"Only one thing in the world could've dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window..."
-Ralphie Parker
It's been 25 years since Ralphie and the Parker family first made their way into theaters and moviegoers hearts. Curiously enough "A Christmas Story" was not a financial hit during its initial theatrical release. Far from it actually. Over the past two decades multiple broadcasts of the film during the holiday season have turned it into a Holiday tradition, just like it happened with "It's a Wonderful Life" many decades earlier. This weekend, about 4,000 people are expected to visit a convention celebrating the film's 25th anniversary in Tremont, Cleveland -- where the Parker family house still stands. The event will feature actors who starred in the movie, screenings of three documentaries about the film and the original 1938 fire truck that drove to the rescue in the tongue-frozen-to-the-flagpole scene.
The original fire truck used in "A Christmas Story," a 1938 Ford La France pump truck, gives movie fans a ride around the Tremont neighborhood Friday.
The story of Ralphie and his longing for the perfect gift (an official Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock) has become a staple of the Holiday season for countless families. It wouldn't be Christmas time without at least one viewing of the film. Many of us love watching the film so much we leave the TV tuned to TBS all day long during Christmas day when the cable network plays the film for 24 hours non stop. To celebrate the 25th anniversary TNT will be airing the film this coming Wednesday and Warner home video has released a DVD box set filled with goodies like a recipe book and cookie cutters, as well as a Blu-Ray edition with a bonus string of lights in the shape of the notorious Leg lamp.
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.
Also this holiday season a lucky fan and his, or her family can spend Christmas eve and morning at the Parker home thanks to a special auction through Ebay Giving Works, with all the proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Charity Project. Be sure to visit us later this weekend for our complete guide to the best gifts for the "A Christmas Story" fan on your list this holiday season.
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