CONTACT:

                                                                                                            Emily Vincent

                                                                                                            Landau Public Relations

                                                                                                            216-912-2848

                                                                                                            evincent@landaupr.com

 

 

HOUSE FROM “A CHRISTMAS STORY” CELEBRATES ITS GRAND OPENING IN CLEVELAND

 

The home featured in 1983 holiday film officially opens its doors to guests

 

 

CLEVELAND – Nov. 25, 2006 – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Cleveland as fans from across the country today celebrated the grand opening of A Christmas Story House.

 

The home used in the 1983 film “A Christmas Story” has been renovated to its original movie appearance and was unveiled by its owner, Brian Jones, along with several actors from the film, including Ian Petrella (Randy), Scott Schwartz (Flick), Tedde Moore (Miss Shields), Zack Ward (Scut Farkus), Yano Anaya (Grover Dill), Patty Johnson (Head Elf) and Drew Hocevar (Male Elf).

 

The grand opening ceremony culminated with the lighting of the leg lamp. The infamous leg lamp, displayed prominently in the front window, serves as a beacon drawing “A Christmas Story” fans to the house. The new pop culture destination and tourist attraction is expected to receive 3,000 to 4,000 visitors in its opening weekend.

 

Jones, 30, of San Diego, purchased the home – sight unseen – in an eBay auction without ever having been to Ohio. A former Navy intelligence officer, Jones is a huge fan of “A Christmas Story” and sells leg lamps (just like the one in the movie) for a living through his online site www.RedRiderLegLamps.com.

 

Jones purchased the 111-year-old house for $150,000 on Feb. 1, 2005, and spent an additional $240,000 for the restoration work that started in January 2006 with most of the money coming from sales of his leg lamp business. He also purchased the house across the street to serve as the museum for $129,000. The museum features original props from the film, including Randy’s “I-can’t-put-my-arms-down” snowsuit.

 

The 1983 holiday film starred the late Darren McGavin as The Old Man and Peter Billingsley as Ralphie who famously pleaded for a Red Ryder BB gun, although everyone assured him he would only shoot his eye out. The film became a holiday favorite years after its theatrical release and is celebrated annually on cable with a daylong marathon.

 

A Christmas Story House is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11^th Street in the Tremont neighborhood. It is open year-round.   For more information or directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919.

 

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Christmas Inspiration

Given its childlike charm and hilarious adventures, it’s no wonder that the film has been treasured by its fans. What may be surprising is how much of an impact the film had after its release.

• In addition to the 1994 sequel, the creators of the sitcom “The Wonder Years” explained that they got their inspiration for their show from “A Christmas Story.”
• “A Christmas Story” is one of the favorite films of “South Park” creator Trey Parker. Parker used the inspiration of notorious bully Scut Farkus to create Scott Tenorman, the bully from “South Park.”
• New fans of the classic are added every year as TBS airs its 24-hour marathon of the film. In 2005, more than 45.4 million viewers tuned in to watch the film.

 

Where Are They Now?

The stars of “A Christmas Story” have gone in many different directions following their time on Cleveland Street. Here is a look at what some of the stars have been up to.

• Peter Billingsley (Ralphie) has continued to work in Hollywood and has had roles in recent films including “Elf” with Will Ferrell and  the 2006 comedy hit “The Break-Up” with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, for which he was also a producer. He is executive producer of “Iron Man” (to be released May 2008) starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard.
• Ian Petrella (Randy) attended puppeteering school and has a passion for puppets and animation, which he hopes to continue professionally.
• Melinda Dillon (Mrs. Parker) has appeared in more than 30 films and television series following her work on “A Christmas Story.” Most recently, she had a role in the 2007 film “Reign Over Me” with Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle.
• Zack Ward (Scut Farkus) has continued acting and has roles in a variety of upcoming and recently released films, including the 2007 summer blockbuster “Transformers.” He also has appeared in hit shows such as “Lost,” “Deadwood” and “NYPD Blue.”

 

One-Liners

Do you remember the classic lines from “A Christmas Story?” The lasting effect of the film is most often seen in the hilarious quotes that fans of the film can rattle off to this day.

• “Only I didn’t say ‘Fudge.’ I said THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the “F-dash-dash-dash” word!” – Adult Ralphie narrating the event which led to his “blindness.”
• “Fra-GEE-lay. That must be Italian.” – The Old Man upon receiving his “major award.”
• “Only one thing in the world could’ve dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window.” – Adult Ralphie explaining why he finally stepped away from the major award.
• “Now I know that some of you put Flick up to this, but he has refused to say who. But those who did it know their blame, and I’m sure that the guilt you must feel would be far worse than any punishment you might receive. Now, don’t you feel terrible? Don’t you feel remorse for what you have done? Well, that’s all I’m going to say about poor Flick.” – Miss Shields following the triple dog-dare incident.
• “Meatloaf, smeatloaf, double-beatloaf. I hate meatloaf.” – Randy discussing his distaste for the menu just before showing his mother how a little piggy eats.
• “He looks like a deranged Easter bunny.” – The Old Man after seeing Ralphie wearing his Christmas gift from Aunt Clara.

 

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Media Contact

Jamie Thomas, Landau Public Relations

216-912-2864 or jthomas@landaupr.com

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A Christmas Story House & Museum

Fact Sheet

 

Overview

The house used in the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story” has been restored to its original 1983 movie appearance. Purchased and renovated by Brian Jones, a true fan of the movie who sells leg lamps for a living, the house takes visitors on a nostalgic journey to the sights and scenes where Ralphie Parker dreams of receiving a genuine Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot, range model Air Rifle for Christmas.

 

In addition to A Christmas Story House, visitors can explore the museum and gift shop, where items from the movie are on display, more than 100 behind-the-scenes photos are featured and movie-related memorabilia can be purchased.

 

Location

A Christmas Story House is located in Cleveland, just five minutes from downtown in the Tremont neighborhood. Just look for the leg lamp in the front living room window (it’s a major award).

 

A Christmas Story House                      

3159 W. 11^th St.

Cleveland, OH  44109

Phone: 216-298-4919

Web site: www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com

 

Directions

From downtown Cleveland: Take Interstate 90 West. Exit at W. 14^th Street. Turn left onto Clark Avenue. Turn right onto W. 11^th Street.

 

From Interstate 71 or State Route 176/Jennings Freeway: Head north. Exit at W. 14^th Street. Follow the round-about and take W. 14^th Street North. Turn right onto Rowley Avenue. Rowley Avenue ends at W. 11^th Street at A Christmas Story House.

 

House and Museum Hours

A Christmas Story House is open year-round. Hours of operation of the house and its museum are:

Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.              

Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

* From Nov. 1 – Jan. 15, open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day                                        

Tour Directions

Admission tickets to A Christmas Story House can be purchased at the gift shop located directly across the street from the house. Tours are conducted every half-hour. Advance tickets are not necessary. Group tours and rates are available. All tours start at the museum.

 

General Admission

Adults: $7

Children 7 to 12: $5

Children 6 & Under: Free

Senior: $6                    

                                   

Media Contact

Jamie Thomas, Landau Public Relations

216-912-2864 or jthomas@landaupr.com

 

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Brian Jones
Owner
A Christmas Story House & Museum

 

The path that has led 31-year-old Brian Jones from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis to “that little house on Cleveland Street” is a result of his love for his favorite movie, “A Christmas Story.” Last Thanksgiving, the ongoing relationship between Jones and his favorite film took on a whole new meaning with the opening of A Christmas Story House.

A Christmas Story House takes visitors on a nostalgic journey to the sights and scenes of the classic Christmas film. In addition to A Christmas Story House, visitors can explore the museum where items from the movie are on display, more than 100 behind-the-scenes photos are featured and movie-related memorabilia can be purchased.  

A San Diego native, Jones had always dreamed of becoming a naval aviator like his father. After graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in aerospace engineering, he went on to flight school. Once he arrived, however, he learned that he did not have the sight requirements to achieve his dream and become a pilot.

Obviously downtrodden by the sobering news, Jones’ parents decided they had just the thing to cheer him up. A couple of weeks after the unfortunate news, Jones received a large wooden crate marked “FRAGILE.” When he opened it, he found the infamous leg lamp from “A Christmas Story” inside. His parents made him a leg lamp (the “major award” from the film) to help deal with the disappointment of not becoming a navy pilot.

The film was a family favorite, and Jones’ parents had such a good recollection of the lamp that they actually recreated one. While it was a difficult and time-consuming task, it also was a humorous project for the Jones’. After sending it to their son, they told him of the significant interest that the lamp received and the fact that many people requested one for themselves.

After he left the Navy to pursue a new career, Jones was forced to make a decision about what he would do next. Struggling with the possibility of having to move to the East Coast for a corporate job, Jones remembered the comment from his parents about how popular the leg lamp had been. Jones set out to figure out a way to turn this interest into a realistic business. On April 9, 2003, RedRiderLegLamps.com – a largely online venture that sells replica leg lamps – was launched.

In the second year of RedRiderLeglamps.com, Jones’ wife e-mailed him while on deployment in the Middle East. Her captain had alerted her to the fact that the house used in “A Christmas Story” was up for sale on eBay. She thought she would just send a funny e-mail about how he should buy it. For Jones it wasn’t funny – it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In a move that any fan could appreciate, Jones told the seller that if he took the house off the market that he would pay $150,000 for it. As quick as a tongue will stick to a metal pole in the winter, the deal was done. Within 24 hours the house was his, and Jones flew to Cleveland for the first time ever to sign the papers.

Since its opening on Nov. 25, 2006, more than 36,000 people have toured A Christmas Story House, making it a top tourist and pop culture destination in Cleveland.  

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Greetings, fellow fans of “A Christmas Story!”

 

Our first ever “A Christmas Story” Convention is just three weeks away!  If you haven’t already, it’s time to book your trip for the big two-day extravaganza, set for Friday and Saturday, November 23 and 24, 2007 here in Cleveland. 

 

Come meet the actors and be here for the unveiling of the family care used in the film, a 1937 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan, and the chalkboard on which Miss Shields wrote “A+++++++.”  While you’re here, you will have the chance to meet Ian Petrella (Randy), Scott Schwartz (Flick), Zack Ward (Scut Farkus), Yano Anaya (Grover Dill), Tedde Moore (Miss Shields), and Patty Johnson and Drew Hocevar (the two evil elves). 

 

There will also be a character look-alike contest, screenings of the movie, tours of “A Christmas Story” House & Museum, a BB gun shooting range, and the Cleveland Winterfest parade and fireworks.  Plus, you can purchase tickets to join the actors for a special “Chinese Turkey” dinner at C&Y Chinese Restaurant. Tickets are $45 for adults and $22.50 for children.  There will be fees for autographs (as determined by the actors),

 

Complete convention details, including how to purchase tickets for the Chinese Turkey dinner, are on our website, and you can call the House Thursday-Sunday at 216-298-4919, and Wednesdays beginning next week for more information. 

 

Our partner The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel is offering packages that include deluxe accommodations and buffet breakfast for two, complimentary parking, tickets to “A Christmas Story” House & Museum with free roundtrip trolley transportation, and in-room screenings of the movie.  A similar weekend package is available after the Convention through February 3.  For more information on the packages, call the Renaissance at 1-800-228-9290 and ask for promotional code H09, or use this link xxxxx.  Many of the Convention activities will take place at the Renaissance and are free of charge.

 

Calling all Ralphie look alikes!

 

Daisy Outdoor Products is offering a special incentive for children 10 and older who enter the character look-alike contest dressed as Ralphie Parker.  The makers of the Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun, based in Rogers, Arkansas will choose one winner from the top five “Ralphies” to appear on the packaging of a special edition BB gun, with “a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time” in honor of the “A Christmas Dream” Red Ryder BB gun which was produced in 1983 and used in the movie.  Along with the prestige of posing as Ralphie, the winner will receive $100, their very own Red Ryder Range Model Air Rifle and a Leg Lamp.  Daisy officials anticipate choosing the winner by early January and conducting the photo shoot in Cleveland in February or March.   

 

The character look-alike contest will be judged by “Randy” and “Flick”.  Winners in all character categories will win Leg Lamps and other “major awards!”

 

A panel discussion will take place on Saturday afternoon with our owner, Brian Jones, and filmmakers Deren Abram and Tyler Schwartz.   Deren is the producer of ClarkWORLD, a documentary about his long-time friend and mentor, the late Bob Clark, who co-wrote and directed “A Christmas Story.”   Tyler, along with Jordie Smits, both natives of St. Catharines, Ontario, are making a documentary, “Road Trip for Ralphie” which chronicles their quest to visit all of the film’s shooting locations from Cleveland to Canada, including the Victoria School in St. Catharines.  A key scene involves the two fans salvaging the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom on the day the building was gutted for remodeling.  There will be a special sneak peak at their film during the Convention.

 

Parking at the House can be challenging to say the least, so Lolly the Trolley is offering round-trip transportation from the Renaissance and Tremont’s Clark Fields to the House on Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24.  Trips depart every half hour and round-trip tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children from the Hotel, and $1 (adults and children) from Clark Fields near Clark and W. 7^th Str. in Tremont.   I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the ample parking downtown and at Clark Fields and travel by Trolley.

 

 “A Christmas Story” House & Museum will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday, Nov. 23, 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday, Nov. 24 and noon to 5 pm on Sunday, Nov. 25.  Regular admission rates of $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (ages 60+), and $5 for children (ages 7-12) will apply.  Children ages 6 and under are admitted for free.  

Steve Siedlecki

Executive Director, A Christmas Story House

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