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 Cleveland neighborhood of Tremont.
This year, “A Christmas Story” celebrates 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 on Public Square, and reveling in the pure nostalgia it produces. Today, the House from A Christmas Story stands as a beloved attraction year-round, for visitors and locals alike.
Tremont’s Major Award
Yes, the house in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood that served as Ralphie’s on-screen home still stands and then some. This exact replica was renovated years ago as a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to relive their favorite moments from the movie, 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 lie 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 of which are available as replicas in the shop.
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,” 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.
A Special Celebration
A once-in-a-lifetime anniversary calls for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and Cleveland sure loves a party. For the first time since the filming of “A Christmas Story” 40 years ago, Peter Billingsley – Ralphie himself – will reunite with his former castmates at the Film Commission’s Behind the Camera: “A Christmas Story” Official 40th Anniversary at Cleveland Public Auditorium Nov. 10 – 12.
Grab your tickets to see Billingsley and company tell behind the scenes stories in a panel hosted by none other than current “TODAY Show” standby – and former WKYC Cleveland weatherman – Al Roker, before roaming the Cast Expo for autographs and photo ops with actors from the film. In addition, they’ve partnered with the beloved annual Cleveland Christmas Run for this year's virtual run, as well as a special Film in CLE bus tour running all day Saturday courtesy of Funny Bus Cleveland.
“A Christmas Story” is a cherished holiday memory for many, not just Clevelanders. So come remember holidays past and create new memories for the future commemorating 40 years of festive fun with Ralphie and friends in the place where it all began.