A Christmas Story & its Canadian connection. Premiered on this day in 1983.

"A Christmas Story" is a beloved American Christmas comedy film released in 1983, directed by Bob Clark and based on the short stories and semi-fictional anecdotes of author and radio personality Jean Shepherd, primarily from his book "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash."

Filmed in both the US and in Toronto Canada.

This is the story of the Canadian connection to this classic film.

Here are some key aspects of the movie: ### Plot: The story is set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana. It follows the young Ralphie Parker, played by Peter Billingsley, over the course of several weeks leading up to Christmas. Ralphie's main wish is to receive a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, despite warnings from adults that he'll "shoot his eye out." ### Key Elements: - **The Red Ryder BB Gun:** This is central to the plot, with Ralphie's repeated attempts to convince his parents, his teacher, and even Santa Claus that he should get this gift. - **Memorable Scenes:** - **The Leg Lamp:** Ralphie's father wins a "major award" - a lamp shaped like a woman's leg in fishnet stockings, which becomes a significant and humorous point of contention in the household. - **The Tongue Stuck to the Flagpole:** A dare gone wrong where one of Ralphie's friends gets his tongue stuck to a frozen flagpole. - **Ralphie's Fantasy Sequences:** These scenes show his imagination running wild with scenarios where he uses the BB gun to save the day or exact revenge. - **Cultural Impact:** - The film has gained a cult following and is now a staple in American holiday viewing. It's often played on a 24-hour loop starting Christmas Eve on some TV channels. - Iconic phrases from the movie like "You'll shoot your eye out!" have entered popular culture. - **Characters:** - Ralphie Parker - The protagonist, portrayed as both dreamy and scheming in his quest for the BB gun. - The Old Man (Ralphie's father) - Played by Darren McGavin, he's depicted as both gruff and endearing, especially in his pride over the leg lamp. - Mother Parker - Played by Melinda Dillon, she is the more reasonable and protective figure in the family. - **Themes:** - The innocence of childhood, the magic of Christmas, the dynamics of family life, and the humorous side of holiday mishaps. - **Legacy:** - "A Christmas Story" has inspired sequels, merchandise, and even a Broadway musical. This movie captures the nostalgia of the holiday season through the lens of humor and heart, making it a perennial favorite for many during Christmas time.