A Christmas Story

I watched a movie called A Christmas Story, directed by Bob Clark, released in 1983. It stars Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillion, and Ian Petrella. It is based on short stories and semi fictional stories of author Jean Shepard. It is the story of a boy named Ralphie, played by Peter Billingsley, who wants one thing for Christmas: Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and "this thing which tells time". He is scoffed at and denied by everyone who asks what he wants for Christmas, as they put it, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” There are multiple subplots happening in the movie as well. It is a story told from a child point of view, so much so that the parents of Ralphie, played by Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin are referred to throughout the movie as “Mom” and “The Old Man”, even in the credits. It also represents a more innocent time circa the 1940’s though there is no pinpoint time expressed in the film.

I grew up watching this movie, like many of my generation. It was one of the first Christmas movies that I actually remember most likely because it was about a child and his rampant want of a certain gift. I don’t remember being that way as a kid but those memories are fuzzy to say the least. This movie has a really easy style that is all of its own because it’s a simple plot and all the action seems real enough to keep you compelled, unlike most movies about kids. Just about every person can relate to the high and lows of being a kid and this movie represents that in a funny and somewhat serious manner, but not too serious.
The movie now has taken a life of its own since its release. In more recent years, there have been marathons for 24 hours on one channel showing it during Christmas, much like another film that features Christmas, the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Frank Capra, released in 1946. Not many films can boast that many of the set pieces, such as the leg lamp the Old Man won becoming an actual lamp you can purchase or Ralphie’s house that was used for the movie became a museum where people pilgrimage yearly. There has even been a stage adaptation. That is pretty amazing when you think about it. That’s how movies can affect people when they are done right.

If you haven’t seen this movie, you should. It may not appeal to everyone however; give it a chance because I am sure at least one thing will resonate with you.