OT: 25 Years of "A Christmas Story"

[lazypadawan]

Hard to believe it has been that long since the world was introduced to the leg lamp, the triple dog dare, and "you'll shoot your eye out" but the now-classic film A Christmas Story was released 25 years ago (November 18, 1983 to be exact). In that time, it has joined the ranks of Miracle On 34th Street and It's A Wonderful Life as yearly must-watch Christmas movie classics (and it is one of my all-time favorites).

Directed by the late Bob Clark and based on the short stories of Jean Shepherd, it wasn't a big hit at the box office. In fact, I kind of remember it appearing then disappearing from the multiplexes without making much of a splash. But the movie took off on cable and built a cult following over the years. Now there's a Canadian documentary Road Trip For Ralphie, a museum in Cleveland at the house used for exterior filming, loads of merchandise, and an annual tradition of showing the film 24 hours straight on TBS. (That begins 8 p.m. tonight EST.)

Why has this movie become a holiday chestnut? For one thing, it's funny, even after you've seen it a dozen times. It's relentless in its political incorrectness; there's nobody in Hollywood today who would have the stones to film a scene like the one at the Chinese restaurant. No one would even think of making a movie about a kid who basically wants a gun for Christmas. But I believe more than anything else, it's real. Who doesn't remember wanting something really bad for a present? I recall all of my lobbying efforts as a youngster ;). Who doesn't remember the class bully or the dare that goes horribly wrong? Who hasn't been forced to wear or do something embarrassing to please a relative? Who hasn't received a tacky gift? Ralphie's family is neither picture perfect nor the sort of cartoonish, uber-dysfunctional family frequently portrayed in today's Christmas movies. At its core, A Christmas Story is a warm, nostalgic tribute to Middle American family life, quirks and all.