I was a little kid. I still watch the marathon every yr. It never gets old. For Christmas in 2000, I got a BB gun rifle. I didn't want one because I was scared I was gonna actually shoot my eye out. 8 yr old me thought it was something that could actually happen. Ultimately, I grew to love it and I never had any BBs bounce off and come back at my face.
I find it sort of amazing that they launch right in without identifying Peter Billingsley, one of the two critics here, as in fact the actual guy who played Ralphie in the movie. It's great to see him now as a very humble and articulate adult and even though this movie has seemingly been around forever, is now only in his late forties or early fifties.
Peter and Vince Vaughn worked together when Peter was the big deal and Vince was up and coming. They've been friends ever since (to my knowledge) and Peter produced Vince's "Wild West Tour" (StandUps on a bus tour documentary, really gpod) movie where they discuss how and when they met and show clips from their movie together. Vince got the master bedroom on the tour bus. Showbiz!
Great analysis. Here's my two cents why this still has legs: In the 70s, 80s, 90, 2000s, It's a Wonderful Life had universal appeal (and of course it still does) because it showed us the value of community. But community doesn't really exist anymore (when was the last time most of us visited, took interest in, or even acknowledged our neighbor?). Christmas Story sort of took over the spot as everybody's favorite Christmas movie because it primarily focuses on the nuclear family (which still does have value) as opposed to community. And also I think it resonates more now than it did when it first came out because the world has become more cynical. This movie seemed very cynical when it first came out. I know that that's what I thought when I first saw it at about 20 years old on HBO in 1984. But our sensibility has changed & what seemed inappropriate for a family Christmas movie in the early-mid 80s now feels familiar, relatable, and heartwarming. I love this movie & we watch it every year.
To me, it's the "underdog" movie. It's not grandiose or flashy. It's the movie you relate to, then tell your friends about it, and then so on and so on. While others might feel like 24 hours is overkill, it's comforting for me. For Christmas, I can turn on the TV and be with the Parkers.
I first watched this movie on a VHS tape my brother had. I would say it was a year after it was released. It became part of my Christmas collection immediately. It's great to see Peter talk about Ralphie as another person which is appropriate. Many times an actor gest mixed up with the character they're known for by fans. Peter is an actor and Ralphie is fictitious character.
I very much enjoyed this commentary, but I am disappointed that there was no discussion about Darrin McGavin’s and/or Melinda Dillon’s performances. They were quietly spectacular - they established the emotional framework through which the kids were able to shine.
I was there. Original theater release. 1983. 11 years old. Other classics that year in the (more or less) family friendly category: War Games, Mr Mom, Never Cry Wolf, High Road to China, Return of the Jedi, Rescuers (re-release) Something Wicked This Way Comes, Max Dugan Returns National Lampoons Vacation, Revenge of the Ninja, The Outsiders, Strange Brew, The Right Stuff For the older audiences 1983 was a monumental year: Flashdance, Terms of Endearment, Christine, Rumble Fish, Silkwood, Tender Mercies, The Dead Zone, Sahara, Zelig, Yentl, Sudden Impact, Stayin Alive, Scarface, Osterman Weekend. Two mother of all nuke movies: Day After and Testament. And as though that lineup isn’t epic enough FOUR James Bond films including two with Sean Connery and two starring Roger Moore. (Moonraker and From Russia With Love were re-released to support Octopussy and Never Say Never Again) (phew) Add to that Easy Money, All the Right Moves, Educating Rita, The Big Chill, Curse of the Pink Panther, The Man Who Wasn’t There, Eddie and the Cruisers, Risky Business and Monte Pythons The Meaning of Life aaand Uncommon Valor…. That’s all in a 12 month period 40 years ago. So I ask you: what in the Sam Hill happened to American movies?!?! I haven’t been to a first run in the theater in two years and it was 5 years before that. In the 90’s I used to go to the movies 2-4 times per week😐
I went to one of the old conventions in Cleveland put on by Brian. Met everyone except Peter. Seen where the Cleveland just had everyone there again. Where’s the best place to find out when all of the cast will be together again??
The DVD that came out in 2004 has a commentary with Bob Clarke & Peter Billingsley. Plus interviews with the kid actors in the special features. Great DVD if you can find it.
Jason Robards played a character named Murray in a film called “A Thousand Clowns”. The character of Murray was based on Jean Shepherd. it is no way is biographical, but apparently the character was meant to portray someone with a personality like old Shep.
For Public Enemies they got people who owned the cars that were needed for filming and actually paid the owners of the cars for them to be filmed for the movie. I went down to Madison, Wisconsin to watch the filming of the capitol scenes for the movie. Each owner had to be there to make sure that the cars were not damage during the filming, because they were on loan by the owners. This was back in 2008.
I always thought the Dad might have overheard Ralphie saying he wanted the BB gun, even though he had previously gotten up to go because he was late for work. That would have inspired the Dad to get it for him . (I had one when I was eight years old).
I remember when this film premiered in 83, it was really not that big of a hit then, I did go see this in the theater, mainly because I was a Darren McGavin fan, i grew up watching him as Kolchek The Night Stalker, so I wanted to see him in this film, but now it has a definite cult following,
I always found one of the most touching details in this story was that it was DAD who got him the bb gun in the end. Throughout the entire film, dad was never even considered a potential solution to Ralphies' dilemma. (From his point of view) He desperately campaigned against his mother, teacher, and even santa, but it was dad who came through in the end showing that despite being a hot head and stereotypical 40's father figure, he loved and cared for his son and WAS in tune with the boy's feelings.
As someone who's father always went the extra mile to make christmas special, this really hits home for me.
I love the film. It's a true classic.
Cheers.
Dad bought him the gun. But it was mom who made sure he got it. She’s the one who constantly covered for Ralphie. When Ralphie swore, she handled the punishment. When he got into the fight (and swore again) she swept it under the rug. In those days you only really got in trouble if dad had get involved and through the film, the mom never let it get to that, so in Dad’s eyes, Ralphie was a good kid, so he got him the gun. If mom hadn’t been a shield, dad would never have gotten Ralphie the gun.
My dad was born in 1938 and every Christmas morning we watched this movie and every year he spoke on how he wanted a Red Rider BB gun and when he ( and his twin brother) finally got one it was the best gift! He remembered the clinkers and Oldsmobile car and every part of the film was so nostalgic for him. It is by far my favorite Christmas movie! You did such a great job in this film Peter Billingsley!
The final scene with the parents looking out the window gets me each time.
it managed to capture the feeling perfectly.
I love that these men understand & get that we LOVE this show
Jean Shepherd was an amazing writer His comedy was so funny.
One of my favorite movies. Great cast.
I'm so glad they have never tried to remake this movie; nothing could possibly compare to it! Like you gentlemen said, " This is a unique animal"! It has every element possible for a classic Christmas movie. ❤❤❤🎄
As I was 19 in 1983, I would not pick as a movie to see then. But, as cable and VHS grew, I discovered as magical and classic. Thank you.
I’m writing this at 38 mins in. This is so enjoyable I think I’ll watch it again with some of my buddies (we’re all in our late 50s now) have a few beers and we can all reminisce together because this movie means so much to so many of us it’s just a joy.
My late father was born in 1943 and always said the Red Ryder BB Gun was a real thing and he wanted one also. He said his older sister finally bought him one from Santa. He died in 2008. We loved this movie and watched it for years every Christmas
You can literally buy a Red Ryder BB gun today. You could always buy one in America. They've always been real.
I feel like, after having seen this, I nerve appreciated the subtleties of Ralphie's loos of innocence throughout the story. I now enjoy this film on a whole other level. I was there in November of 1983 in a very small town in Washington State with my sister at a theater when this premiered, and now, all these years later, It has become such a major part of my life that I feel like I am myself part of the story as well. I think that's why it resonates with so many. This is actually a VERY important film to me, and will always be so. Our own family puts on the marathon EVERY year, and just lets it go. Sometimes the sound is up, sometimes it's muted. It's sort of like lighting the fireplace on Christmas morning. In fact, you can see it playing in the background of many photos in our family albums. It's a true American treasure.
I was born in 83 …my father was born in the 40’s and he would make us watch it every year on Christmas. He passed in 2003 and I wish he knew we watch it 24 hours straight every year for him.
I truly hope you lads read this. I was 15 when Christmas Story hit the scene. Of course my original thoughts were oh boy this is all we need, a new Christmas movie. Like all 15 yr olds I thought I was cool. So for 5-6 yrs never actually watched entire movie or enjoyed it. Then one holiday season around 1990/91 I Invested more time and fell in love with the movie and cast. The writing was great but you actors stole the show. All of you. And as we know now Christmas Story is a classic must watch. You guys give people a nice feeling in their stomachs and hearts. I’m truly thankful for you guys. I’m sure you hear this all the time but I had to speak up. Watching this discussion is priceless. Would love to know how to purchase a signed by all poster or large picture. Been watching Darren’s old movies, he has a great western he was lead in way back when. Anyways , honestly love you guys and hope life is being good to you. Cheers from good ole Toronto where you filmed some of the movie. Cheers lads and give this old man a reply if you have the time
Hurrah for you men for giving this present to the world!
I got the same amount of joy from watching of this podcast as I did from seeing the movie in the theater those many years ago.
This movie has been special to me since mom took me to see it at the theater. I've watched it every year , and it has been a staple on my Christmas traditions.
Peter is just as cute as when he was little Ralphie. My favorite movie.
My love for A Christmas Story sent me back to finding Jean Shepherds radio broadcasts, which if your not a senior citizen like me you might not know about, but it’s all available on UA-cam. Do yourself a favor and settle in to all of those wonderful radio broadcasts and you’ll see where a Christmas Story really came from!
Thanks so much for this wonderful video, it just extends the greatness of Jean Shepherd and the delight of the movie!
Also Family Theater!
@ Yes! Family Theatre was great, you really had to use your imagination and the shows were wholesome and enjoyable!
So many wonderful things have been left in the past unfortunately.
Peter Billingsley is an official National Treasure.
My daughter is almost 3 this Christmas. Every night, since the first time I showed her this movie as we decorated the tree on Saturday after Thanksgiving (a tradition), she has demanded to watch it, sometimes more than once. She calls it “Kids”. She quickly learned what the dvd cover looks like, and she picks it out every night. She has surprised me many times, quoting lines in unison. The best one was when she said, “fifty thousand bucks!”. I’m glad she chose a movie I’ll NEVER get sick of.
This movie is perfect!!!!!! I love it so much!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Im a kid of the 80s and even though i spent a lot of time playing sports and being outside, at heart i was a movie and tv junkie.
I remember being at my friend's house and he told me this movie a Christmas story came on last night and he had recorded it.
I remember watching it, probably in December 84 or 85 for the first time in his living room
Its funny that that's a memory i hung onto...
It was the perfect Christmas movie for a 9 or 10 year old boy. Funny, entertaining and comforting...
The fact that we have instant access to almost everything nowadays is cool but it takes away also
Today me and my friend would've probably missed that experience, playing Fortnite or Roblox or watching some TikToks like every other kid.
I realize im starting to sound like an old man but todays movies, at least the ones that are supposed to make you feel good for a couple of hours, have disappeared
This is my favorite Christmas movie. I bought the DVD ,but still watch the TV marathon.
I'm so happy this movie got made. It's my absolute favourite Christmas movie. When I had cable and it was played for 24 hours, I always had it on.
"The bell rang" The way Schwartz throws his hands up in resignation was genius. So relatable on the school yard.
Thank you for the insights and thank you for a wonderful Christmas classic!
My family and I watch this every Christmas Eve, and have for the last 28 years or so when it first got the 24hr treatment. This is our Christmas tradition movie. We love it: great cast, relatable characters (even to me raised in the 70s), great story. Good to see the boys together, now all grown up, and their take on the making.
I get Peter seeing his director as a bit through hero-goggles, but he said he knew of no other director to tackle so many genres. I guess he has never gotten to meet Steven Spielberg....
The casting for this movie was perfect. Our favorite Christmas movie!
I attended a pre-release premiere of this movie in Los Angeles. My sister-in-law had won tickets from a radio station, and knowing what a movie buff I was, invited me to attend with her. I loved it from the first to the last scene and have watched it nearly a million times since. Few people realize there was a sequel called "My Summer Story" which was also great fun, but not on the level of the first because there was an entire cast change. Charles Grodin, Mary Steenbergen and Kieran Caulkin as the Father, Mother and Ralphie, and I really give the casting of Peter as giving the original it's heart and soul. Every actor hit their spot, and the direction was great. It's fun to see Peter's work since, and I have seen several of his films and love his work. I wish he would get on lens side of the camera more frequently, because it's always fun when he's in a scene. Thanks for sharing all this fun information to an original fan!
OMG, I can still see that little child when I look at this grown up's face. It's the eyes mostly I think.
Great hearing you guys reminisce about this wonderful film. You all were just great and perfectly cast in the roles which you acted out flawlessly. Along with the incredible Darren McGaven and the wonderful Melinda Dillon of course. She really had the mom role down from Close Encounters to this film. However for me, the heart of the film will always be Jean Shepherd's narration, it is his creation and you can tell the love and wit and the twinkle in his voice as he relates it. Wish you luck with a sequel if that is in the works but without him as the guiding narrator and story teller, not sure it is going to work.
I don’t own very many movies Because like a dummy I’ve either sold them or given them away
I have this one and watch it when it’s not Christmas because it’s that great!
Thank you for this behind the scenes treat
A Christmas Story and Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss are my two most cherished movies to watch. Both stories are so middle America and tell real parallel stories as I experienced growing up on the Southside of Chicago.
My Grandpa on my dad’s side passed away in 1996, long after this movie was made, but my dad says how he and his siblings would laugh hysterically during the dad scenes with him yelling because the character all reminded them of their dad. My dad said his dad was always confused why they thought it so funny.
Fast forward to 2018, I’m married and it was a struggle to introduce my Ukrainian wife to watch my favorite Christmas movie. She was hesitant because it was old, but she fell in love with it instantly and suggests we watch it several times every Christmas season.
I have fond memories growing up watching it. Once I received a hidden present for Christmas as a kid containing a BB gun.
Fantastic film much like Its a Wonderful Life took awhile to become engrained in Americana society but cant imagine Christmas without it. Jean Sheps narration is wonderful. Peter was amazing as Ralphie as well as later on Messy Marvin and the Dirt Bike kid roles.
My favorite Christmas movie ❤ great hearing things I didnt know about it .
Ours too
A Christmas Story was the first movie I watched from start to finish. I grew up with the 24 hr marathon and that started when I was a little kid. I still watch the marathon every yr. It never gets old.
For Christmas in 2000, I got a BB gun rifle. I didn't want one because I was scared I was gonna actually shoot my eye out. 8 yr old me thought it was something that could actually happen. Ultimately, I grew to love it and I never had any BBs bounce off and come back at my face.
It really never does get old!
I remember them shooting this in Toronto. And riding those Toronto Transit Commission Red Rocket Street Cars.
Love behind the scenes programs like this!
Thank you we have more dropping soon
The group interview is fascinating.
Watched the filming of the Flagpole licking scene it was a fun day. Seen it in theaters and my favorite Christmas Flick to watch😊
My favorite movie. Peter B looks just as adorable now. Now I'm embarrassed. Proud of your accomplishments ❤
Hearing you guys talk about this movie is awesome. Making my childhood
Really enjoyed this. Such a great movie that was perfectly cast.
This is a must watch for fans.
I find it sort of amazing that they launch right in without identifying Peter Billingsley, one of the two critics here, as in fact the actual guy who played Ralphie in the movie. It's great to see him now as a very humble and articulate adult and even though this movie has seemingly been around forever, is now only in his late forties or early fifties.
Hearing the early version Shep told in '64 made me appreciate the creativity that went into the film.
Peter and Vince Vaughn worked together when Peter was the big deal and Vince was up and coming. They've been friends ever since (to my knowledge) and Peter produced Vince's "Wild West Tour" (StandUps on a bus tour documentary, really gpod) movie where they discuss how and when they met and show clips from their movie together. Vince got the master bedroom on the tour bus. Showbiz!
Great analysis. Here's my two cents why this still has legs: In the 70s, 80s, 90, 2000s, It's a Wonderful Life had universal appeal (and of course it still does) because it showed us the value of community. But community doesn't really exist anymore (when was the last time most of us visited, took interest in, or even acknowledged our neighbor?). Christmas Story sort of took over the spot as everybody's favorite Christmas movie because it primarily focuses on the nuclear family (which still does have value) as opposed to community. And also I think it resonates more now than it did when it first came out because the world has become more cynical. This movie seemed very cynical when it first came out. I know that that's what I thought when I first saw it at about 20 years old on HBO in 1984. But our sensibility has changed & what seemed inappropriate for a family Christmas movie in the early-mid 80s now feels familiar, relatable, and heartwarming. I love this movie & we watch it every year.
To me, it's the "underdog" movie. It's not grandiose or flashy. It's the movie you relate to, then tell your friends about it, and then so on and so on. While others might feel like 24 hours is overkill, it's comforting for me. For Christmas, I can turn on the TV and be with the Parkers.
Great podcast episode! Looking forward to watching the others.
They drop today and tomorrow!
I first watched this movie on a VHS tape my brother had. I would say it was a year after it was released. It became part of my Christmas collection immediately. It's great to see Peter talk about Ralphie as another person which is appropriate. Many times an actor gest mixed up with the character they're known for by fans. Peter is an actor and Ralphie is fictitious character.
I watch this every year.
Looks interesing! Subscribed today!
I watch it all the time i have it on dvd
Amazing it's a classic
Clark also directed Black Christmas and Murder By Decree.
I very much enjoyed this commentary, but I am disappointed that there was no discussion about Darrin McGavin’s and/or Melinda Dillon’s performances. They were quietly spectacular - they established the emotional framework through which the kids were able to shine.
I was there. Original theater release. 1983. 11 years old. Other classics that year in the (more or less) family friendly category: War Games, Mr Mom, Never Cry Wolf, High Road to China, Return of the Jedi, Rescuers (re-release) Something Wicked This Way Comes, Max Dugan Returns National Lampoons Vacation, Revenge of the Ninja, The Outsiders, Strange Brew, The Right Stuff
For the older audiences 1983 was a monumental year: Flashdance, Terms of Endearment, Christine, Rumble Fish, Silkwood, Tender Mercies, The Dead Zone, Sahara, Zelig, Yentl, Sudden Impact, Stayin Alive, Scarface, Osterman Weekend. Two mother of all nuke movies: Day After and Testament. And as though that lineup isn’t epic enough FOUR James Bond films including two with Sean Connery and two starring Roger Moore. (Moonraker and From Russia With Love were re-released to support Octopussy and Never Say Never Again) (phew) Add to that Easy Money, All the Right Moves, Educating Rita, The Big Chill, Curse of the Pink Panther, The Man Who Wasn’t There, Eddie and the Cruisers, Risky Business and Monte Pythons The Meaning of Life aaand Uncommon Valor….
That’s all in a 12 month period 40 years ago. So I ask you: what in the Sam Hill happened to American movies?!?! I haven’t been to a first run in the theater in two years and it was 5 years before that. In the 90’s I used to go to the movies 2-4 times per week😐
Everyone had a Scott Farkus
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤I also like the part 2 I have to watch this video every Christmas 🎄
I love a Christmas story. It's my favorite Christmas movie
I'd like to hear about the Toy and acting with Richard Pryor
I went to one of the old conventions in Cleveland put on by Brian. Met everyone except Peter. Seen where the Cleveland just had everyone there again. Where’s the best place to find out when all of the cast will be together again??
Is there a cast commentary version out? If not we need one with you guys
The DVD that came out in 2004 has a commentary with Bob Clarke & Peter Billingsley. Plus interviews with the kid actors in the special features. Great DVD if you can find it.
Jason Robards played a character named Murray in a film called “A Thousand Clowns”. The character of Murray was based on Jean Shepherd. it is no way is biographical, but apparently the character was meant to portray someone with a personality like old Shep.
I'm watching a Christmas story christmas.. Which made me up a interview from you
Don't get kicked in the face ! lol. The trailer for the 2022 film looks good. I'll check it out.
Great podcast! I can’t believe the low viewing figures this has under 1,000 when posted 🤯
Spread the word!
For Public Enemies they got people who owned the cars that were needed for filming and actually paid the owners
of the cars for them to be filmed for the movie. I went down to Madison, Wisconsin to watch the filming of the capitol
scenes for the movie. Each owner had to be there to make sure that the cars were not damage during the filming, because
they were on loan by the owners. This was back in 2008.
"Listen jerk... When i tell you to come you better come..."
Wow good to see tham
People really need to hear the original Jean Shephard broad cast "Flick's Tongue". You can find it everywhere it's really funny!
What about the heater conflict? 😅
Who remembers Peter Billingsley as "Messy Marvin?"
I tell people if they want to know how I was growing up, that I was totally Ralphie, to a Tee!!!
“The Wonder Years” TV series was clearly inspired by A Christmas Story.
I've never seen this film.
I hope you watch it this Christmas on TBS it’s on 24 hours.
@AGAM1911 I won't. Peter at his young age reminds me of me at the same age. Between Ralphie and Messy Marvin, it's not a comfortable memory.
I always thought the Dad might have overheard Ralphie saying he wanted the BB gun, even though he had previously gotten up to go because he was late for work. That would have inspired the Dad to get it for him . (I had one when I was eight years old).
❤
Just had my newly 4k blu ray delivered the other day
Ralphie got the BB gun I always wanted, only in my 40s did reward myself, winging fictionous bad guys now, thank you.❤
I have it on dvd #DisneyDiva
Anyone have timestamps?
11:10 He should have jumped up and proclaimed, "I demand a refund!"
I remember when this film premiered in 83, it was really not that big of a hit then, I did go see this in the theater, mainly because I was a Darren McGavin fan, i grew up watching him as Kolchek The Night Stalker, so I wanted to see him in this film, but now it has a definite cult following,
Ralphie
I almost was the kid who got tongue stuck on pole in movie
I guess Ralph is colorblind because he knocks off his glasses and cannot see brown framed glasses on white snow and steps on them.
Norm MacDonald and Drake Sather took that goofy writing class, said it was worthless and deserved criticism (10:30)
Schwartz is so overbearing. Just can't help himselff.
Love the concept, but everyone is talking over each other....try it again talking about the scenes , locations, how you got the job one at a time.
It's 1939...before America entered. WW2.
It actually is based in the 40s.
I noticed this a few yrs back. On the decoder, it has 1940 engraved on it.
I think 40 to 41?
ua-cam.com/video/y-UTdfNliMs/v-deo.html
In spite of my pointing at the cousins under my mom’s brother, who got BB Guns at age 7, my parents established the BB Gun eligibility age at 12.
I don't think she broke the lamp on purpose, It wouldn't fit her character .