'Christmas Story' warm, beloved holiday classic (RE-WATCH)

‘A Christmas Story’ is one of the most beloved Christmas movies ever released. Despite it being a modest success during its initial run, this 1983 holiday feature ultimately gained huge popularity, especially when a few networks started airing the movie for 24 hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Now, you can see Ralphie Parker trying to get that Red Ryder BB gun at the Dietrich during its festive ‘12 Movies of Christmas’ festival.

Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday classic follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a Red Ryder air rifle.

Frequently at odds with his cranky dad but comforted by his doting mother, Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his gloves and hopes intact.

No matter how many times you have seen this timeless holiday classic over the years, it never gets old. ‘A Christmas Story’ delivers a lot of memorable and humorous moments that the whole family will surely enjoy. Throughout this hilarious movie, there are numerous parts that really stand out.

The iconic holiday feature can also be both heart-warming and nostalgic. Everyone who grew up watching this movie during every Christmas will always remember most of the lines and the scenes that are featured. Some of the stand out moments include Ralphie’s dad (which are quite humorous) and his battles with the furnace.

This must-see holiday favorite is one you really do not want to miss during the 12 Movies of Christmas festival at the Dietrich. Filled with hysterical gags, lots of laughs and good old-fashioned holiday fun, ‘A Christmas Story’ is a classic that will always be shown and loved for generations to come.

The cast includes: Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker; Melinda Dillon as Mother Parker; Darren McGavin as The Old Man Parker; Scott Schwartz as Flick; R.D. Robb as Schwartz; Zack Ward as Scut Farkus; Ian Petrella as Randy and Tedde Moore as Miss Shields.

'A Christmas Story’ is written by Jean Shepherd (also wrote the novel ‘In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash’ which the movie is based on), Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and the movie is also directed by Clark (whose last movie was ‘Baby Geniuses’).

The beloved holiday classic is based on material from author Jean Shepherd’s collection of short stories, ‘In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash.’ Three of the semi-autobiographical short stories were originally published in “Playboy” magazine between 1965 and 1966. Actor Darren McGavin ad-libbed the profane rants while fighting with the furnace. He said he speaks gibberish the entire time because it was almost impossible for him to ad-lib angry words without actual profanity. He did this to ensure a “PG” rating.

While the filmmakers were casting the movie, it has been said that Jack Nicholson was given the script and was very much interested in the role of Mr. Parker, “The Old Man.” In 2012, the 1983 film was added to the National Film Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress.

‘A Christmas Story’ was released a week before Thanksgiving 1983 to moderate success and by Christmas that year, the movie was no longer playing at most venues. The movie eventually played in more theaters until January 1984. Over the years, the movie’s critical reputation has grown considerably and it’s regarded by some as both one of the best films of 1983 and one of the best Christmas films ever.

‘A Christmas Story’ is rated PG and has a running time of 93 minutes.

https://youtu.be/cfjEZ88NHBw