Peace, Harmony, Comfort and Joy… Maybe Next Year.|Nov. 18, 1983|United States|93 Min.|PG
Genre: Comedy;Family
Description: The 1983 film “A Christmas Story” is a nostalgic tale presented through a series of vignettes, narrated by the adult Ralphie Parker as he recalls a memorable Christmas from his childhood. At nine years old, Ralphie’s only wish was to receive a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. However, his dream is met with resistance from his mother, his teacher Miss Shields, and even Santa Claus at Higbee’s department store, all cautioning him with the same phrase: “You’ll shoot your eye out.”
On Christmas morning, Ralphie opens several gifts but is disheartened when the air rifle isn’t among them. Just as he thinks all the presents are unwrapped, his father, known as “The Old Man,” points him to a hidden box in the corner. To Ralphie’s delight, it contains the coveted rifle. Eager to test it, he sets up a target in the backyard, but when he fires, the BB ricochets and hits him in the face. Initially fearing he’s lost his eye, Ralphie soon realizes he’s only knocked off his glasses. While searching for them in the snow, he accidentally steps on and breaks them. He convinces his mother that an icicle caused the damage, and she believes his story. That night, Ralphie sleeps with the rifle beside him, reflecting in adulthood that it was the best Christmas gift he ever received.
In a subplot, Ralphie’s father wins a “major award” in a contest—a tacky table lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in fishnet stockings. While the Old Man is thrilled, Mrs. Parker disapproves. This leads to the “Battle of the Lamp,” which culminates in Mrs. Parker accidentally destroying it, leaving her husband furious.
The film captures the humor and heartache of childhood desires and family dynamics, making it a beloved holiday classic.
Cast director: Bob Clark
Cast actor: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Jean Shepherd, Ian Petrella, Scott Schwartz, R.D. Robb, Zack Ward, Yano Anaya, Tedde Moore
Original name: A Christmas Story