50 Fun Facts About A Christmas Story

In what year was the classic holiday film 'A Christmas Story' originally released?

A Christmas Story was released by MGM/UA Entertainment Co. on November 18, 1983, and has since become a beloved holiday classic.

Who directed the iconic film 'A Christmas Story'?

The film 'A Christmas Story' was directed by Bob Clark, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

What is the name of the main character who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas?

The film follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker, who dreams of receiving a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle.

What is the 'major award' that Ralphie's Old Man wins in a newspaper contest?

The Old Man wins a 'major award' in a newspaper contest, which turns out to be a table lamp in the shape of a woman's leg wearing a fishnet stocking.

What is the famous warning Ralphie consistently receives about his desired Christmas gift?

Throughout the film, Ralphie is repeatedly warned by his mother, teacher, and even Santa, 'You'll shoot your eye out!' when he expresses his wish for a BB gun.

What kind of dare does Schwartz give Flick, leading to Flick getting his tongue stuck to a flagpole?

Flick gets his tongue stuck to a frozen flagpole after Schwartz issues a 'triple dog dare,' which, according to Ralphie, is the most serious of dares.

What type of animal are the neighbors' numerous, noisy dogs that constantly bother the Parker family?

The Parker family is frequently tormented by a pack of 'smelly hound dogs' owned by their hillbilly neighbors, the Bumpus family.

Where does the Parker family go for Christmas dinner after their own turkey is ruined?

After the Bumpus hounds devour their Christmas turkey, the Old Man takes the family to a Chinese restaurant for Christmas dinner.

What kind of soap does Ralphie's mother use to wash his mouth out after he curses?

After Ralphie accidentally curses, his mother punishes him by washing his mouth out with a bar of Lifebuoy soap.

What embarrassing gift does Ralphie receive from his Aunt Clara?

Aunt Clara sends Ralphie a very memorable, though unwanted, gift: a handmade pink bunny pajama suit.

What is the name of Ralphie's younger brother?

Ralphie's younger brother, Randy, is known for his memorable lines and struggles with eating.

What item does Ralphie hide his Red Ryder BB gun in when he first gets it?

On Christmas morning, Ralphie's father directs him to one last box hidden in the corner, which contains his coveted Red Ryder BB gun.

What is the name of the department store where Ralphie and Randy visit Santa?

Ralphie and Randy visit Santa at Higbee's Department Store in downtown Cleveland, which was a real department store used for filming.

What is the name of the main bully who torments Ralphie and his friends?

Ralphie and his friends are tormented by the neighborhood bully, Scut Farkus, who is identifiable by his coonskin cap and yellow eyes.

What does Randy famously say while bundled up in his winter clothes?

Randy, heavily bundled in his snowsuit, famously exclaims, 'I can't put my arms down!'

What is the name of Ralphie's school teacher?

Ralphie's teacher, Miss Shields, is another adult who tells him 'You'll shoot your eye out!' when he writes about the BB gun in his essay.

What is the name of the adult narrator, who is also the author of the stories the film is based on?

The film is based on the short stories of author Jean Shepherd, who also provides the narration as the adult Ralphie Parker.

What does Ralphie imagine doing to Scut Farkus after finally snapping?

After enduring constant torment, Ralphie finally snaps and unleashes a furious barrage of punches on Scut Farkus.

What does Ralphie say he wants for Christmas when his mind goes blank in front of Santa?

When Ralphie's mind goes blank in front of Santa, he accidentally blurts out 'a football' instead of his desired BB gun.

The fictional town of 'Hohman, Indiana' where the story is set is inspired by what real Indiana city?

The fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, is based on the real city of Hammond, Indiana, where author Jean Shepherd grew up.

What object is used to safely create the illusion of Flick's tongue sticking to the flagpole?

For the scene where Flick's tongue sticks to the flagpole, a hidden suction tube was used to safely create the illusion.

What does the Old Man repeatedly battle in the basement throughout the film?

The Old Man is continually seen battling the unreliable household furnace, often resulting in colorful (though gibberish) outbursts of profanity.

What magazine does Ralphie find the Red Ryder BB gun advertisement in?

Ralphie discovers the advertisement for his desired Red Ryder BB gun in a publication referred to as 'Boy's Life' in the film.

What is the full, elaborate name of the BB gun Ralphie desires?

Ralphie's ultimate Christmas wish is an 'Official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock, and 'this thing which tells time'.

What happens to Ralphie's glasses after he first tries out his BB gun?

When Ralphie shoots at a metal target, the BB ricochets and knocks off his glasses, which he then accidentally steps on and breaks.

What is the name of Scut Farkus's sidekick?

Scut Farkus is usually accompanied by his timid but equally menacing sidekick, Grover Dill.

What radio program does Ralphie listen to to get his secret decoder ring?

Ralphie earns a decoder pin as a loyal listener to the Little Orphan Annie radio show.

What is Ralphie's father, 'The Old Man,' also known for besides his 'major award'?

The Old Man is famous for his ongoing, often profane, battles with the family's cantankerous basement furnace.

What is the primary setting of the Parker family home in the movie?

The Parker family home is depicted as a typical suburban house, with exterior shots filmed in the Tremont section of Cleveland, Ohio.

What language do the Chinese restaurant staff sing 'Deck the Halls' in?

The Chinese restaurant staff sing 'Deck the Halls' in English, but with a distinct, exaggerated accent, adding to the film's humor.

What does Ralphie imagine himself as when he successfully defends his family with the BB gun?

Ralphie's daydreams often involve him as a heroic cowboy, saving his family from various perils with his Red Ryder BB gun.

What is the name of the actor who played Ralphie Parker?

The role of Ralphie Parker was famously played by Peter Billingsley.

What is the Old Man's reaction when the leg lamp is 'accidentally' broken by the Mother?

The Old Man reacts with furious despair when his beloved leg lamp is broken, attempting to glue it back together.

What is the name of Ralphie's friend who dares Flick to stick his tongue to the pole?

Schwartz is the friend who issues the 'triple dog dare' to Flick, leading to the infamous flagpole incident.

What is the Christmas present Ralphie initially unwraps that he thinks is his BB gun, but isn't?

Among his Christmas presents, Ralphie unwraps a toy airplane, which momentarily disappoints him as it's not the BB gun.

What is the 'cover story' Ralphie invents after breaking his glasses?

Ralphie makes up a story about an icicle falling from the garage roof and hitting his eye, which fools his mother.

What does Randy do under the kitchen sink to avoid eating his dinner?

Randy, a notoriously picky eater, sometimes hides under the kitchen sink and pretends to be a pig to avoid eating his food.

What is the name of the book by Jean Shepherd that the film is primarily based on?

The film is primarily based on Jean Shepherd's 1966 book 'In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash,' with elements from another of his works.

Which actor played The Old Man, Ralphie's father?

The Old Man, Ralphie's father, was played by the acclaimed actor Darren McGavin. Director Bob Clark was very grateful to have him in the role.

What does the Old Man mutter when he sees the 'Fra-gee-lay' label on his major award box?

Upon seeing the 'Fra-gee-lay' label, the Old Man famously misinterprets it, exclaiming, 'Aaah! 'Fra-GEE-lee!' It must be Italian!'

What is the final Christmas gift Ralphie receives, fulfilling his ultimate wish?

Despite all the warnings, Ralphie's father surprises him on Christmas morning with his cherished Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle.

What is the name of the elementary school Ralphie attends?

Ralphie attends Warren G. Harding Elementary School, a detail that grounds the fictional setting in real-world references from Jean Shepherd's childhood.

What is the name of the actress who played Ralphie's Mother?

Ralphie's empathetic and understanding mother was played by Melinda Dillon.

What is the Old Man's initial hope for what his 'major award' might be?

The Old Man expresses a desire for his 'major award' to be a bowling alley, showing his longing for a grand prize.

In what Canadian city were some of the exterior scenes and soundstage interiors filmed?

While many exterior shots were in Cleveland, Ohio, some of the filming, including soundstage interiors and certain exterior scenes, took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

What is the brand of the famous Red Ryder BB gun?

The highly coveted BB gun is a Daisy Red Ryder, a specific model that has become synonymous with the film.

What is the last gift Ralphie opens on Christmas morning?

Ralphie's father cleverly hides the Red Ryder BB gun as the very last present for Ralphie to open on Christmas morning, after he's seemingly received all his gifts.

What does Ralphie fantasize about his school essay on the BB gun receiving?

Ralphie is convinced his essay is pure poetry and that the 'A+' grade it will receive will change his mother's mind about the BB gun.

What is the phrase the Old Man uses to describe the leg lamp when he first unboxes it?

The Old Man proudly declares the leg lamp 'It's a major award!' after unboxing it.

What does Ralphie accidentally drop while helping his father change a tire?

While assisting his father with a flat tire, Ralphie accidentally drops all the lug nuts, leading to his infamous outburst.