40 Years of "A Christmas Story" in Cleveland
A Milestone Holiday Season for a CLE Institution
Back in the early 1980s, producers of the classic holiday film "A Christmas Story" — based on a story written by author Jean Shepherd — were seeking filming locations for what was supposed to look like an Indiana steel town in the 1940s. They found their answer in a home located in the Tremont neighborhood in Cleveland.
In 2023, “A Christmas Story” celebrated its 40th anniversary, and this city couldn’t be more proud. Clevelanders watch every year for glimpses of the city that was, pointing out relatives lucky enough to act as extras in scenes at the historic Higbee Building or in Public Square and reveling in the pure nostalgia. Today, the House from A Christmas Story stands as a beloved attraction year-round, for visitors and locals.
Tremont’s Major Award
The house that served as Ralphie’s on-screen home still stands in the Tremont neighborhood. The exact replica was renovated years ago as a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to experience their favorite moments from the movie in real life, whether you’re crawling under the sink because “Daddy’s gonna kill Ralphie”, admiring the “soft glow of electric sex” gleaming from the famous leg lamp or spending the night in the house with your family to re-enact Christmas morning. Across the street you'll find a gift shop and museum, showcasing original props and costumes like the original leg lamp, Ralphie’s pink bunny suit and Red Ryder BB gun, all with replicas available for purchase.
Filmed In CLE
Believe it or not, Cleveland has a long history of film production dating back to the 60s. However, recent successes like “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “ Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Judas and the Black Messiah,” and of course the new "Superman" movie just to name a few, are due largely in part to the advocacy and attraction work of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, who provided us with five little known facts about filming “A Christmas Story” right here in The Land:
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The film sent location scouts to 20 different cities before selecting Cleveland, which was selected largely because of the Higbee Building’s display window, which now houses JACK Cleveland Casino.
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Jack Nicholson was originally offered the part of Mr. Parker but, due to budget concerns, Director Bob Clark lobbied for Darren McGavin, who ended up working with Clark on a few films.
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Director Bob Clark was known for his horror film “Black Christmas” and the raunchy teen comedy hit “Porky's” before making this family-friendly holiday classic.
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Scott Schwartz, who played Ralphie’s friend Flick, didn't really have his tongue stuck to a pole. The prop people wrapped plastic around the pole and placed a hole in it in which a suction tube could give the illusion his tongue was stuck.
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While it was not a box office hit, it made its budget back and then some with the help of cable airings on HBO and the now annual 24-hour marathons on TNT and TBS each holiday season, becoming the cult classic it is today.
While You're Here...
Once you've maxed out everyone's patience with “A Christmas Story” quotes, reward yourself (and give your companions a break) with a visit to The Rowley Inn — just a quick one-minute walk away. This cozy spot was the cast’s go-to hangout during filming, so channel your inner Ralphie and kick back with some grub. And hey, while you’re in Tremont, don’t stop there. The historic neighborhood has plenty of other gems to explore. Just maybe save the “triple dog dares” for later.
