A Christmas Story Re-Enacted by Bunnies in 30 Seconds click image to view cartoon

The next three cartoons are the work of Dan Schoening.

The scene for Chinese Turkey at Bo’ Ling Chop Sury Palace was filmed in Toronto, Canada. It is still a restaurant but now serves French Food. The idea for the name Bo’ Ling Chop Suey Palace in which the sing clearly reads Bowling with the light for the “w” burnt out came from the real life experience of assistant director Ken Goch.  When he was a child, Ken’s mother had actually mistaken a Bowling alley with a burnt out “w” for a Chinese restaurant when trying to find a place for the family to eat. Lucky for them there was a restaurant attached to the Bowling alley.

The location of the Chop Suey Palace was rediscovered by Tyler Schwartz and Jordie Smits during the filming of their documentary “Road Trip for Ralphie.”

Bo’ Ling Chop Suey Palace as it appeared in A Christmas Story in 1983.

The Chop Suey Palace as it appears today.  The same distinctive front still intact.

A toast to Chinese Turkey!  Though you’ll now have to settle for French Turkey.

The internal layout of the restuarant is still very similar to the movie.

Big Fun - Voted Cleveland’s Best Toy Store

Just 15 minutes from A Christmas Story House

Click Here for an Extra Special Coupon from Big Fun!

At Big Fun expect movie, TV and cartoon character merchandise:

Austin Powers, Yellow Submarine, Pez, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, Star Trek,Transformers, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Godzilla, Mr. T., Ren and Stimpy, Pee Wee Herman, Three Stooges and KISS. There are school lunchboxes, model kits, action figures, and more magnets than you can shake a refrigerator at. There’s also old, weird board games and obscure movie, TV and cartoon tie-ins you thought you’d never see again .The store sits on Coventry, long considered the heart of Cleveland’s counterculture, from the hippie-era and onwards. Imagine piles of toys up to (and on) the ceiling — new, used and nostalgic. We buy and sell — but only as long as goods amply register on the “cool meter” of founder Steve Presser.

1814 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
(216)371-4386

Store Hours

Monday-Thursday 11-8

Friday & Saturday 11-10

Sunday 11-7

Big Fun Toy Store

A Christmas Story The Musical

Hollywood Christmas Movieland

Higbee’s Department Store

Warner G. Harding (aka Victoria School)

Bo Ling Chop Suey Palace

Fire Truck

Raphie’s elementary schoool, Warren G. Harding Elementary School is a real school in Hammond, Indiana.  Warren G. Harding Elementary School was the childhood school of “A Christmas Story” author Jean Shepherd.  However, the school used for the filming of the movie was Victoria School in St Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Victoria School closed several years ago and has since been converted to a women’s shelter.  Most of the pictures below were discovered by Tyler Schwartz during the filming of Road Trip for Ralphie.  The photos were taken by Anne Dean a teacher at Victoria School during the filming.

Anne Dean provide an account of the filming at Victoria School to the Lincoln County Board of Education in April 1983.  Here is an excerpt from that account:

“No one could believe our school had been chosen for the site of an M.G.M. movie.  What an adventure awaited us!  Excitement began to build.  Audition time was here.  They took pictures of all the students  and chose those for the classroom scenes and parents signed the contracts.  Other students were told they’d be used in outdoor scenes.  A group of hairdressers came in from The Career School of Hairdressing  to cut the hair of the boys to fit the era.  Truckloads of equipment arrived.  An ordinary Science classroom underwent a miraculous transformation, travelling back through time.

 Costuming 120 students proved quite a task for both the teachers and wardrobe co-ordinators alike.  The coats, mittens, boots, socks, sweaters, scarves, hats, caps, vests and knickers had to be delivered to each child and then returned later to the proper place. Many of the children were given makeup and wardrobe calls as early as 7 a.m. Transports, winnebagos and trailers arrived en masse.  Every parking space was occupied.  Lights, cameras, scaffolds, wardrobe, sound machines and snow machines were painstakingly unloaded.  What a thrill it was to see the antique roadsters,  fire truck and vintage police cars.  The halls were jammed with furniture, lights and then came all the people. 

 The weather did not co-operate and once the indoor scenes were shot, everything was packed up and off they went to the studio in Toronto.  Four days later, they returned when the snow arrived and unpacked everything again to film the outdoor scenes. As shooting commenced on Sunday Feb.  6th and take after take was repeated, the glitter began to wear off.  The children arrived at 7:30 am and were outside most of the day.  They were released at 5:30.  We soon found out that movie making was a tough business. Even after standing in the cold, the children persevered and still found show business quite appealing.  Filming continued on Monday.  Then they packed up and left, only to again return on Friday to re-shoot the Jungle Jim scenes with about 20 students.  All trace of them was gone by  Monday morning.

Working with people like Director Bob Clark gave the children of the neighbourhood a sense of the awesome magic of Hollywood.  Stars like Peter Billingsley, R.D. Robb and Scotty Swartz were just like ordinary kids off the set.

Not only were the experiences worthwhile, but the school will see many future benefits from the hard work of the students involved.  But far more valuable than any monetary rewards are the unforgettable memories of movie-making that we will always treasure.

What a once in a lifetime opportunity!”

Staff and Students of Victoria School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Victoria School as it appeared in the movie. (Notice in this establishing shot taken from the movie that the flagpole is out in front of the school, just in front of the car even though the scene for the flagpole in movie takes place behind the school in the playground. Just a small blooper.)

The classroom that served as Miss Shield’s classroom was the science room at the school.

Ann Snider did the writing on the blackboard.

Antigue cars in the staff parking lot.

The Parker’s family car from the movie

Make up and hair styles.  Anne Dean wore the wig up on top of the mirror.

The costume room next to Anne Dean’s classroom.

Everyone had to get a 1940’s style air cut.

Jarrod Craig and Jerry Clute getting hair cuts.

Classroom turned barber shop.

Teacher Anne Dean and her class dressed and ready for the flagpole scene.

, Owen Baggott, Anne Dean, Dora Giannarakis, Tammy Klein, Sherry Gillingwater, Jarrod Craig, Leanne Wilson, Jamie Scholler, ________. (Front) Krista Warriner, Michael Sheridan, Jerry Clute, Kenny Christie, ___________, _____________

Virginia Holmes, Grace Pomroy, Beth Pomroy, Anne Dean all in costume for the film.

The monkey bars scene preparations.   Taken from the landing near the staff room, overlooking the field.

The monkey bars scene preparations.

The monkey bars scene being filmed.

The monkey bars scene preparations.

The monkey bars scene being filmed.

The flagpole scene from the classroom window.

The flagpole scene from the classroom window after the police, fire department and Miss Shields (Tedde Moore ) have arrived.

Flagpole scene close up.

Flagpole scene close up.

Flagpole scene close up.

Flick (Scott Schwartz) between takes.

Two of Anne Dean’s Students: Alex and Corey at the flagpole.

Actor’s trailers.

Schwartz (R.D. Robb) closing the door to his trailer.

The fire truck from the near by Chippawa Fire Department on set.

The Famous Flag Pole Scene

The 3 Little Stars - Flick, Ralphie and Schwartz

Gary Brown in his Feature Film Debut. Gary provided the this and the preceeding two photographs.

Victoria School Past and Present

Victoria School as it appeared in 1983 during filming.

Victoria School as it appeared in 2006.

Victoria School as is appeared in 2008 as a women’s shelter.

Insights from Bill Dywer, an extra during the filming at Victoria School

My friend John (he’s the Fire Chief at the flagpole) and I were hired as

drivers for the street scene in front of Victoria school. We were all told

to vary the order of the cars each time we turned for another run by. It

made for some fancy manoeuvering at the corners!

At one point, a parked car had to be relocated. It was black and had a nice

fresh covering of snow on it; the driver was told “don’t lose the snow”. He

couldn’t use the wipers to see, nor close his door for fear of disrupting

the snowflakes. We walked alongside to hold the door open and guide him.

All communication there was by walkie-talkie; they were using three

different frequencies, and one

crewman was carrying three units. It was his job to relay messages from one

group to another.

A car that was needed in a scene for continuity went missing. Dave, the “car

boss” gave John and me the keys to his Austin Mini and told us to go looking

for “the big brown Chev and get it back here now!” We found it two blocks

away; the guy had driven away to mail a letter! The car had stalled and

wouldn’t turn over. He produced a big rope and said “it always starts on a

tow”. I looked at the Chev, which was about three times the size and weight

of the Mini, and figured we should try, considering the urgency. So, we

tied the rope onto the Mini’s bumper, not noticing the bumper was bolted to

the trunk lid which was held on by two little hinges and the latch. I eased

out the slack and took off. The Mini was wound out in first gear when Mr

Chev popped the clutch. It felt like we were yanked backwards, then with a

big bang, we shot forward! I looked in the mirror and saw the trunk lid

flying through the air and Mr Chev standing on the brake pedal trying to

stop and miss the lid coming at him! The Chev was running and back to the

school it went.

When I got back to the school, I was sent to wardrobe to dress as a

bystander for the flagpole scene. The coat they gave me had a bright pink

lining, and buttoned the wrong way- it was a woman’s! The lady said “no one

will notice”.

The red lights on the police car were truck stoplights bolted to suction

cups and stuck on the roof. The cop driving made a bunch of unsuccessful

attempts to bring the car in and stop where the director wanted it.

Finally, they put a sandbag on the road (you can see it under the front

wheel), that would stop the car at the right place. So they rolled in again

and stopped. Perfect. The cops got out, slammed the doors and the lights

fell off.

I earned about $18. from the movie.

Trivia: The Fire Chief’s hat has the letters RNFBA. This is for the Regional

Niagara Fire Buffs Association, a local benevolent group that operates an

emergency canteen service for the Fire Department.

Trivia: The tire changing scene took place in St. Catharines on Glendale

Ave adjacent to the Welland Ship Canal; you can see the lift bridge in the

background.

Regards, Bill Dwyer

“Holly”wood Christmas MovieLand - Great Northern Mall  (Located about 20 minutes from A Christmas Story House just out side of Cleveland, Ohio) will be hosting Mark Klaus’ HOLLY-wood Christmas Movie Land museum in 2009!  Mark is extremely excited to bring the Grinch sleigh to the center court for pictures, and to expand into an exciting  location at one of our favorite Northeast Ohio malls.

“Holly”wood Christmas Movieland  features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the Christmas season’s most spectacular, heartwarming, and memorable movies.  Hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos, Christmas Toys of yesteryear, are all provided under one roof - in a collection NEVER EVER seen before by the public.

The Original Grinch Sleigh.

The Original Costume from Elf.

For more information and directions visit:  www.christmasmovieland.com

Click the image of the individual documentary to learn more about it.

Road Trip For Ralphie

The Untold Christmas Story

ClarkWORLD

The Sequels – My Summer Story & Ollie Hopnoodle’s Haven of Bliss

My Summer Story (1994) is the little know sequel to A Christmas Story. My Summer Story originally titled It Runs in the Family is another collaboration of director Bob Clark and author Jean Sheperd. While the film once again features narration by author Jean Shepherd, the cast is entirely different. The only returning cast member is Ralphie’s teacher Miss Shield (Tedde Moore).

The story takes place soon after the events of A Christmas Story, still revolving around the lives of the Parker family. But summer has arrived, and with school out for vacation, fourth-grader Ralphie (Kieran Culkin) is ready to experience another life-changing season. Throughout the summer, Ralphie prepares himself rigorously to do battle with the class bully, Scut Farkus in a game of tops. Meanwhile, the Old Man (Charles Grodin) declares war on the family’s hillbilly neighbors, The Bumpus’ and introduces Ralphie to fishing, Mom (Mary Steenburgen) falls victim to a theatre manager’s con, and little brother Randy (Christian Culkin) continues his annoying ways.

As with most sequels this one is a far cry from the original brilliance of A Christmas Story. The film has received little praise or notoriety. Jean Shepherd himself admitted - “That one was a real turkey.”

A third, made for television movie about the Parker family is called “Ollie Hopnoodle’s Haven of Bliss.” (1988) Chronicles the Paker’s summer vacation, Ralphie getting a job, and the dissappearance of the family dog.

“Be Sure To Drink Your Ovaltine.”

After drink gallons of Ovaltine Ralphie finally receives his long-awaited Orphan Annie Secret Society decoder pin in the mail. After decoding his first message he finds out it’s only a crummy commercial telling him to “Be Sure To Drink Your Ovaltine.”

Not to ruin the hilarity of the scene for everyone but it wasn’t entirely accurate. Contrary to popular myth, the secret messages at the end of the Orphan Annie radio shows did not promote Ovaltine. Oh, the rest of the show certainly did. There was an Ovaltine commercial before the start of the program, and another one at the end. The virtues of Ovaltine were extolled by announcer Pierre Andre twice in each episode. But Annie’s secret messages, which appeared several times each week, were brief previews of what would happen in tomorrow’s exciting adventure. Orphan Annie was a fifteen minute juvenile serial show based on the comic strip by Harold Gray. Debuting in 1931, it was the first late-afternoon children’s serial.

At times, Pierre Andre would ramble on for up to three minutes about Ovaltine, and the latest gimmick on how to get premiums, Ovaltine-related merchandise. The episode included here is an example of how the show was used to push these and other premiums.

The show may best be remembered for its catchy opening song:
Who’s that little chatter box?
The one with pretty auburn locks?
Whom do you see?
It’s Little Orphan Annie!
She and Sandy make a pair
They never seem to have a care!
Cute little she,
It’s Little Orphan Annie
Bright eyes, cheeks a rosy glow,
There’s a store of healthiness handy.
Mite-size, always on the go,
If you want to know–”Arf,” it’s Sandy!
Always wears a sunny smile,
Now, wouldn’t it be worth the while,
If you could be
Like Little Orphan Annie

Click here hear the song and actual episode AuthenticHistory.com

1935 pin was the first Orphan Annie decoder was introduced by Ovaltine. It was a small round pin with the year and “Radio Orphan Annie’s SS” and two crossed skeleton keys. The “SS” stood for “Secret Society.”

1936 pin was badge shaped with a secret compartment on the back. The two keys still crossed in the middle and “Radio Orphan Annie SS” was shortened to the initials “ROA SS.”

1937 was a sunburst design with the now-standard year, two keys, and “ROA SS” on it.

1938 model was known as the “Telematic” decoder pin. It featured a larger circular pin with a large star on it. The two keys, year and initials “ROA SS” remained

1939 model was known as the Mysto-Matic decoder pin. It was a plain circular decoder pin with a very large “ROA” in the center. The “SS” was removed, but “Secret Code” added. The two skeleton keys remained.

1940 model was the model feature in “A Christmas Story” This decoder had an eagle, shield and American flag on the front, with 1940, the skeleton keys and “ROA” on the back. Each was individualized with a unique serial number stamped on the back. The numbers and letters appeared on the edge of the wheel, rather than on the front or back.

Orphan Annie web sites

RadioArchives.org

AuthenticHistory.com (Plays Actual episode including crummy commercials)

Scoop Archives

Below are a couple movie reviews of A Christmas Story when it was first released in November, 1983. The movie received both positive and negative reviews at its release.

N.Y. Daily News - November 18, 1983

Negative Review by Rex Reed New York Post - November 18, 1983

N.Y. Times - November 18, 1983

Variety - November 16, 1983

Reviews courtesy of FlickLives.com

Siskel & Ebert - 1983 Review of A Christmas Story

Click to Play Video

Ebay Giving Works Auction raised $5250 for Wounded Warrior Project!

Pennsylvania family wins chance to spend holiday in ‘A Christmas Story’ house

Spending a winter night in Cleveland doesn’t usually sound like a prize. But for one Pennsylvania couple, it’s going to feel like being in the movies.

Linda Campagna and husband Thomas Streib submitted the winning bid in a charity auction to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in the West 11th Street house that was the setting for “A Christmas Story,” the classic movie that is marking its 25th anniversary.

Like young Ralphie Parker and his movie family, the couple and two of their daughters will eat a “Chinese turkey” dinner of Peking duck. They’ll unwrap gifts like a blue bowling ball and can of Simoniz, shoot BB guns in the back yard and have the chance to try on a pink bunny suit.

Just like the one Ralphie was forced to wear.

” ‘You look like a pink nightmare’ is the phrase from the movie I think I use most,” Campagna said. “We’ll try and relive the whole movie. We’ll take tons of pictures.”

No one besides owner Brian Jones and a few friends has ever stayed in the house since he bought and renovated it, and no one ever at Christmas. Campagna and Streib got their chance to relive the movie by bidding $5,250 on eBay Giving Works, the charity listings site, to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project that helps veterans.

Jones, a former Navy intelligence officer, picked the charity after eBay approached him about offering an “experience package.”

“It meant a lot to us,” Campagna said, because she and her husband are both former Army sergeants. “We went higher than we would have gone otherwise.”

They live in Stewartstown, Pa., work for Boeing in neighboring Maryland, and are — of course — longtime fans of “A Christmas Story.”

Until hearing about the auction on the radio, however, “we didn’t even realize there was a real house,” Campagna said. “My husband called and said, ‘Quick, go to eBay!’ ”

They topped 15 bidders to earn their first trip to Cleveland.

They will be flown from Baltimore to Cleveland as part of the package.

“When the whole thing is over,” Campagna said, “we’re hoping we’ll have time to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

A Special Thank You to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for providing 4 tickets for the auction winners.

The Auction Read as Follows:

Spend Christmas Eve & Morning in the house from A Christmas Story

VIP EXPERIENCE FOR 4 WITH AIRFARE, HOTEL, & MEALS INCLUDED!

“A Tribute to the Original, Traditional, One-Hundred-Percent, Red-Blooded, Two-Fisted, All-American Christmas…” is now yours for the bidding. eBay Giving Works, eBay’s program that empowers people to buy and sell for a cause, and A Christmas Story House & Museum, celebrating the film’s 25th anniversary, invite the winning bidder and 3 guests to spend Christmas Eve & Christmas Morning reliving their favorite moments from the cult classic A Christmas Story at the original Christmas Story House in Cleveland, Ohio! This special experience is being offered exclusively on eBay Giving Works, with all proceeds from the charity auction going to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Experience includes:

Schedule & Activities

DECEMBER 23:

DECEMBER 24:

DECEMBER 25:

DECEMBER 26:

All sales are final, there are no refunds of the winning bid. A bid is a legally binding contract and you agree to be bound to make payment if your eBay ID is the highest bidder, even if a higher bid has been removed, resulting in you being the high bidder. If your account is used by a family member, other person in your household, or even a friend with access to your account, you are still fully liable and cannot avoid payment. Please do not bid if you are not 100% certain you can follow through with payment at the winning bid price promptly.

A non-paying bidder will be subject to collection and legal costs. By bidding in this charity auction, the bidder understands and agrees to eBay’s terms of service as well as all terms and conditions mentioned here.

The charity auction is managed on eBay Giving Works by Auction Cause, a premier celebrity and brand auction management agency. No part of the text, design, photos, video, or other content from this charity auction or associated pages may be used without written permission of the appropriate license holders.

PAYMENT

Payment must be made through Paypal, although a credit card can be used at PayPal to fund this purchase if desired. Full payment is required within (3) days of the auction close. Failure to deliver payment within the designated time will result in default of the bid and we may select the next highest bidder.

A portion of the winning bid amount made through this charity auction may be tax deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information, as we are unable to provide tax consulting due to the unique tax situation of each person.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: DO I NEED TO BE PREQUALIFIED TO BID?
A: Bidder prequalification may be necessary in order to ensure the sincerity of bids. If the auction is blocked, click here to fill out our form.

Q: CAN ADDITIONAL GUESTS ATTEND PARTS OF THE EXPERIENCE?
A: No. The charity auction is only valid for the winning bidder and up to three guests (four people total). No other guests will be permitted. Guests under the age of 18 may attend the experience if they are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

Q: WILL I NEED TO PAY TAXES ON THE HOTEL STAY?
A. No, however, a credit card will be required upon check-in. The winning bidder must sign an agreement to pay for any missing items or damage that occurs during their stay and provide a valid credit card to cover such expenses.

Q: CAN I TAKE PICTURES IN THE HOUSE?
A: Yes. The winning bidder and guests are encouraged to bring a camera to take photos in the house.

Q: IF I LIVE NEAR OHIO, CAN I USE THE AIRFARE AT A LATER TIME?
A: The airfare must be used in conjunction with the charity auction experience and cannot be used at a later time.

Q: IS GROUND TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED?
A. No, the winning bidder and guests must provide their own transportation to and from the airport and around town.

Q: WHAT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS NOT ADDRESSED HERE?
A: Should you have any questions about this charity auction not addressed here, please contact us by using the “ask seller a question” link at the top of the page.

The Sound Track to A Christmas Story

The specially mastered audio-enhanced Limited Edition Musical Tribute for the 25th Anniversary of Bob Clark’s “A Christmas Story” CD is now available!

This sound track produced by Carl Zittrer and Paul Zaza who composed the original score and music for A Christmas Story 25 years ago captures the spirit of the movie.

Now available in our gift shop!

Now Available in Our Gift Shop

Most of the original costumes from A Christmas Story still exist nearly 25 years after the movie was filmed. They were discovered in the Thunder Thighs Costumes warehouse by Tyler Schwartz and Jordie Smits while filming the documentary Road Trip for Ralphie.  The costumes and script with polaroid pictures from the set were had been kept by Lynda Kemp the wardrobe supervisor for A Christmas Story.  The costumes were acquired by A Christmas Story Museum in early 2008 and are currently on rotating display at he Museum.  Included in the collection are the kids jackets, hats, caps and pants, the Parker’s clothes from Christmas morning, Randy’s snowsuit, the Black Bart shirts, the chinese waiter outfits, and even the costumes from the deleted Flash Gordon scene along with many others.

Below are some pictures of the costumes in the warehouse before they were brought to A Christmas Story Museum.

A Christmas Story costumes on the rack for transport to the Museum

A Christmas Story House owner Brian Jones with the costumes

A Christmas Story House Executive Director, Steven Siedlecki with the costumes

Left to Right: Steven Siedlecki, Lynda Kemp, Brian Jones, Jordie Smits

The Thunder Thighs Costumes warehouse was enormous.  It took two full days to locate all the costumes.

Thunder Thighs Costumes entrance on 16 Busy Street, Toronto, ON, Canada

Lynda Kemp is listed as the “Wardrobe Supervisor” in the credits of A Christmas Story.  Her’s is the third name down in the second group of names.

Now Available in Our Gift Shop

The perfect viewing companion to a treasured holiday classic.

View the trailer for Road Trip for Ralphie

Two mega-fans of A Christmas Story set out to find all of the film’s shooting locations. During an adventure spanning two years and two countries, they uncover forgotten facts, discover little-known locations and recover long-lost memorabilia.

Go On Location and Behind-the-Scenes to reveal the people and places behind the perennial holiday hit. Visit more than 15 locations in Canada and Cleveland to learn little-known details about the movie and the people who made it. Viewers of this heart-warming fan film will feel like they’re there in person, on their own Road Trip for Ralphie.

Highlights of the DVD include dozens of rare behind-the-scenes photos and trivia not seen anywhere else, all set to a bubbly holiday soundtrack.

Plus, join the filmmakers as they:

• Save Miss Shields’ blackboard from the hands of a demolition crew
• Recreate the famous flagpole scene in the same school yard
• Track down the antique fire truck that saved Flick
• Discover Ralphie’s screen-used Red Ryder air rifle
• Take a ride on the vintage red trolley seen in the movie
• Tour the Toronto movie studio where the interior scenes were shot
• Recover all of the film’s costumes from a Toronto warehouse
• Visit the bridge where Ralphie uttered the F-dash-dash-dash word
• Buy a Christmas tree in the same spot as the Parker family
• Walk down the street where Ralphie beat up Scutt Farkus
• Take a peek through Higbees’ window
• Be first in line at the Grand Opening of A Christmas Story House in Cleveland
• Head back-stage of A Christmas Story: The Play
• Go for dinner at the former Chop Suey Palace in Toronto

Road Trip for Ralphie now available in our gift shop!

As seen in the below excerpts from the script for A Christmas Story Ralphie’s middle name is Wesley and The Old Man’s first name is Frank.  Neither name gets mentioned in the movie.

The bully in A Christmas Story was supposed to be Grover Dill not Scut Farkus. The excerpt from the script below shows that Grover Dill was supposed to be the bully and Scut Farkus, the toadie. This would have been more true to Jean Shepherd’s book In God We Trust All Others Pay Cash on which A Christmas Story is based. However, on set when A Christmas Story director, Bob Clark was presented with his Gover Dill (Yano Anaya) and Scut Farkus (Zack Ward) characters he took one look at them and made a switch.  Clark said: “Okay, you get his lines and he gets yours.”  And just that quickly the toadie was promoted to bully.

As with all movies there are several scenes in the script and filming that do not make it into the final cut of the movie.  According to Stan Cole, editor of A Christmas Story there was pressure from the movie studio, MGM to keep the movie to around 90 minutes so that the movie could be shown every 2 hours in the theatre.  Among the scenes cut were several possible opening scquences, a fantasy sequence in which Miss Sheilds visits Ralphie’s house and then Ralphie rescues Flash Gordon from Ming the Merciless on planet Mongo, and another fantasy sequence in which Ralphie rescues Santa from Black Bart and his men.  Interestingly enough Flash Gordon and Ming the Merciless still made it into the credits for the movie.  The costumes, skectches and pictures from this scene are part of the collection at A Christmas Story Museum.  Unfortunatley none of the film footage of the scenes survived.

Excerpts from the movie script below detail the deleted scenes.

Deleted Opening Scenes

Deleted Miss Shields and Flash Gordon Scenes

Picture of the delete fantasy scene with Ralphie and Flash Gordon on Planet Mongo

Ming the Merciless and Flash Gordon were still included in the credits even though the scene was deleted

Deleted Ralphie Rescues Santa Scene

The Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story is one of the most iconic and recognizable movie props of all time.  Replicas of the leg lamp have become prized “Major Awards” for fans everywhere.  A Christmas Storyauthor, Jean Shepherd was inspired to create the leg lamp after seeing an illuminated Nehi Soda advertisement.  The design of the leg lamp for A Christmas Story is the work of production designer Reuben Freed.  Unsure of exactly what a leg lamp was or should look like Freed presented a couple sketches to Shepherd who said, “Yep, that’s it!”  Freed then produced three leg lamps for the movie and went through several shade styles before settling on the large golden bell shade with black fringe seen in the movie.  None of the three original leg lamps survived the production of the movie.  All three props were broken on set during the filming.  If you look closely during the scene (pictures below) in which Ralphie’s Mom breaks the leg lamp you will notice that the leg lamp is broken in two different ways.

“FRAGILE (FRA-GEE_LAY) it must be Italian!”

“It’s a Major Award!”

“It’s a lamp! What a great lamp!

“It’s indescribably beautiful!”

“The soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window.”

“It reminds me of the Fourth of July!”

“You should see what it looks like from out here!”

“Not a finga!” Notice the “blooper” in the two photos above.   The leg lamp is broken in a different manner in each picture.  The leg lamp is broken in “chunks” in the first and lengthwise in the second.  All three leg lamps made for the production of A Christmas Story were broken on set.

“The sound of Taps playing softly”

Nehi Beverages sign that inspired the leg lamp.

A Christmas Story window displays first featured at Macy’s New York in 2003 have found a permanent home in Hammond, Indiana at the Lake County Visitors Center. The Visitors Center is located at 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond, Indiana. The displays will open to the public beginning November 28, 2008.  Hammond, Indiana is the boyhood town of A Christmas Story author, Jean Shepherd.  A Christmas Story is based on Shepherd’s memories of growning up in Hammond.  In the movie Hammond is referred to by the fictional name of Hohman.

Pictures of the window displays are courtesy of Flicklives.com.

More window display images available at Flicklives.com

That is right! Everyone’s favorite movie is being made into a Broadway musical!

Producers Gerald Goehring and Michael Jenkins have partnered with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre for the November 20, 2009 World Premiere Pre-Broadway run of A Christmas Story, The Musical!

For more information about the musical visit: www.AChristmasStorytheMusical.com

You can also read more the production of the Mucical in this article on Playbill.com

The Musical will Opening December, 2009

Latest Update as of 12/11/2008 on the Musical from Playbill.com

Gerald Goehring and Michael Jenkins will present an industry reading of the new musical, A Christmas Story, based on the Warner Brothers movie and humorist Jean Shepherd’s novel “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash,”  Dec. 16-17 in Manhattan.

Already popular as a non-musical play in regional theatres, this new and separate song-filled stage version of the 1983 film features a book by Joseph Robinette (Charlotte’s Web; Sarah, Plain and Tall) and music and lyrics by Scott Davenport Richards (A Thousand Words Come to Mind).

The movie source material is 25 years old this year, and is a beloved modern classic. “Ralphie, the mischievous, bespeckled boy, dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB-gun for Christmas,” according to the musical’s producers. “In the weeks before the big holiday, Ralphie and his friends get into all kinds of trouble — including encounters with a ‘yellow-eyed’ bully, a tongue stuck to lamp post, a bar of soap in the mouth, a garish leglamp and a Chinese Christmas dinner.”

The reading cast of A Christmas Story includes Beau Bridges (”The Fabulous Baker Boys”) as Jean/Older Ralph, Gregg Edelman (Wonderful Town) as Old Man, Liz Larsen (Starmites, Damn Yankees) as Mother, Dalton Harrod (Ace, the Musical) as Ralphie, Michael D’Addario (All My Sons) as Randy, Simon Pincus (Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas) as Flick, Henry Hodges (Mary Poppins) as Schwartz and Annie Golden (Xanadu) as Miss Shields. The ensemble features Chantylla Johnson, Lina Silver, Luke Marcus Rosen, Aaron D. Conley, Kelvin Moon Loh, Tom Aulino, Matt Wilson, Todd Alan Johnson, Jill Abramovitz, Jesmille Darbouze and Mimi Bessette.

A Christmas Story is directed by Eric Rosen (artistic director, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and director of Clay), with James Sampliner (Mamma Mia!) serving as music director.

The production stage manager is Robert Bennett (American Buffalo, Nick and Nora). Kansas City Repertory Theatre is the regional theatre partner of A Christmas Story.

The performances are open to members of the industry by invitation only

“ClarkWORLD” will have a special premiere screening during the “A Christmas Story” 25th year Anniversary Celebration and Convention on Nov. 29th, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel. The proceeds from tickets will go to MADD in Cleveland.  The movie features many of the people that worked closely with Bob Clark over the years including Kim Cattrall, Denise Richards, Jon Voight, Scott Baio, Peter Billingsley, Dom DeLuise, and many others!

In the tradition of award winning, offbeat and stylized documentaries such as The Kid Stays in the Picture and Crumb, ClarkWorldis an inside look into the eccentric life of famed film Director, Bob Clark.  When success was met with high-profile box office failures, Clark would effortlessly switch genres, studios and even countries…anything to continue making movies.  But as Clark continued to struggle against a series of flops, he was simultaneously being heralded as an inspiration to a new breed of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, John Carpenter and many others, citing their influence from his iconic films such as Porky’s, Murder by Decree, Turk 182, Black Christmas, and of course, the legendary film A Christmas Story (on over 100 critics lists of top 50 movies of all time, and the best Christmas movie of all time).  Clark’s film Black Christmas was initially blasted by critics when originally released in 1974, but now, three decades later, it is acknowledged a a pure post-modern masterpiece. As we continue to weave between various anecdotes told by some very famous people, we discover insight to Clark’s quirky and unpredictable personality as well as his integrity and genius. ClarkWorld is unique, because Bob Clark was unique. It is a riveting, hilarious, edgy, and poignant film that takes us on a whimsical journey inside the world of Bob Clark.

For more information about ClarkWORLD visit ClarkWORLDFilms.com or indiegogo.com/clarkworldfilms

See pictures of Peter Billingsley (Ralphie) on the set of ClarkWORLD at ClarkWORLDFilms.com

Official Wedding Photographer of A Christmas Story House

(216) 798-4672

The Wedding of Robyn and Michael of Maryland in A Christmas Story House on Saturday, June 14, 2008

The first Christmas Story House Wedding, Saturday, December 2, 2007

Erin Reed and Jeff Dubois from Fort Wayne, Indiana

In Cleveland, it’s summer, but at A Christmas Story House & Museum, it’s always Christmas! We will be celebrating Christmas in July on Saturday and Sunday, July 25th and 26th .   There will be free fun for the kids, a sneak peek at a new Ralphie display, Leg Lamp and table games, and even a bb-gun range in the same place Ralphie first shot his Red Ryder!

To top it all off there will be a Sidewalk Sale every Saturday in July (weather permitting). Great saving on sweatshirts, movie still, ornaments and more.

After the fun and games visit one of the several local restaurants that will offering discounts throughout July when you show your A Christmas Story House ticket stub.

Events planned for Christmas in July

July 25th and 26th

Sneak Preview of the “Ralphie Collection” Costume Display

Guests will get a sneak peek at the “Ralphie Collection.” A new exhibit that will open Nov. 27, 2009.  This exhibit will include numerous outfits worn by Ralphie, including his Blind Scene jacket and  other outfits worn to school.

Free Fun for the Kids

The kids fun never ends with face painting, balloons, coloring contest with prizes and more!  Also meet Patty Johnson, the surly elf from the Santa scene!  And maybe even an appearance by a “Deranged” Easter Bunny!

Food Drive

We will be hosting a food drive to benefit the St. Augustine’s Hunger Center. Receive $1 off admission for every non-perishable food item you bring, up to $3 per person. Enjoy Christmas in July while at the same time helping those in need.

Leg Lamp Games

Win prizes and enter to win a Leg Lamp prize pack in the following family fun games:

Leg Lamp Ring Toss
Leg Lamp Putt Putt
Leg Lamp Ping-Pong Ball Toss

A Christmas Story Themed Table Games

Challenge a friend to your favorite board games with A Christmas Story twist!

Trivia Board game
Monopoly
Checkers
Dominoes

BB-Gun Range

Test your aim to see if you could defeat Black Bart shooting a bb-gun in the exact same place as Ralphie.

But, don’t “shoot your eye out!”

Other Events in July

Taste of Tremont - July 19th

Come enjoy all that Ralphie’s neighborhood of Tremont has to offer as we join our neighbors in The Taste of Tremont. Come visit the House, and then enjoy fine dining and shopping in Tremont.

Discounts at local businesses and restaurants during all of July!!!

Bring your Christmas Story House ticket stub to any of the business below and receive the listed discount:

Grumpy’s Cafe - 1/2 price appetizers with DINNER purchase (Mon-Sat)
Flying Monkey - 10% total bill
Roosevelt Post 58 - Free day pass and 1 non-alcoholic drink
Cookie and a Cupcake - Purchase 5 cupcake get 1 free

A Christmas Story House, now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours. Directly across the street from the house is the official A Christmas Story House Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee’s window, Randy’s snowsuit and zeppelin, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car. After reliving A Christmas Story at Ralphie’s house don’t forget to visit the museum gift shop for your own Major Award Leg Lamp and other great movie memorabilia. You can even shop through our online gift shop here. Proceeds from the gift shop help support and maintain A Christmas Story House and Museum.

Open July 4th, 10 AM to 2 PM

Christmas in July!!!

A Christmas Story House will celebrate Christmas in July with a host of fun activities and games.

Saturday & Sunday, July 25th & 26th

Click here for more details.

Tickets and Admission - Hours of Operation - Parking - Hotels

Information: (216) 298-4919 or info@achristmasstoryhouse.com

Road Trip for Ralphie Now Available in our Gift Shop

The perfect viewing companion to a treasured holiday classic.

View the trailer for Road Trip for Ralphie

Cover of the Cleveland+ 2008 Fall/Winter Official Visitors Guide featuring A Christmas Story House and owner Brian Jones as Black Bart stealing the Major Award!

Click Here for all the Holiday Events in Cleveland this Season

A Christmas Story cast reunion around the leg lamp in A Christmas Story House living room at the Grand Opening. From left to right Zack Ward (Scut Farkus), Yano Anaya (Grover Dill), Tedde Moore (Miss Shields), Ian Petrella (Randy), Scott Schwartz (Flick), Patty Lafontaine (Elf) and Drew Hocevear (Elf).

A Christmas Story Re-Enacted by Bunnies in 30 Seconds click image to view cartoon

Ian Petrella (Randy Parker)

Scott Schwartz (Flick)

Zack Ward (Scut Farkus) - MySpace and website ZackWard.com

Yano Anaya (Grover Dill)

A Christmas Story House

Below are pre and post renovation pictures of A Christmas Story House.  To see the pictures of the renovation process please visit our renovation log

The old mailbox is still there.

A light dusting of snow in early winter

Snow falling just like the end of A Christmas Story

Below are pictures of the house before it was renovated back to its Movie Glory.

Note the gray siding and replacement windows

The old shed had fallen to disrepair

Movie Screen Shots of the House

Director - Bob Clark III

Director Bob Clark (above right) played a cameo role as the dim witted neighbor Swede who inquires about the Old Man’s (Darren McGavin) “Major Award”

-Biography: August 05, 1941 - April 04, 2007 -New Orleans, LA.  Bejamin “Bob” Clark began making independent low-budget features as a writer/director with the transvestite comedy The She Man in 1967, and is fondly remembered for his horror films of the early ’70s, made with writer/actor Alan Ormsby: Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things and Deathdream. Clark also won admiration for his Sherlock Holmes film Murder By Decree, scripted by John Hopkins.

Clark then branched out as a competent helmer of a wide variety of genres, mostly from his own original stories. His films include the atmospheric, imaginative period thriller, “Murder By Decree” (1979), in which Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson solve the mystery of Jack the Ripper, the film version of the sentimental father-son stage drama “Tribute” (1980) and the semi-autobiographical, smarmy but high grossing hit comedies, “Porky’s” (1981) and “Porky’s II–The Next Day” (1983). Clark is perhaps best-known for the now classic holiday-themed “A Christmas Story” (1983).

Bob Clark was killed along with his son, Ariel Hanrath-Clark, in a head-on crash with a vehicle that steered into the wrong lane.  The driver fo the other car was found guilty of driving without a license while intoxicated.

Author - Jean Shepherd

A Christmas Story author Jean Shepherd (above left) played a cameo role as the angery gentleman who tells Ralphie “The line ends here! It begins there!”

-Biography: July 26, 1921 - October 16, 1999 - South Chicago, IL.  Raised in Hammond Indiana, Jean Shepherd also known simply as Shep went on to work in the steel mills and was a veteran of the Army Signal Corps before entering the arts. In the 1950s, he began a long career as a radio personality telling stories of his youth, commenting on current topics and performing silly songs. While at WOR-AM in New York he also broadcast live night club acts from the Limelight in Greenwich Village. He wrote for Playboy and other magazines. His articles were published in a series of books including “The America of George Ade”, “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash”, “Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories, and Other Disasters”, “A Fistful of Fig Newtons” and “The Ferrari in the Bedroom”. During the 1970s he did two series of humorous programs as well as several “American Playhouse” episodes for PBS. In 1983 he wrote his first feature film, “A Christmas Story” putting together many tales of his semi-autobiographical character “Ralphie”. A sequel, “My Summer Story” (AKA “It Runs in the Family”) was made in 1994.      To find out more about Jean Shepherd visit  FlickLives.com

The Star - Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker

-Biography: April 16, 1971 - New York, NY.  Prior to “A Christmas Story,” Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie, gained fame as a correspondent for the variety show “Real People.” He also played Messy Marvin in Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup commercials. After a waining child acting career Peter made the move behind the camera and is now a producer often working with his close friends Vince Vaugh and John Favreau.  His recent credits as a producer include: Iron Man and The Break Up.  He often appears in cameo roles in the movies he produces.  He directed his first movie Couples Retreat in 2008.

Peter tells how he met long time friend Vince Vaughn. The two have collaborated on a number of Hollywood projects since meeting on the set of an after school special titled “The Fourth Man”

Peter Billingsley pre-Ralphie as Messy Marvin

The Old Man - Darren McGavin

-Biography: May 7, 1922 - February 25, 2006 - San Joaquin, CA.  Darren McGavin who’s birth name was William Lyle Richardson was a remarkably seasoned actor of stage, screen and television, Darren McGavin notched in excess of 200 performances; however, he is most fondly remembered by cult TV fans as heroic newspaper reporter Carl Kolchak in the classic but short-lived horror TV series “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” (1974). In a long and varied career, McGavin has often turned up as authority figures including policemen, military officers, stern-faced business executives or father figures; however, he is equally adept at light-hearted comedic performances.  He was the second choice to play The Old Man in “A Christmas Story” behind Jack Nicholson.  According to IMDB.com McGavin’s salary for the role was $2,000,000.

The Entire Cast

Interview with Peter Billingsley

interview by Wayne Chinsang

YOU MIGHT NOT REMEMBER PETER BILLINGSLEY AS THE TWO-YEAR-OLD PROP IN THAT GERITOL COMMERCIAL FROM THE SEVENTIES. BUT YOU PROBABLY DO REMEMBER HIM AS “RALPHIE” FROM A CHRISTMAS STORY. READ ON TO FIND OUT JUST HOW MUCH OUR LITTLE PETER HAS GROWNS UP, AND GROWNS UP, AND GROWNS UP.

Peter: I guess sort of by luck. I grew up in New York City, and people used to tell my mom that my brother and I were cute, and that we should be in commercials. My mom didn’t know much about it, but she took us to an agent with aspirations of maybe getting a print ad in The Times in our little sailor suits or something. One agent said we were too fat, another agent said we were too ugly. (laughs) She was kind of beaten up from the business after a couple of meetings. But the third agent said, “Yeah, they’ll work.” So I went on an audition for Geritol, and I got it. I was two-and-a-half years old. Betty Buckley played the mom, and there were some other kids, but I was basically a prop. And she said something like, “With kids like these you take Geritol twice a day.” It just snowballed from there.

W: I was going to ask how a kid–

P: Was using Geritol?

W: Yeah. (laughs)

P: Yeah. They were just popping me full of pills. (laughs) I was blessed because I didn’t have the child star syndrome family that you hear a lot about. It was always just something that was to be done for fun. If anything, my family was trying to stop and make sure that I was comfortable doing it. And I was.

W: That was part of my next question. There seems to be so much talk of child actors being thrown into the “harsh world” of Hollywood. Do you think it’s that dramatic?

P: I think it was a different time for me back then. The amount of available money wasn’t as great. Now, kids are making adult salaries. Before, there were kid salaries and adult salaries. So I think it’s encouraging parents more and more to see there’s some financial benefit that they can make off of their kids. But also, the regulations have improved. But I was really lucky. I don’t have an E! True Hollywood Story. (laughs) Some woman from E! came up to me in a bar one time and said, “Oh, we should do one.” And I said, “I don’t think it will get good ratings.” There’s nothing to talk about. You know: “Peter grew up in a loving family in Phoenix.”

W: (laughs) “He did not smoke crack or star in porn.”

P: (laughs) “He tried a cigarette once. We’ll be right back.” There’s really nothing there.

W: You hear a lot, especially earlier on and with child actors, about how people sign their royalty rights away because it wasn’t something anybody considered. Were you fortunate enough to not sign away your royalties?

P: Yeah. As far as I understand it, it was all done through the Union through SAG, so it was whatever the contracts were at the time. The unfortunate thing is that with movies like A Christmas Story, made in ‘83, cable was something that only a couple of lucky people had. No one really knew what it was. So, they had to find a royalty based for cable back then, and it’s really worth nothing, and of course TNT plays it a lot. But, it’s certainly not about that. I’m just thrilled to have been a part of a movie that goes on and on. I mean, Jesus, it plays 24 straight hours. That’s pretty awesome.

W: I was wondering about that. There’s so many things that people associate with the holidays. They watch certain things, or they do certain things. And A Christmas Story is a big part of many other people’s holidays. What is something that is a big part of your holiday?

P: Trying to avoid watching A Christmas Story. (laughs) Sometimes I go back and my parents will still put it on. My family is all spread out so, like a lot of families, we just try our best to get together at Christmas time. Every other holiday and birthdays fall by the wayside, but Christmas is one time we all try to meet up. We’re just spread out everywhere. I’m on the West Coast, I have family in Philly, Florida and New York. And I’ve got a brother in Turkey.

W: Yeah. I read an interview E! did with you, and you were in Turkey while you were doing the interview.

P: Really?

W: I’m pretty sure. I remember thinking it was bizarre you were in Turkey. Maybe they made it up.

P: Well, I was in Romania once, and I saw a TV movie that I had done; it was one of the last things I had done acting. I was about 21 at the time. But it was dubbed in Turkish, and I had the voice of a 55-year-old guy. (laughs) I had a really deep voice.

W: One of the most timeless qualities about A Christmas Story is that Jean Shepherd’s writing is so universal. I know you said you try and avoid watching it, but how does the film hold up for you?

P: I say that I avoid it really only as a joke. I’m at the point where I can appreciate it now. It’s just that, when you’re so close to something, and you’ve got so many memories associated with it, it’s hard to be objective when watching it. But I’m actually at a point when I can watch it, and it does hold up. He (Shepherd) just seemed to have a knack, and everyone,.. (pauses) I think the movie speaks for itself. So it’s a bit difficult to articulate why the movie works. Jean just really had a way of capturing the world through a child’s eyes, and creating a family life that everyone can relate to. He was a great guy.

W: There has always been a lot of comparisons between A Christmas Story and The Wonder Years.

P: Yeah. The similarities are pretty obvious, I guess. Hats off to ‘em. They were smart enough to be inspired by the film and to make a really successful TV show about it. It was neat to watch.

W: The interview that I read on E!–

P: I don’t know what this interview on E! is.

W: I can send you the link.

P: They cannot be trusted. (laughs)

W: (laughs) But the funny part about the interview is that it is with “The Christmas Story Kid”, not Peter Billingsley. Does it ever get frustrating being “The Christmas Story Kid”?

P: (laughs) Yeah. But thank God it’s not like, “Oh. You’re Mikey from Life.” At least it’s a great film. It’s kind of something I want to be known for. Being associated with it is a really positive thing.

W: It’s cool to hear that you enjoy being a part of it, because so often you hear people that are like, “That was forever ago, and I don’t want to have anything to do with it now.”

P: I think your life takes you where you lead it. And, in time, people will get to know you. And I prefer to move more organically toward the things I’m doing next. As I became a teenager, I wasn’t going to rip off my glasses, spike my hair, and say, “Oh. I’m a young adult.” I was still blind; I still wore my hair down. It was just a lot easier to be myself through the phases of life than to try and do something fake. My family life was a blessing. With the kids I was working with at the time, really the big difference was the family. We were raised in Phoenix, I had a lot of brothers and sisters, and acting was something that was a privilege and a joy to be a part of. And if it wasn’t fun, then it was just going to stop.

W: That’s a great way to look at it. I just interviewed James Gunn, and we talked about how so many people just bitch about working in Hollywood. And he said they should just get a different job.

P: It’s a pretty awesome business to be involved in when you break it down. I mean, what we’re actually doing for a living is pretty incredible.

W: The freedom has to be amazing.

P: It’s great. But you’re also in that a little bit, aren’t you? I imagine you can budget your schedule, and you get to call up cool people and ask them funky questions.

W: (laughs) Yeah.

P: Try and rattle their cages a little bit. (laughs)

W: A bit. (laughs) So, has there been any talk of a sequel?

P: There was one.

W: You mean the one where no one from the original returns?

P: Yeah. With Mary Steenburgen and Kieran Culkin. Did you see it?

W: No. But I’m talking a sequel with the original cast, where the kids are all grown up.

P: Well, A Christmas Story is a short story in Jean’s anthology. There was some talk about it. But Jean’s gone now, and I don’t know,.. you know, the idea certainly entered my head. But I don’t know how you approach it without him. Without the voice and without his vision behind it, it would be hard.

W: Good point. So, my father loves the movie. He got me hooked on it as a kid, and he wants me to ask you who got to keep the leg lamp?

read the rest of the interview here …

Chinese Turkey Dinner with the actors fron A Christmas Story

The line just before the opening of the convention

Deren Abram filming for a documentary of Director Bob Clark

The unveiling of the chalk board from Miss Shields’ class room

Character look-a-like contest

Brian Jones with the ClarkWORLD film crew

Cindy, Brian, and Wayne Jones at the conclusion of the convention

Foster Contracting
Provider of all restoration work on A Christmas Story House

THE MAKING OF A MUSEUM:

Renovation Log #6: October 16, 2006

The house is nearly complete!!! With exception to some touch up painting the outside of the house is just about complete. The “X” railing has been installed on the porch, and the new lattice work has been put on also. The side staircase is in place and is awaiting a paint job. On the inside, final touches are being put on the staircase and the spindles are being painted. The sink has been installed in the kitchen along with the checkered tile, and the wood paneling has been painted. As the final couple weeks of renovation come to a close, the second floor bathing will be getting tiled and a donated claw foot tub will be installed. House will then get a complete cleaning from top to bottom and the floors will then get one final coating.

Renovation Log #5: September 1, 2006

All new siding has been put up and painting has begun. The first coat of paint has been applied to the outside and the inside. Some green trim work has also begun on the outside. Work on the structure of the porch has also been started. The porch had to be jacked up a few inches. The original pillars have been removed and new ones will replace those. The porch itself is also starting to get its makeover. Parts on the porch have been torn out and soon will be replaced with all new wood. Work will continue on the porch and the siding in the next few weeks in order to complete its look.

The hardwood floors have been put in, sanded and stained. The temporary staircase has been removed and the permanent one has replaced it. Still to come for the inside, will be more painting, the trim will be installed and painted also. More work will also be continuing on the staircase.

Renovation Log #4: August 8, 2006

Work has been moving along smoothly over the past couple months, mostly center around the interior walls. Drywall has now been put up in replace of the plaster walls that were taken down in order go get new wiring and plumbing in the house. The house also recieved new modern insulation. The drywall marks the completion of the interior rough woork. The next step will be to sand the walls down, and get them primed for painting. Once the painting is complete flooring on both stories is will be installed.

Turning to the outside, all the new windows have been put in and framing around the windows is being worked on. The next step for the outside is to start on the new siding.

Renovation Log #3: May 22, 2006

Spring is in full swing in the Cleveland area. So with the nice weather work has shifted to the outside of the house. The once blue vinyl sided house is now cover it a house wrap. The original wood siding still visible is some parts of the house has been taken off and will be replaced with new wood siding. The porch is starting to get its make over also. The once solid vinyl railings have been removed and soon the “X” frame railing that were there in the movie will be going in.

Now although most of the work has shifted to the outside the inside is not being ignored. The new wiring, plumbing and duct work is almost at completion and the newly installed staircase is coming along nicely. There are just a few things that still need to be done on the inside, when those things are done new walls will be going up.

Renovation Log #2: February 9,2006

One full dumpster has been removed and a second dump truck of debris has also been taken away. Some more walls have cam down and a new bathroom entrance has been added. Two support beams have been added for the ceiling, so now the staircase can be started. The framework for the staircase has been started and the floor on the second story has been added for the top of the staircase.

Renovation Log #1: January 30, 2006

Renovation has started on the house. The dumpster arrived and it did not take long to fill it up. Walls have been removed and a hole cut into the ceiling for the staircase. Once the structure is secured they will proceed with the staircase.

The Fire Truck that arrived to rescue Flick from the flag pole is owned and opertated by the Chippawa Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Association in Niagara Falls, Canada.  The Fire Truck, a 1938 Ford La-France is still in working order.  The fire truck was rediscovered by Tyler Schwartz and Jordie Smits while filming their documentary Road Trip for Ralphie.

The fire truck is available for public viewing every Sunday 9 AM to 12 PM at Chippawa Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Association located at 8696 Banting Ave Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Click here to read a news story about the history of the fire truck.

The Fire Truck on set at Victoria School in 1983.

Rides in Original Fire Truck at A Christmas Story House, November 2008.

Cleveland Visitors Guide:
www.positivelycleveland.com

Big Fun Toy Store:
www.bigfunbigfun.com

Hollywood Christmas Movieland
www.christmasmovieland.com

         Official Chinese Restaurant of A Christmas Story House

Pearl of the Orient East:
www.pearl-east.com

Pearl of the Orient West:
www.pearlwest.com

Renaissance Cleveland Hotel:
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/clebr-renaissance-cleveland-hotel

Tremont Neighborhood - A Christmas Story House Neighborhood:
www.restoretremont.com

Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame:
www.rockhall.com

b.a. Sweetie Candy Company (Largest Candy Store in the USA!)
http://www.sweetiescandy.com

Cleveland Weather:
www.weather.com/weather/local/USOH0195

Cleveland Airport:
www.clevelandairport.com

Cast

DarrenMcGavin.net (Ralphie’s Old Man)

Ian Petrella (Randy) MySpace

Scott Schwartz (Flick) MySpace

Zack Ward (Scut Farkus) MySpace

Zack Ward (Scut Farkus) Website

Image Galleries

FlickLives.com

MovieForum.com

Quizzes and Trivia

FunTrivia.com

80’s Movie Rewind

MovieMistakes.com

Nitpickers.com

IMDB.com

Quotes

IMDB.com

MovieQuotes.com

Jean Shepherd

FlickLives.com

KeyFlux.com

Little Orphan Annie

RadioArchives.org

AuthenticHistory.com (Plays Actual episode including crummy commercials)

Scoop Archives

How “A Christmas Story” Came to be…

The movie A Christmas Story is arguably one of America’s favorite holiday films. Over the years, this modest little movie has grown into a Yuletide perennial.

The movie “A Christmas Story” might never have been made had it not been for another, decidedly less reputable comedic creature - “Porky’s.” That’s right. One of the most beloved holiday movies largely owes its existence to an infamous, unabashedly crude teen comedy.

In the late 1960s, “A Christmas Story” director Bob Clark was driving to a date’s house when he happened upon a broadcast of radio personality and writer Jean Shepherd’s recollections of growing up in Indiana in the late ’30s and early ’40s. Clark wound up driving around the block for almost an hour, glued to the radio until the program was over.

“My date was not happy,” Clark said, but he knew right away he wanted to make a movie out of the stories, many of which first appeared in Playboy magazine and were collected in Shepherd’s 1966 book, “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash.”

Clark’s adaptation, however, didn’t happen overnight. At the time, he was a journeyman director who specialized in low-budget B movies.  For years Clark tried to find a studio to finance the film.  But none were interested. Nevertheless, Clark held on to his ambition to bring Shepherd’s stories to the screen, and, in 1981, he directed Porky’s.  Which became a hit at the box office.  Suddenly he had some clout the bargain with.  In the wake of that hit the studio want a sequel to Porky’s.  Clark agreed to make a sequel if the studio agreed to let him do “A Christmas Story” first.

The modestly budgeted little comedy opened in 1983 the week before Thanksgiving on fewer than 900 screens.  The film took in about $2 million its first weekend and double that Thanksgiving weekend – solid business for the time.  The movie was getting strong word-of-mouth support.  But, MGM hadn’t counted on the movie receiving much success and did not schedule distribution to more than the opening screens for the lead up to Christmas.

Thus A Christmas Story disappeared from theatres.  Abruptly elbowed into the theatrical void by the bigger seasonal studio movies of the day, most notably Scarface and Christine.  Ultimately, A Christmas Story collected about $19 million at the box office.  It was a good showing, but not great.

At the same time, however, home video and cable television were just beginning to grow in popularity, and A Christmas Story crept into the mainstream through videotape and cable broadcasts.  The rights to the movie were sold in 1986 to Warner Bros. by MGM as part of a 50-movie package deal. In fact, MGM practically gave the movie way when it tossed A Christmas Story into the deal in order to simply meet the 50-movie quota agreed to.  The cable network TNT first aired its 12 showing, 24-hour marathon as a stunt in 1988, but popular demand turned stunt into tradition.  The annual marathon (now aired on TBS) starts every Christmas Eve and attracts more that 40 million people who tune in at some point to watch.  A Christmas Story is now one of the most popular holiday movies of all time earning a place along side “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street.”

A Christmas Story Trivia Fun Facts

Jean Shepherd’s book “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash”, which “A Christmas Story” is based on, is a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories that Shepherd wrote for “Playboy” magazine during the 1960s.

The character Scut Farkus, played by Zack Ward, was created specifically for the movie, and never appears in the book. In the book, Grover Dill is the only bully who torments Ralphie. The setting for the movie was based on Hammond, Indiana the home town of author Jean Sheperd. Sheperd grew up on Cleveland St and went to Warren G. Harding Elementary School. Just like Ralphie.

The movie was actually filmed in Cleveland, Ohio and Toronto, Ontario. The house from the movie is located just outside of downtown Cleveland and the Higbee building still stands in downtown Cleveland. The Christmas tree shopping scene and many of the inside shots of the house, were filmed in Toronto, Ontario . One of Toronto’s trademark red trolleys can be seen driving by the shot of the outside of the tree lot. Ralphie’s school exteriors were filmed at Victoria School in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

To find an American city resembling an Indiana town of the 1940s, director Clark sent his location scouts to twenty cities before selecting Cleveland, Ohio, as the site for filming.  The decision to film in Cleveland was due to the willing of Higbee’s (an actual department store) to allow the movie to be filmed inside the store.

In addition to providing the voice-over narration, writer Jean Shepherd had a cameo appearance in the movie as a grouchy department store customer who tells Ralphie to go to the back of the Santa line.

Director Bob Clark has a brief cameo appearance as Swede, the Parker family’s the dim-witted neighbor with a southern-accent who stops to marvel at the leg lamp from across the street.

The role of Mr. Parker, Ralphie’s father, was originally offered to Jack Nicholson, who reportedly was interested in playing the part. Director Clark, however, lobbied hard for Darren McGavin. The producers, worried about Nicholson’s typically large salary requests, eventually approved McGavin.

Yano Anaya, who played Grover Dill (the toadie), appeared in only two other films but is probably best known as the evil paperboy with the war cry, “Two dollars!” in the 1985 John Cusack comedy, “Better off Dead.”

For the scene in which Flick’s tongue sticks to the flagpole, a hidden suction tube was used to safely create the illusion that his tongue had frozen to the metal.

Author Jean Shepherd’s concept for the  “major award” leg lamp was based on a real lamp: an illuminated Nehi logo.  The style of the leg lamp for A Christmas Story was created by production designer Reuben Freed who had never before seen or heard of a leg lamp.  Three leg lamps were made for the movie and all were broken on set during the filming.

The Radio Orphan Annie decoder pin that Ralphie receives is the 1940 “Speedomatic” model, indicating that the movie takes place in December, 1940. Different decoder badges were made each year from 1935-1940. By 1941, the decoders were made of paper due to World War II metal shortages.

Some of the “snow” used during the scenes between the kids and the bullies was actually soap flakes and fire fighters foam. The stars later remarked that they were slipping and sliding during the filming of the scenes.

An elaborate fantasy sequence - in which Ralphie joins Flash Gordon to fight Ming the Merciless - was filmed but dropped from the final cut.  Picture of this scene and the costumes used in it are on display at A Christmas Story House and Museum.

A Second fantasy sequence involving Blark Barts men was cut the film in favor of the back yard fantasy sequence.  The delete sequence involved Ralphie rescuing Santa from Black Bart’s men while Santa is stuck in a chimney.  Little brother Randy (in disguise) played one of Black Bart’s men in the scene.  His costume from the scene is on display at A Christmas Story House and Museum.

The film was released just before Thanksgiving and became a surprise hit. By the time Christmas rolled around, the movie had already been pulled from most theaters because it had been “played out”. After complaints were lodged at the theater owners and the studio, the film played on select screens until after the first of the year 1984.

A Christmas Story” Inspired the creation of “The Wonder Year” television show.

Prior to “A Christmas Story,” Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie, gained fame as a correspondent for the variety show “Real People.” He also played Messy Marvin in Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup commercials. Peter is now a producer often working with his close friends with Vince Vaugh and John Favreau.  His credits as a producer include: Iron Man and The Break Up.  He often appears in cameo roles in the movies he produces.

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A Christmas Story

-Plot: Set during a snowy Christmas season in 1940’s Indiana, nine-year-old Ralphie longs for the ideal Christmas gift, a 200-Shot, Range-Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.” But when gruff dad and doting mom, and even a stressed-out Santa quote the usual BB gun warning, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Ralphie mounts a full-scale, hint dropping campaign that is a sly combination of innocence and calculation. The movie is not only about Christmas and BB guns, but also about childhood and a semi-dysfunctional family life.

Ralphie endures endless kid-sized trials and classic moments: A bully with “yellow eyes” and a rancid coonskin cap terrorizes him. There is a sequence where a kid is not merely dared but Triple-Dog-Dared to stick his tongue onto a frozen lamp post, and the fire department has to be called to remove him from the pole. Ralphie’s Old Man winning the “Major Award” of a garish lamp in the shape of a woman’s leg. Ralphie blurts out the Queen Mother of swear words and gets his mouth washed out with Lifebuoy soap. His long-awaited Little Orphan Annie Secret Society Decoder Pin translates a radio program’s top-secret message that turns out to be a crummy commercial. Even Santa is a scary fraud. But Ralphie hangs tough and ends up getting his BB gun.

-Tag Line: A Tribute to the Original, Traditional, One-Hundred-Percent, Red-Blooded, Two-Fisted, All-American Christmas…

Peace. Harmony. Comfort and Joy… Maybe Next Year.

-Run Time: 94 min

-Release Date: Friday, November 18,1983

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Official Chinese Restaurant of A Christmas Story House

Get 10% off your bill with your ticket stub from
A Christmas Story House.

Proudly serving Chinese Turkey

Make your visit to A Christmas Story House even more memorable by going out for Chinese Turkey just like Ralphie and his family after the Bumpus Hounds ate their turkey.

Two convenient locations:

Just a short drive from A Christmas Story House
(See map and directions below)

…And yes they really do serve Peking Duck aka Chinese Turkey

Directions from A Christmas Story House to Pearl of the Orient West

Start at 3159 W 11th  St – Head toward downtown - Turn Left on Clark Ave – Turn Right on Scranton Rd –Turn Left on Barber Rd – Turn Left to merge onto I-90 W toward Toledo – Take Exit 162 for Hilliard Blvd – Turn Right on Westway Dr – Turn Right on Lakeview Ave - Turn Right on Detroit -  Restaurant is located on the Left in Beachcliff Market Square at 19300 Detroit Rd.

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Directions from A Christmas Story House to Pearl of the Orient East

Start at 3159 W 11th  St – Head toward downtown - Turn Left on Clark Ave – Turn Left on W 14th St – At the traffic circle, take 1st exit onto Jennings Fwy ramp to I-71 South - Keep Left at the fork to continue on Jennings Fwy - Take exit onot I-480 E toward Youngstown - Take exit 25ABC - Take Exit 25BC on the left for Warrensville Rd N - Merge onto Warrensville Center Rd - Turn slight Left on Van Aken Blvd - Restaurant is located in Van Aken Center at 20121 Van Aken Blvd.

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Click on the Leg Lamp to enter Gift Shop

• Ralphie’s House

• 2008 Convention

• 2007 Convention

• Grand Opening

• Renovation Log

• 2005 Fundraiser

• Actors’ Pictures

• Original Ebay Ad

• Weddings

Physical Address of A Christmas Story House:
3159 W 11th St
Cleveland, OH 44109

Museum and Mailing Address:
A Christmas Story House
1103 Rowley Ave
Cleveland, OH 44109

Phone:
216-298-4919

Fax:
440-777-2430

E-mail:

For general information:
info@achristmasstoryhouse.com

For sales:
sales@achristmasstoryhouse.com

For web page questions:
webmaster@achristmasstoryhouse.com

Media Contact:
Tyler Schwartz
Director of  Public Relationa and Canadian Operations
905-875-8810
Tyler@achristmasstoryhouse.ca

Maps and Directions

3159 W 11th St.
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 298-4919

Directions to “A Christmas Story” House

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Via 80 (Ohio Turnpike):
Take 80 West to I-71 North. Exit at the W.14th exit. Follow the signs for 14th north around the traffic circle, then turn right onto Rowley Ave.

Via 480:
Take 480 West to 176 North. Exit at the W.14th exit. Follow the signs for 14th north around the traffic circle, then turn right onto Rowley Ave.

Via 90:
Take 90 West to the W.14th exit. Head South on W.14th, turn left onto Clark Ave. and Right onto W 11th.

From the West:

Via 80 (Ohio Turnpike)
Take 80 East to I-71 North. Exit at the W.14th exit. Follow the signs for 14th north around the traffic circle, then turn right onto Rowley Ave.

Via 480:
Take 480 East to I-71 North. Exit at the W.14th exit. Follow the signs for 14th north around the traffic circle, then turn right onto Rowley Ave.

Via 90:
Take 90 East exit at the W.25th exit. Turn Right onto W.25th, left onto Clark Ave. then right onto W. 11th.

From the south.

Via I-71:
Take I-71 North. Exit at the W.14th exit. Follow the signs for 14th north around the traffic circle, then turn right onto Rowley Ave.

Via 77:
Take 77 North to 90 West. Exit at the W.14th exit. Head South on W.14th, turn left onto Clark Ave. and Right onto W 11th.

From Downtown Cleveland:

Take 90 West to the W.14th exit. Head South on W.14th, turn left onto Clark Ave. and Right onto W 11th.

View Larger Map

Tickets and Admission

Adults: $7.50
Children 7 to 12: $5.50
(Children 6 & under: FREE)
Seniors: $6.50

Admissions information: (216) 298-4919 or info@achristmasstoryhouse.com

Tickets include access to both A Christmas Story House and the accompanying museum.

Tickets can be purchased at the museum gift shop or in advance in our online gift shop.

The museum and gift shop are both located across the street from A Christmas Story House. The museum is directly accross the street and the gift shop is in a seperate house (white with black trim) to the left of the museum.

Video recording and flash photography are not permitted inside A Christmas Story House or Museum.  Still photography without a flash is permitted.

Group tours and rates are available.
Call for information.

Hours of Operation

“A Christmas Story” House and Museum is open year around.
Our hours of operation are:

Thursday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Sundays 12pm-5pm
Open Wednesdays 10am-5pm from November 26 to December 31

“A Christmas Story” House, Museum and Gift shop are closed, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day, and all other Major Holidays.

Tours run every half hour with the last tour at 4:30.
Tickets must be purchased prior to the last tour.

Tickets can be purchased at our gift shop located diagonally across the street from the house.

Parking and Transportation

Street parking is available at no charge.

Lolly Trolley rides from downtown to A Christmas Story House are available on a seasonal basis.

Check the Lolly Trolley web site www.lollytrolley.com for details.

Ian Petrella (Randy) and Scotty Schwartz (Flick) checking out the living room of A Christmas Story House just before the Grand Opening.

Ian Petrella (Randy) once again hiding uder the sink in A Christmas Story House

Zack Ward (Scut Farkus) and Yano Anaya (Gover Dill) signing autographs for fans at the Renaissance Hotel meet and greet Thanksgiving weekend.

A bully and his toadie. Zack Ward (Scut Farkus) and Yano Anaya (Gover Dill)

Yano Ayana (Gover Dill) near the stairs inside the house.

Scotty Schwartz (Flick) shaking hands with Brian Jones (Owner of A Christmas Story House) in the living room of the house just before the grand opening.

Ian Petrella (Randy) holds up his original snowsuit from A Christmas Story on display in the museum.

Ian Petrella (Randy) and Jim Morelavitz (Freight Man) reunite after 23 years. Jim took care of Ian on set during the filming and delivered the crate that held the leg lamp during the movie.

Patty Lafontaine and Drew Hocevar (The Evil Elves) at the Renaissance Hotel meet and greet.

Scotty Schwartz (Flick) holding a Bumpus hound puppy.

Scotty Schwartz (Flick) and Tedde Morre (Miss Shield) inside the front door of the house.

A Christmas Story 25th Anniversary
Celebration & Convention Schedule

Presented by

Official Chinese Restaurant of A Christmas Story House

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOV. 28 & 29, 2008

2008 marks the 25th anniversary of the beloved holiday film A Christmas Story. A Christmas Story House and Museum is hosting its fourth annual event to mark the occasion: A Christmas Story 25th Anniversary Celebration and Convention. The convention will feature appearances by eight original cast members (Black Bart, Randy, Flick, Scut Farkus, Grover Dill, Miss Shields, and the two evil elves), the premiere of two documentaries about the movie, rides in the original fire truck from the movie, unveiling of original movie costumes, a bb gun range in the back yard of the house, along with several other events. The celebration will take place Thanksgiving weekend at the Renaissance Cleveland Hoteland coincide with Cleveland’s Winterfest.

The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel is the site for almost all of the celebration and convention events.  For A Christmas Story fans coming from outside downtown Cleveland the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel is offering all-inclusive accommodations packages. Hotel guests get two complementary Ralphie Passes and early access to an exclusive meet and greet with the actors Saturday morning.

Click here for more information

Convention Schedule

click here for printer friendly schedule

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2008
10 AM - 5 PM: A Christmas Story House & Museum open. Tour the house, visit the museum and stop by the gift shop. Also, ride the fire truck from the movie and take your best shot (without shooting your eye out) at the BB gun range in the house’s back yard.
Location: A Christmas Story House.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass; Separately $7.50 Adults, $5.50 Children.

10 AM - 5 PM: Fire truck rides at A Christmas Story House. Ride the original fire truck used in the movie from Flick’s famous tongue-on-the-flagpole scene. Rides begin at A Christmas Story House and travel around the neighborhood. Proceeds benefit the Chippawa Volunteer Fire Department (Niagara Falls, Ontario), which owns and maintains the fire truck.
Location: A Christmas Story House.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass; Separately $5 Adults, $3 Children.

12 PM - 5 PM: Meet actors from A Christmas Story and get their autographs.  Meet Black Bart, Randy, Flick, Scut Farkus, Grover Dill, Miss Shields, and the two Evil Elves.
Location: Ambassador Ballroom of the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass, Separately $10 Adult, $5 Children.  Autograph fees apply.

2 PM: Original Genie Awards unveiling at A Christmas Story Museum. Witness the unveiling the two Genie Awards won by A Christmas Story on public display for the first time ever.  The Genie Award is the Canadian equivalent of the Oscars. The exhibit is on loan from the estate of A Christmas Story Director Bob Clark for 25th Anniversary holiday season only.
Location: Canada Room of A Christmas Story Museum.
Cost: Free with House and Museum admission.

4 PM - 6 PM: Screening of A Christmas Story. Enjoy the movie on the big screen.
Location: Gold Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Free.

7 PM – 9 PM: Premiere of “Shooting Your Eye Out: The Untold ‘Christmas Story’” Join the actors from A Christmas Story for the premiere of this documentary.  Directed by Bill Szark, “The Untold ‘Christmas Story’” is a documentary about the making of “A Christmas Story” and the phenomenon it has become. The documentary includes commentary and insights from the actors about their memories from the making of the movie. DVD copies of the films will be for sale on-site and at A Christmas Story House Gift Shop.
Location: Gold Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass; Separately $7 Adults, $5 Children.

9 PM: Cocktail reception with actors from A Christmas Story immediately following the premiere of “Shooting Your Eye Out:The Untold ‘Christmas Story’.”
Location: Gold Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: $10 per person which includes one free drink per ticket.  Tickets can be purchased at the door.  Two tickets are included with the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel package.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2008
9 AM – 7 PM: A Christmas Story House & Museum open with extended hours. Tour the house, visit the museum and stop by the gift shop. Also, ride the fire truck from the movie and take your best shot (without shooting your eye out) at the BB gun range in the house’s back yard.
Location: A Christmas Story House.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass, Separately $7.50 Adults, $5.50 Children.

10 AM:  Original movie costume exhibits unveiled at A Christmas Story Museum. Exhibits include costumes from the Parker family Christmas Morning and the Black Bart Bandits scene.  These costumes have never been seen by the public and are part of a recently discovered collection thought to have been lost to the ages. These exhibits will be on display through September 30, 2009, when they will rotate out to make room for other costume displays.
Location: A Christmas Story Museum.
Cost: Free with House and Museum admission.

10 AM – 5 PM: Lolly the Trolley’s “Ralphie Express” will provide round-trip transportation between the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel and A Christmas Story House. The trolley departs every half-hour.  Due to limited street parking at A Christmas Story House, attendees are encouraged to park downtown near the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel and take the trolley to the house.
Location: Renaissance Cleveland Hotel main entrance.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass; Separately $7 Adults, $4 Children for round-trip transportation.

10 AM - 4 PM: Fire truck rides at A Christmas Story House.  Ride the original fire truck used in the movie from Flick’s famous tongue-on-the-flagpole scene. Rides begin at A Christmas Story House and travel around the neighborhood. Proceeds benefit the Chippawa Volunteer Fire Department (Niagara Falls, Ontario), which owns and maintains the fire truck.
Location: A Christmas Story House.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass; Separately $5 Adults, $3 Children.

10 AM - 12 PM: Exclusive actor meet-and-greet for Renaissance Cleveland Hotel guests only. Meet actors from the movie and get their autographs. Meet Black Bart, Randy, Flick, Scut Farkus, Grover Dill, Miss Shields, and the two Evil Elves. (The meet-and-greet opens to the general public at 12 PM.)
Location: Ambassador Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Included in Hotel Package open to Hotel Guests only. Autograph fees apply.

10 AM -11:30 AM: Speakers Series - Session #1. Find out what REALLY happened behind the scenes of A Christmas Story. Hear from guest speakers who share their special stories about the making of the movie. To join the sessions, you must have a Ralphie Pass that gets you into all the weekend’s events. Ralphie Passes can be purchased online.
- A Christmas Story Class Reunion - a panel discussion with several of Ralphie’s grown-up classmates. Find out what happened when Hollywood came calling at an ordinary elementary school and the students were cast as extras and paid $1 a day for their work. Hear how A Christmas Story changed their lives and what they’re doing now.
- A Christmas Story Production Panel - a panel session featuring Jim Moralevitz, who delivered the leg lamp crate to the Old Man and looked after Peter Billingsley (Ralphie) on set and still lives a few doors down from A Christmas Story House,  Julie Matthews, who cast all the supporting roles, Carl Zitter & Paul Zaza, who composed the score and music, and Dwayne Mclean (Black Bart), who coordinated all the stunts.
- The speaker series is organized and moderated by Tyler Schwartz and Jordie Smits, the experts (and mega fans) on all the Canadian location shoots for A Christmas Story.
Location: Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Ralphie Pass holders only, no separate admissions will be sold.

10 AM – 11:30 AM: Second Screening of “Shooting Your Eye Out: The Untold ‘Christmas Story’” Directed by Bill Szark, “The Untold ‘Christmas Story’” is a documentary about the making of “A Christmas Story” and the phenomenon it has become. The documentary includes commentary and insights from the actors about their memories from the making of the movie. DVD copies of the films will be for sale on-site and at A Christmas Story House Gift Shop.
Location: Gold Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass; Separately $7 Adults, $5 Children.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: A Christmas Story The Musical Preview - A Christmas Story is being made into a Broadway musical.  Be the first to find out the production details, cast introductions, and hear a reading from the script by producer Gerald Goehring and several members of the creative team.
Location: Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Ralphie Pass holders only, no separate admissions will be sold.

12 PM - 6 PM: Meet actors from “A Christmas Story” and get their autographs. Meet Black Bart, Randy, Flick, Scut Farkus, Grover Dill, Miss Shields, and the two Evil Elves.
Location: Ambassador Ballroom of the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass; Separately $10 Adult, $5 Children. Autograph fees apply.

1 PM – 2:30 PM: Speakers Series - Session #2. Find out what REALLY happened behind the scenes of A Christmas Story. Hear from guest speakers who share their special stories about the making of the movie. To join the sessions, you must have a Ralphie Pass that gets you into all the weekend’s events. Ralphie Passes can be purchased online.
- A Christmas Story Class Reunion - a panel discussion with several of Ralphie’s grown-up classmates. Find out what happened when Hollywood came calling at an ordinary elementary school and the students were cast as extras and paid $1 a day for their work. Hear how A Christmas Story changed their lives and what they’re doing now.
- A Christmas Story Production Panel - a panel session featuring Jim Moralevitz, who delivered the leg lamp crate to the Old Man and looked after Peter Billingsley (Ralphie) on set and still lives a few doors down from A Christmas Story House,  Julie Matthews, who cast all the supporting roles, Carl Zitter & Paul Zaza, who composed the score and music, and Dwayne Mclean (Black Bart), who coordinated all the stunts.
- The speaker series is organized and moderated by Tyler Schwartz and Jordie Smits, the experts (and mega fans) on all the Canadian location shoots for A Christmas Story.
Location: Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Ralphie Pass holders only, no separate admissions will be sold.

2:30 PM - 4 PM: Premiere of “Road Trip for Ralphie” A Documentary produced by two mega-fans of A Christmas Story that set out to find all of the film’s shooting locations. During an adventure spanning two years and two countries, they uncover forgotten facts, discover little-known shooting locations and recover long-lost memorabilia including the costumes unveiled convention weekend.
Location: Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass; Separately $7 Adults, $5 Children.

4 PM: Character look-a-like contest. Dress up as your favorite A Christmas Story character.  The constest is moderated by Canadian mega-fans Tyler Schwartz and Jordie Smits.  The winner of the contest will get to be a part of the Winterfest Parade and ride with the actors in the fire truck from the movie.  Other prizes will also be given out.
Location: Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Free.

4:30 PM – 6 PM: Final Screening of “Shooting Your Eye Out: The Untold ‘Christmas Story’” Directed by Bill Szark, “The Untold ‘Christmas Story’” is a documentary about the making of “A Christmas Story” and the phenomenon it has become. The documentary includes commentary and insights from the actors about their memories from the making of the movie. DVD copies of the films will be for sale on-site and at A Christmas Story House Gift Shop.
Location: Gold Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Included with Ralphie Pass; Separately $7 Adults, $5 Children.

5 PM: Last trip of the “Ralphie Express”. The last Lolly the Trolley trip departs A Christmas Story House for the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. BB-gun range in the back yard of A Christmas Story House closes

6 PM - 7:30 PM: Screening of A Christmas Story. Enjoy the movie on the big screen.
Location: Gold Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: Free.

6 PM: Winterfest! Get into the holiday spirit with the tree lighting ceremony, parade, and fireworks show. The Winterfest parade will feature the actors riding in the fire truck from the movie.  The parade and other events take place right on Public Square in front of the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. Enjoy the parade while standing right in front of the Higbee’s Building (also on Public Square) just like the Parker family did in A Christmas Story.
Location: Public Square.
Cost: Free.

7 PM: A Christmas Story House & Museum closes for the day.

8 PM - 11 PM: Premiere of ClarkWORLD documentary by ClarkWorld Films about the life and works of A Christmas Story director Bob Clark.  Proceeds from ticket sales will go to support the local Cleveland chapter of MADD. The movie features many of the people that worked closely with Bob Clark over the years, including Kim Cattrall, Denise Richards, Jon Voight, Scott Baio, Peter Billingsley, Dom DeLuise, and many others! Also on public display for the first time ever will be the two Genie Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Oscars) won by A Christmas Story.
Location: Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Cost: $5 Adults, $3 Children and please bring a new unwrapped toy for the Marine Corps. Toys for Tots drive and receive a free popcorn. Priority up front seating will be given to all Ralphie Pass holders but they must still pay admission.  VIP tables are also available and can be purchased online in our gift shop. All proceeds go to support the local Cleveland chapter of MADD.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2008
12 NOON - 5 PM: A Christmas Story House & Museum open. Tour the house, visit the museum and stop by the gift shop. Also, take your best shot (without shooting your eye out) at the BB gun range in the house’s back yard.
Location: A Christmas Story House.
Cost: $7.50 Adults, $5.50 Children.

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