A Christmas Story Filmed: Behind The Scenes Look

Christmas is a time for nostalgia, and one of the most beloved holiday classics is "A Christmas Story," directed by Bob Clark and released in 1983. The film is set in the 1940s and is based on semi-fictional stories by Jean Shepherd, who also narrates the movie. The story follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker, who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

"A Christmas Story" has become a staple of holiday programming, and its popularity endures to this day. But have you ever wondered what went on behind the scenes of this beloved film? From the casting process to the filming locations, here's a look at the making of "A Christmas Story."

Casting and Character Development

The casting process for "A Christmas Story" was a lengthy one, with the filmmakers searching for the perfect actors to play the main characters. For the role of Ralphie Parker, the filmmakers chose Peter Billingsley, who was just 12 years old at the time of filming. Billingsley had previously appeared in a number of television shows and commercials, and he brought a youthful energy to the role of Ralphie.

The role of Ralphie's father, the Old Man, was played by Darren McGavin, a veteran actor with a long history of film and television appearances. McGavin brought a gruff but lovable presence to the role, and his character's cantankerous personality added much of the humor to the film.

The Casting of Ralphie's Family

The rest of Ralphie's family was played by a talented group of actors, including Melinda Dillon as Ralphie's mother and Ian Petrella as Ralphie's little brother Randy. Petrella was just 8 years old when filming began, and he had to endure hours of wearing a snowsuit and being dragged around in a sled.

Filming Locations

The majority of "A Christmas Story" was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, with some additional scenes shot in Toronto, Canada. The filmmakers chose Cleveland for its nostalgic charm and its ability to evoke a sense of 1940s America.

The Parker family's home was actually a real house in Cleveland, which has since become a museum dedicated to the film. Visitors can tour the house and see many of the original props and costumes from the movie.

The School and the Department Store

The school scenes in "A Christmas Story" were filmed at Victoria School in Cleveland, while the department store scenes were filmed at Higbee's Department Store, also in Cleveland. Higbee's was a real department store that had been in operation since 1866, and it was chosen for its nostalgic charm and its large size.

The Leg Lamp and Other Iconic Props

One of the most iconic props in "A Christmas Story" is the Leg Lamp, which Ralphie's father wins in a contest. The lamp was actually a real prop, and it has since become a symbol of the film.

Other iconic props from the film include Ralphie's Red Ryder BB gun, which was actually a real gun, and the Ovaltine decoder ring, which was a real promotional item from the 1940s.

The Special Effects

The special effects in "A Christmas Story" were relatively simple, but they added much to the film's nostalgic charm. The filmmakers used a combination of matte paintings, miniatures, and live-action footage to create the film's snowy landscapes and festive atmosphere.

The Music and Soundtrack

The music in "A Christmas Story" is a key part of the film's nostalgic charm, with a combination of period-specific songs and a sweeping orchestral score. The soundtrack was composed by Paul Zaza, who also worked on a number of other films and television shows.

The film's score is notable for its use of nostalgic melodies and instrumentation, including a prominent use of the piano and a full orchestra.

The Impact and Legacy

"A Christmas Story" has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with its nostalgic charm and humor continuing to delight audiences to this day. The film has been named as one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time by a number of publications, and it continues to be a staple of holiday programming.

In conclusion, "A Christmas Story" is a beloved holiday classic that continues to delight audiences with its nostalgic charm and humor. From the casting process to the filming locations and special effects, the making of the film is a fascinating story that adds to its enduring appeal.

We hope you've enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at "A Christmas Story." Let us know in the comments below what your favorite holiday movie is and why you love it. Don't forget to share this article with your friends and family who love "A Christmas Story" as much as you do!