The dad is the best in this movie. He shows real love throughout the movie. Ralphie asks, mom, tells teacher, and asks Santa for the BB gun. He never asked dad, but Dad was listening the entire time and was so excited to be able give his kid something he really wanted.
I love that when he sends Ralphie to the car after his son says/not says “Fudge,” just before the camera cuts away from him, you see he is just starting to smile. Such an honest parental reaction to something as universal as a little kid swearing.
@@emperorconstantine1.361 dad was the quiet unsung hero throughout the movie. I always liked the part when ralphie was whining about seeing Santa during the Christmas parade and dad tells him to shut up. It weirdly shows respect for ralphie as he is literally not talking down to him.
I think that’s what makes the alleged actual Annabelle doll more unnerving. It’s not some outwardly creepy porcelain doll, but rather just a plain, unassuming, and very common Raggedy Ann cloth doll that any kid might have.
The creepy "Annabelle" dolls came from an old children's book and was called Raggedy Ann. They were mass produced but made to look handmade. Thanks for another great video 👍👍👍
There are few stories that capture the experience of childhood as authentically as this. And the way it juxtaposes the child accurate experience with the language of an educated adult Ralphie is brilliant.
"That's me when I buy a new lamp" It's great that a movie from the 80's, set in the 40's. still has relatable content in it. Thank you for watching this gem of a film Aria! :)
The movie is based on writings of a guy named Jean Shepherd - and you can see him in the movie. He was the guy who told Ralphie to go to the end of the line in the department store. (And it is his voice as the adult Ralphie narrating the story.)
“What kind of punishment is that?” Soap in the mouth used to be a common form of punishment when parents caught their kids saying “the big one”. The same thing happened to one of my parents a couple times.
My brother got his mouth washed out with soap by our babysitter one time & he was only repeating what another kid had said. My mom was pissed. I’m pretty sure that was the last time my mom ever took us there to be babysat.
Haha, I'm 36, my mom did it to us a couple times for swearing when we were old enough to know better. It's a pretty good punishment since you remember it.
Ralph and Randy's house was a real house, not a movie set. The house is in Cleveland Ohio and it's now a tourist destination and it is preserved just exactly as it looks in the movie. Thank you for your wonderful reaction!
In the U.S. there's a TV station that will show this movie on a continuous loop all day long around Christmas time, so it's safe to say I've seen it (or parts of it) countless times - and still I enjoyed it all over again seeing your genuine and beautiful reactions watching it for the first time!
That station is in Cleveland, Ohio were the movie was filmed. The movie is continuously run for 24 hours, starting on Christmas Eve. The house still exists today as a B&B.
It brought me great joy seeing you enjoy this gem of a movie so much. Watching this movie became a family tradition because it never failed to put us in a good mood. It had a lot of nostalgia for my parents because the time period the movie takes place in was the same time as my parents childhood. They remember the furniture's look, the messy electric outlets and just the general feel of the time. Years later when my dad was in his 60s, I got him a small Leg Lamp as a Christmas gift which got a laugh out of every one that saw it. My brother got my mom an Official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle one year which made her so happy. My mother was a country girl at heart and remembers learning to shoot from her father that had passed decades earlier. We set up a little shooting gallery and we all took turns with the air rifle...and no one shot there eye out.
The movie is almost universally-relatable, which I think is what makes it so popular. All of Ralph's imaginary flights of fancy are something every kid experiences at that age, and most of us still do from time-to-time, as adults.
This movie is very cult classic and my mom loves watching this every year during the holidays. Here in US they air this movie on 2 channels 24 hours from Christmas eve to Christmas night. There was a so call 2nd movie that was made around the 2000s, don't remember the year but no one from the first movie had any involvement with that movie and it was a direct to video kind. It's very bad and very forgotten. Though last year there is an actual sequel call a Christmas story Christmas and the original actor that play Ralph came back to play him and takes place decades later where he's a father and has kids. Though I don't want to say much if you ever decide to watch it. I will say the only people that didn't come back was his parents. The old man actor long passed away and the mother was long retired and passed earlier this year. But yeah this is a movie that has to be watch every year for the holidays and never get tired of it and glad you enjoy it.
I mostly love your gorgeous and funny reaction to my most favorite Christmas movie of the world!! You look so gorgeous and so adorable with that Cute dress you got on. Great job Aria!! 😘🌹❤️💐🌺🌸
When I saw you were going to react to this movie I clicked on it in half a second. I felt sure you would fall in love with all the characters in this 1940s world. Ralphie narrates the story as he saw it as a child so we see his world from a child's view. Dad's going to be mad, we see it as 'be destroyed', the exaggerated school stuff and the great daydreams, a friendly Santa and his elves being terrifying. No wonder we all feel nostalgic because we've all been there in some way. I loved your reaction, watching the joy on your face, the sparkle in your eyes and such rich laughter. Aria, that was so much fun, thanks for bringing us along. ❤
The Annabelle doll was always just a Raggedy Ann doll, a popular character that was around as a common doll and even as a cartoon character for a long time before the case of the "possessed doll."
A Christmas Story tends to bring out the best in people everywhere. Christmas is not universal, of course. But the feelings about family and growing up are universal, I think. In case you're wondering how Flick's tongue was stuck to a pipe, a hole was drilled for a hose which had suction to create the effect. It was totally believable, to say the least.
This was such a fun reaction. It’s always great when a reactor really understands this film. As a child of the 70’s, I get both nostalgia for my childhood, plus nostalgia for the innocence of those kids growing up in the early 1940’s, though there weren’t all that many differences. There were fewer than there would be vs Christmas nowadays. I’m very happy to have grown up in one of the last pre-computer generations.
Fun Fact: The man in the department store in line to see Santa who said "The line starts back there" was the writer and narrator of the film Jean Shepherd.
The neighbor discussing the major award is Bob Clarke - the writer and director. Jean was the narrator and writer - they worked together. Jean wrote the small stories that was in the book about all others pay cash - keep forgetting the title
My dad actually grew up in the 40s, and I remember when we were watching this movie back in the 80s, he said “Be Sure to Drink your Ovaltine” before Ralphie was done decoding. I turned to him and asked, “How did you know?” He just laughed. Consequently, this movie always makes me think of my Dad.
That was a great reaction, I don't think I've ever seen you laugh so much! The mom (Melinda Dillon) is known mainly for being one of the main characters in Steven Spielberg's second blockbuster hit, "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind", that's a movie I think you particularly would like! Incredible, dazzling, beautiful one-of-a-kind sci-fi film. The kids in that movie are adorable as well. Thanks, Aria!
The story for this movie, written by Jean Sheppard(who also narrated) first came out in the late sixties. Published in Playboy magazine. Proves to my wife at least, that I did read the magazine for the articles... sometimes.
Of course we read playboy EXXXCEPT those that could not read and just looked at some silly pictures in it. I do not know why my gramoa just looked it and started get sweaty ? Can anyone out there help me to understand his b ehavior?
Oh goodness, Aria, you've no idea what you've been missing. A true Christmas classic, even if it wasn't acknowledged as such upon release. I have a reaction suggestion for you. Ralphie's father was played by Darren McGavin, who I feel never really got the appreciation for his acting talents he deserved when he was alive. In the 1970s, he starred on a short-lived TV series called, "Kolchak: The Night Stalker", in which he played an investigative reporter who's always uncovering stories involving the supernatural, encountering vampires, witches, werewolves, ghosts, demons, aliens, robots and the like. It was canceled after just one season, but is now considered a cult classic and inspired shows like "The X-Files". If you can find the episodes of that show anywhere, I'm certain a lot of people would love to see your reaction to them.
actually, that tv show was a spin off of an ABC tv movie called "the night stalker" (1972) starring Darren McGavin, Carol Lynley, Simon Oakland about a modern day vampire roaming the streets of las vegas. in my opnion the tv movie was excellent. the tv show not so much. McGavin also starred in another great ABC tv movie called "tribes" (1970) also starring Jan-Michael Vincent and earl holliman. its about a hippie who, somehow, joins the u. s. marines. sounds, almost like a comedy but its a serious drama.
This is my favorite reaction of yours. I've never seen you connect to a movie as much as you did to this one. In 1979 i went as Raggedy Andy for Halloween in kindergarten.
My favorite part of this movie is when Ralphie gets hit with the snowball. It hits him right in the face, it goes **inside** his glasses, and he DOESN'T EVEN FLINCH
The House They used for the Movie is in Cleveland Ohio, all the Scenes inside the house were filmed in a sound studio in Canada, when that house went up for sale a Fan of the Movie bought it and when he went inside it was like nothing like the movie, so he Gutted the house from the inside and had it rebuilt like it was in the Movie and Now anyone can go visit the House across the street there is a Museum and Gift Shop, I want to visit the House anc I have a Small Leg Lamp. I really Love this Movie.
Story time! I was 13 the year this came out. Everyone saw it at the theaters and everyone you knew loved it. Naturally every boy I knew wanted that damn Red Ryder. But, my mom refused. For years she just would not allow it... I mean I had hunting rifles and shotguns and had been hunting for years.... Long story short, she finally relented and one Christmas I finally got my Official Red Ryder BB Gun........ I was 36. I still love this movie to this day. Good Job young lady. :)
Hey Aria, a couple notes- The film is set in 1940, and the house that the Parkers live in was built around 1890. Houses wired with electricity were still kind of new, and people didn't have many electrical appliances. Maybe 1 lamp per room (if not a ceiling light fixture)... a radio, a toaster, a refrigerator.. so there may only be like 1 or 2 electrical outlets per room. That's why the one outlet was so overloaded because of all the strings of Christmas tree lights. Also, you seemed a little confused by the dialog when they got the flat tire. "My old man pictured himself in the pits at the Indianapolis Speedway at the 500". The "Indianapolis 500" (Indy 500) is part of the Triple Crown of motorsport racing, along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix. It's a 500 mile race (200 laps around the track). The "pits" are areas where the cars pull over during the race to have fresh tires put on as well as refueling and other quick maintenance. Btw.. It was a joy watching you react to this movie. It's great to know we're half way around the world from each other, yet we can still relate to many of the same experiences and emotions.
As a kid in the 80's I watched this movie soooooo much and I was just positive it was actually made in the time period it takes place in. I always told myself I was like Ralphie but honestly I was much more like Randy lol. Great movie and wonderful reaction!
Many love It's A Wonderful Life, but this is my favorite christmas film. To be able to tell a kid's POV so accurately is amazing. Perfect casting. Granted, it's very white, but the storytelling is universal.
Thank you so much, #AriaC, for uploading this awesome movie reaction. I love your content so much because it's absolutely amazing, and I really enjoy watching your reactions to different movies.
Really great reaction, Aria. You mentioned how much you enjoyed the narration. Jean Shepherd is the narrator; he also wrote the story this movie is based on. Shepherd had a radio show for several years (you can find them on RUclips; I highly recommend "Fixing The Family Car"). He also wrote a handful of books based on his life experiences.
Melinda Dillon played the mother here and did it perfectly. I'd seen her in an earlier movie and was hooked on that slightly shy retiring manner that she had, so when I saw her in Christmas Story, I knew that I'd enjoy it. The earlier movie that I saw was just as good as this one, but somewhat different. It is Close Encounters of the Third Kind and is in a class of its own.
This film is wonderful - I watched it for the first time with my own parents back in the mid-80s on TV - they were a bit older than Ralphie's generation, and I was a bit younger, but it rang so true for all of us.
Written by Jean Shepherd - he also narrated this film, and even appeared as the Dept. Store Santa. His books were so funny, like "In God We Trust, All Others Play Cash!" - this story takes place in NW Indiana circa 1939. He really captured what runs thru a little boy's imagination so well. I got my Daisy BB gun at Christmas in 1st grade - it was a lever action, but did not have a compass in the stock, etc. - and I never did shoot my eye out.
poor ralphie. he never got his wish of going blind! little known fact; peter billigsley, who played ralphie, grew up to be a hall of fame petunia picker and the emperor of japan. only to be dethrowned by the bully Farkus.
that's jean shepherd, the humourist writer, doing the narration. the movie is based upon a section of his book containing some of his short stories entitled "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash." the director, bob clark, directed the infamous movie "porkies." which was known for a full frontal highschool girls nude shower scene. the movie sucked. but, for some reason, i kinda liked the shower scene.
@@snake0911 Wow. Ironically, you could cut out those 2 elements, and put in REAL swear words in the other scenes and they would probably be fine with it.
My hometown is proud of this one. Jean Sheppard grew up two blocks over from where I'm sitting right now. The school in the movie - Warren G Harding, I can literally see from my front yard. The alley is also nearby. We were all so angry when we learned they were going to film in Canada and Cleveland. like wiatf.
I always had the notion that deep down inside, the Dad knew the lamp was hideous, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it, because he'd spent his whole life working hard and it was the only time in his life he'd ever won anything.
The Annabelle doll was a Raggedy Anne doll that was very popular at that time. Not in any way a scary doll from the movies. There was also a Raggedy Andy doll too.
i’m glad you found your channel. fun review of such a wonderful heartfelt film. it really does a good job given people a sense of nostalgia, whether or not they lived the experience or not. happy holidays!
Loved your reaction! The line “the soft glow of electric sex” is one of my favorites of any movie. By the way, my mother grew up in the 30’s and remembered having the same Little Orphan Annie decoder ring when she was his age.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing your reaction to this movie. Because of it, my friends and I would schedule a sit-down December meal at a great Chinese restaurant. The casting of this movie was excellent on all counts.
The narrator is the author of the book, Jean Shepherd, one of the great American humorists of the 20th century. He's also the bearded man who tells Ralphie where the Santa line begins and ends...
This movie will always hold a special place in my heart because i was able to be in it as an extra. I was riding on the hay wagon during the parade scene. That part was filmed in Public Square in downtown Cleveland Ohio and started filming at midnight because they had to make sure that it was dark enough to hide 3 skyscrapers that could be seen, but wouldnt have been around during the "old days" that this is set to and they also had to make sure all the building lights were turned off.
"No, no! I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!" "You'll shoot your eye out, kid. Merry Christmas. Ho! Ho! Ho!" Merry Christmas! ✝️ 🙏 🎄 🎁 Fun Fact : Theatrical movie debut of Zack Ward. Historical Fact: Red Ryder was a character from comic books and radio in the 1930s/40s, akin to popular western heroes like Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and the Lone Ranger. Gun Enthusiast Fact: Due to this film's popularity, the Daisy Rifle Company has started producing Red Ryder BB Guns for sale during the Christmas season. It has become one of Daisy's best selling rifles. Movie Magic Fact: For the scene in which Flick's (Scott Schwartz) tongue sticks to the flagpole, a hidden suction tube was used to safely create the illusion that his tongue had frozen to the metal pole. Author Cameo Fact: Jean Shepherd (author of In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash (1966) which forms the basis of this movie) is not only the voice of a narrator, but is also the irate man waiting in the Santa line at the department store. The woman standing behind him is his wife, Leigh Brown. Automobile Enthusiast Fact: The people of Cleveland were incredibly cooperative during filming, donating antique vehicles from every corner of the city. These vintage vehicles helped to enhance the authenticity of the production design. During the filming in downtown Cleveland, the antique automobile club members whose cars were used were given a route to follow on Public Square. They were instructed to continue circling the square until otherwise instructed. Road salt was a major concern for the car owners and the cars were pressure-washed after each day's filming and parked underground beneath the Terminal Tower. Fixer Upper Fact: In 2005 the original home used for the exterior shots of the family home was put up for auction on eBay, and avid fan of the movie Brian Jones purchased it directly from the seller for $150K. Jones then spent the following year restoring the home to the way it looked on screen. The exterior was completely restored and the interior was renovated to match the interior of the home shown in the movie (parts of the interior were actually filmed in a Toronto studio). On November 25, 2006, the home finally opened its doors as a tourist attraction. Jones spent close to $500K in preparation for this grand opening. In addition, he also purchased a house across the street and converted it to a gift shop and museum dedicated to the film and the house.
The Annabelle doll is actually raggedy ann, they were insanely popular, i still have one in my parents attic, Annabelle is just s possessed raggedy ann doll, they aren't all evil lol just that one in particular
Aria you hit the nail on the head! Jean Shepherd's brilliant narration made this an instant classic. Absent that, it would have been just another kids movie. Also the man in the Santa line that tells Ralphie " the line begins there", IS Jean Shepherd!
The narrator is the actual author of the book this story came from, Jean Shepherd. He was a radio personality for most of his career, so he had a great speaking voice. "A Christmas Story" is based on one chapter of his (semiautobiographical) stories about growing up in NW Indiana in the 30s & 40s.
I liked that you appreciated the humor in this. If you haven’t seen It’s a Wonderful Life I would highly recommend it. It is considered a Christmas movie but it can be watched any time of year. It is the kind of movie that everyone should see at least once. I think you’ll really love it.
This movie has direct sequel even though there was one before this one released last year (2022) called A Christmas Story Christmas. Ralphie's home in the movie was recently bought and hopefully continue on tradition. House is in Cleveland, Ohio. Movie is based there.
They play this movie ALL DAY long back to back like on 2 different TV channels on Christmas Day here in the US. I remember loving this movie when I was little
Plenty of people have already explained who Raggedy Ann and Andy are. There is a feature length movie about those characters from 1977 that is really bonkers and uneven, but is nevertheless a sentimental childhood favorite for both me and my sister. A Christmas Story, on the other hand, was not one I loved the first time I saw it as a kid, as a lot of the stuff Ralphie goes through (the bullies, the mean Santa, etc.) felt too real for me to find the humor in it, but as I got older, it became one of my favorite Christmas films.
I was just wandering around my RUclips feed and I came across this a Christmas story is one of my favorite films and I always watch it every Christmas day because well it’s a tradition. The first time I saw it I was maybe 11 or 12 and I was only then old enough to appreciate everything that happened but it is so worth it senior an adult react to it the first time. As a kid, I was the Randy character.
Back in the time when this movie is set, every little girl had an "Annabelle doll" (or Raggedy Anne, as she was known in those days) There were Raggedy Anne and Andy kids books- She was ubiquitous. And this was still true well into the 1970s.
This Is My All Time Favorite Christmas Movie,I Watched This Movie,All Day Christmas Day, That's My Tradition & The Other One Is, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation & Great Reaction To This Great Movie 👍 & Happy Holidays 🎄, Sweetheart
After my stroke in 2001 at 23, learning how to speak again I learned the letters L&R are the most difficult sounds to make in the English language.They require the most engagement of muscles and coordination. For the longest time my L's were R's, and every time I thought of the dinner scene.
I really enjoy your reaction to this movie. And I really love all of your reaction. And this is such a good movie. And this movie was first released 40 years ago in theaters.
The writer/narrator of this movie is Jean Sheppard- He wrote several books worth of stories (several of which were also made into movies) all told from the perspective of Ralphie (himself as a child/teenager)
Hello Aria C, I remember that one of my neighbors had that BB-Gun. My brothers and I had the older, plainer Daisy BB-Guns. I haven't thought about those in more than two score years. " Hey! "
The cast in this movie was fantastic, especially the kids. Poor Randy, he did have the most infectious laugh. But that snowsuit was a abomination. Loved your reaction.
First time watching your channel. Really loved it! Anyone who is touched by this great classic is my mind of people. Fun fact: the flag pole was actually a PVC pipe painted to look like a rusty flag pole. They attached a vacuum to it and drilled a hole where Flick put his tongue so it would safely hold his tongue.
The writer of the story, Jean Shepherd has a cameo in the film while is also the narrator. It is a recollection of his childhood during Christmas in the 1940's, after WWII.
The director of this film Bob Clark also made a Christmas Horror film in the 70’s called Black Christmas. Worth checking out as it genuinely scary. I’ve heard Elvis used to watch it every Christmas. Halloween also borrowed a lot from the film.
Hi there. This is my first time seeing your channel and I'm glad it was for this movie. I've seen it at least a hundred times and I love it so much. I'm happy you enjoyed it as well. To me, it's basically perfect. The writing, the acting, the casting, costumes, music...all perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. I'm looking forward to seeing your other reactions.
Light and funny - that’s what this is - and it connects with the collective experience of previous generations and their style of celebrating Christmas, similar to my own childhood from 55+ years ago - where my family environment was not particularly religious - yet whatever was celebrated in Los Angeles, and prominently in the media, or in public school, the neighborhood was typically stringing up lights, colorful Christmas lights, and often folks had a tree with lights, which is a joy to see as a small kid - any Christmas tree, anywhere, whether you believed in religion or not, the appreciation can take place in a realm of pure aesthetic perception. It’s beautiful cultural artwork, and the opportunities for being creative are endless. If you really like blue and green, and you want to light up a house with only blue and green lights, then you can absolutely do that. But anyway - this movie is the only one I know that seems to capture this appreciation of the holiday as a time of doing nice things, and buying presents, I guess, where affordable? Bob Clark and company created a real Christmas classic film here, that encapsulates a snapshot of America in the mid 20th century, an accurate template for generations to enjoy, as indeed they’ve been doing. 💜
You folks may not have a holiday season revolving around _Christmas,_ in India, but I have long thought it might be nice to experience _Navratri,_ one year.
The dad is the best in this movie. He shows real love throughout the movie. Ralphie asks, mom, tells teacher, and asks Santa for the BB gun. He never asked dad, but Dad was listening the entire time and was so excited to be able give his kid something he really wanted.
I love that when he sends Ralphie to the car after his son says/not says “Fudge,” just before the camera cuts away from him, you see he is just starting to smile. Such an honest parental reaction to something as universal as a little kid swearing.
The dad reminds me a lot of my grandpa.
And get him out of that ridiculous pink bunny outfit while his mom just wanted him in it.
Didn't take the glory...the gift was from santa
@@emperorconstantine1.361 dad was the quiet unsung hero throughout the movie. I always liked the part when ralphie was whining about seeing Santa during the Christmas parade and dad tells him to shut up. It weirdly shows respect for ralphie as he is literally not talking down to him.
Someone once said "How is it possible to feel nostalgic for a time and a place I've never been?" That's what this movie does.
Hiraeth!
@@catherinelw9365 huh?
@@bossfan49 It’s Welsh for a longing or homesickness for a place or a past which you may have never seen or been to.
@@catherinelw9365 I looked up the meaning on a few sources. They didn't quite include that last part.
It really does give you some sort of feeling. Especially around Christmas time.
The dolls are Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. A popular story book series in the 50's to 60's and so were the dolls. Enjoyed your reation!!!
Oh thanks, that did confuse me a little
They also had their own cartons movie and holiday specials as well.
I think that’s what makes the alleged actual Annabelle doll more unnerving. It’s not some outwardly creepy porcelain doll, but rather just a plain, unassuming, and very common Raggedy Ann cloth doll that any kid might have.
I don't remember kids being afraid of clowns and dolls. It seemed to come about when those horror pictures came out.@@0okamino
Having six older sisters those damn dolls were everywhere, for me.
The creepy "Annabelle" dolls came from an old children's book and was called Raggedy Ann. They were mass produced but made to look handmade. Thanks for another great video 👍👍👍
There are few stories that capture the experience of childhood as authentically as this. And the way it juxtaposes the child accurate experience with the language of an educated adult Ralphie is brilliant.
"That's me when I buy a new lamp"
It's great that a movie from the 80's, set in the 40's. still has relatable content in it. Thank you for watching this gem of a film Aria! :)
The movie is based on writings of a guy named Jean Shepherd - and you can see him in the movie. He was the guy who told Ralphie to go to the end of the line in the department store. (And it is his voice as the adult Ralphie narrating the story.)
“What kind of punishment is that?” Soap in the mouth used to be a common form of punishment when parents caught their kids saying “the big one”. The same thing happened to one of my parents a couple times.
I always chuckle when I see people my age be shocked that was a thing, especially since that was one of my punishments as well.
It’s connected to the idea of having a dirty mouth.
My brother got his mouth washed out with soap by our babysitter one time & he was only repeating what another kid had said. My mom was pissed. I’m pretty sure that was the last time my mom ever took us there to be babysat.
Soap in the mouth because it would Clean up Ralphies dirty words
coming out, ❤
Haha, I'm 36, my mom did it to us a couple times for swearing when we were old enough to know better. It's a pretty good punishment since you remember it.
Ralph and Randy's house was a real house, not a movie set. The house is in Cleveland Ohio and it's now a tourist destination and it is preserved just exactly as it looks in the movie. Thank you for your wonderful reaction!
Yes, and the parade and the Higbee's store were also in Cleveland, and I saw Santa there just like that (slide and all) when I was a kid in the '50s.
And they reused all the same buildings and sets for the sequel that came out last year. The whole cast was there as well, minus one person.
In the U.S. there's a TV station that will show this movie on a continuous loop all day long around Christmas time, so it's safe to say I've seen it (or parts of it) countless times - and still I enjoyed it all over again seeing your genuine and beautiful reactions watching it for the first time!
That station is in Cleveland, Ohio were the movie was filmed. The movie is continuously run for 24 hours, starting on Christmas Eve. The house still exists today as a B&B.
TBS used to play it 24/7. Then they changed it to Home Alone for 24/7. Then back to Christmas Story a few years back.
I worked inside at UPS for 28 years. I can tell you the "FRAGILE" joke never got old.
It brought me great joy seeing you enjoy this gem of a movie so much. Watching this movie became a family tradition because it never failed to put us in a good mood. It had a lot of nostalgia for my parents because the time period the movie takes place in was the same time as my parents childhood. They remember the furniture's look, the messy electric outlets and just the general feel of the time. Years later when my dad was in his 60s, I got him a small Leg Lamp as a Christmas gift which got a laugh out of every one that saw it. My brother got my mom an Official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle one year which made her so happy. My mother was a country girl at heart and remembers learning to shoot from her father that had passed decades earlier. We set up a little shooting gallery and we all took turns with the air rifle...and no one shot there eye out.
The narrator is Jean Shepherd who wrote all the stories of this family. He's the guy that tells Ralphie where the line begins.
The movie is almost universally-relatable, which I think is what makes it so popular. All of Ralph's imaginary flights of fancy are something every kid experiences at that age, and most of us still do from time-to-time, as adults.
This movie is very cult classic and my mom loves watching this every year during the holidays. Here in US they air this movie on 2 channels 24 hours from Christmas eve to Christmas night. There was a so call 2nd movie that was made around the 2000s, don't remember the year but no one from the first movie had any involvement with that movie and it was a direct to video kind. It's very bad and very forgotten. Though last year there is an actual sequel call a Christmas story Christmas and the original actor that play Ralph came back to play him and takes place decades later where he's a father and has kids. Though I don't want to say much if you ever decide to watch it. I will say the only people that didn't come back was his parents. The old man actor long passed away and the mother was long retired and passed earlier this year. But yeah this is a movie that has to be watch every year for the holidays and never get tired of it and glad you enjoy it.
I mostly love your gorgeous and funny reaction to my most favorite Christmas movie of the world!! You look so gorgeous and so adorable with that Cute dress you got on. Great job Aria!! 😘🌹❤️💐🌺🌸
When I saw you were going to react to this movie I clicked on it in half a second. I felt sure you would fall in love with all the characters in this 1940s world. Ralphie narrates the story as he saw it as a child so we see his world from a child's view. Dad's going to be mad, we see it as 'be destroyed', the exaggerated school stuff and the great daydreams, a friendly Santa and his elves being terrifying. No wonder we all feel nostalgic because we've all been there in some way. I loved your reaction, watching the joy on your face, the sparkle in your eyes and such rich laughter. Aria, that was so much fun, thanks for bringing us along. ❤
The Annabelle doll was always just a Raggedy Ann doll, a popular character that was around as a common doll and even as a cartoon character for a long time before the case of the "possessed doll."
A Christmas Story tends to bring out the best in people everywhere. Christmas is not universal, of course. But the feelings about family and growing up are universal, I think.
In case you're wondering how Flick's tongue was stuck to a pipe, a hole was drilled for a hose which had suction to create the effect. It was totally believable, to say the least.
This was such a fun reaction. It’s always great when a reactor really understands this film. As a child of the 70’s, I get both nostalgia for my childhood, plus nostalgia for the innocence of those kids growing up in the early 1940’s, though there weren’t all that many differences. There were fewer than there would be vs Christmas nowadays. I’m very happy to have grown up in one of the last pre-computer generations.
Fun Fact: The man in the department store in line to see Santa who said "The line starts back there" was the writer and narrator of the film Jean Shepherd.
The neighbor discussing the major award is Bob Clarke - the writer and director. Jean was the narrator and writer - they worked together.
Jean wrote the small stories that was in the book about all others pay cash - keep forgetting the title
@@andreadeamon6419 Did not know was Bob Clarke. Thanks for info..
My dad actually grew up in the 40s, and I remember when we were watching this movie back in the 80s, he said “Be Sure to Drink your Ovaltine” before Ralphie was done decoding. I turned to him and asked, “How did you know?” He just laughed. Consequently, this movie always makes me think of my Dad.
That was a great reaction, I don't think I've ever seen you laugh so much! The mom (Melinda Dillon) is known mainly for being one of the main characters in Steven Spielberg's second blockbuster hit, "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind", that's a movie I think you particularly would like! Incredible, dazzling, beautiful one-of-a-kind sci-fi film. The kids in that movie are adorable as well. Thanks, Aria!
PS That's a cool picture of you at the very end of this video! That's an album cover!
I appreciate so much you reacting to this movie. This is my childhood and I miss it so much
The story for this movie, written by Jean Sheppard(who also narrated) first came out in the late sixties. Published in Playboy magazine. Proves to my wife at least, that I did read the magazine for the articles... sometimes.
Of course we read playboy EXXXCEPT those that could not read and just looked at some silly pictures in it.
I do not know why my gramoa just looked it and started get sweaty ?
Can anyone out there help me to understand his b ehavior?
Oh goodness, Aria, you've no idea what you've been missing. A true Christmas classic, even if it wasn't acknowledged as such upon release.
I have a reaction suggestion for you. Ralphie's father was played by Darren McGavin, who I feel never really got the appreciation for his acting talents he deserved when he was alive. In the 1970s, he starred on a short-lived TV series called, "Kolchak: The Night Stalker", in which he played an investigative reporter who's always uncovering stories involving the supernatural, encountering vampires, witches, werewolves, ghosts, demons, aliens, robots and the like. It was canceled after just one season, but is now considered a cult classic and inspired shows like "The X-Files". If you can find the episodes of that show anywhere, I'm certain a lot of people would love to see your reaction to them.
Really had been missing out on such a good movie, this is the most fun I’ve had editing a movie. I was constantly smiling and laughing:D
Indeed. Since I no longer have cable, I "own" a copy from the RUclips Movies channel.
Go in Peace and Walk with God. 😎 👍
I second watching "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" it was really ahead of it's time and McGavin is terrific in it :)
Never heard of the show. And I grew up during the 70s.
actually, that tv show was a spin off of an ABC tv movie called "the night stalker" (1972) starring Darren McGavin, Carol Lynley, Simon Oakland about a modern day vampire roaming the streets of las vegas. in my opnion the tv movie was excellent. the tv show not so much.
McGavin also starred in another great ABC tv movie called "tribes" (1970) also starring Jan-Michael Vincent and earl holliman. its about a hippie who, somehow, joins the u. s. marines. sounds, almost like a comedy but its a serious drama.
I watched this movie several times and hands down this is the best reaction I seen it made me feel like I was watching it for first time .
This is my favorite reaction of yours. I've never seen you connect to a movie as much as you did to this one.
In 1979 i went as Raggedy Andy for Halloween in kindergarten.
It's a Fragile! I love Italian films.
😂😂😂
😂
My favorite part of this movie is when Ralphie gets hit with the snowball. It hits him right in the face, it goes **inside** his glasses, and he DOESN'T EVEN FLINCH
Those blue eyes - breathtaking color
Such a great actor!
The House They used for the Movie is in Cleveland Ohio, all the Scenes inside the house were filmed in a sound studio in Canada, when that house went up for sale a Fan of the Movie bought it and when he went inside it was like nothing like the movie, so he Gutted the house from the inside and had it rebuilt like it was in the Movie and Now anyone can go visit the House across the street there is a Museum and Gift Shop, I want to visit the House anc I have a Small Leg Lamp. I really Love this Movie.
It's a major award! Makes me laugh everytime.
The dolls are classic Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, in fact they made a very cute musical cartoon called Raggedy Ann and Andy in 1977
Story time!
I was 13 the year this came out.
Everyone saw it at the theaters and everyone you knew loved it.
Naturally every boy I knew wanted that damn Red Ryder.
But, my mom refused.
For years she just would not allow it...
I mean I had hunting rifles and shotguns and had been hunting for years....
Long story short, she finally relented and one Christmas I finally got my Official Red Ryder BB Gun........
I was 36.
I still love this movie to this day.
Good Job young lady.
:)
Better late than never right 😊
Merry Christmas
And I bet that Red Ryder gets pride of place in the gun cabinet.
A true christmas classic! I'm glad you got to see it. Thanks for being so entertaining. You'll shoot your eye out!
Hey Aria, a couple notes- The film is set in 1940, and the house that the Parkers live in was built around 1890. Houses wired with electricity were still kind of new, and people didn't have many electrical appliances. Maybe 1 lamp per room (if not a ceiling light fixture)... a radio, a toaster, a refrigerator.. so there may only be like 1 or 2 electrical outlets per room. That's why the one outlet was so overloaded because of all the strings of Christmas tree lights.
Also, you seemed a little confused by the dialog when they got the flat tire. "My old man pictured himself in the pits at the Indianapolis Speedway at the 500". The "Indianapolis 500" (Indy 500) is part of the Triple Crown of motorsport racing, along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix. It's a 500 mile race (200 laps around the track). The "pits" are areas where the cars pull over during the race to have fresh tires put on as well as refueling and other quick maintenance.
Btw.. It was a joy watching you react to this movie. It's great to know we're half way around the world from each other, yet we can still relate to many of the same experiences and emotions.
Excellent reaction! Your laugh was the perfect exclamation point!
Great reaction to this, Aria. Enjoyed it very much!
Love the scene with the two parents next to the tree. Makes me think of the old mom and dad RIP
As a kid in the 80's I watched this movie soooooo much and I was just positive it was actually made in the time period it takes place in. I always told myself I was like Ralphie but honestly I was much more like Randy lol. Great movie and wonderful reaction!
We're thise real dogs in this movie?
Or just Japanese robot dogs?
It's nice that childhood is kind of relatable no matter how different it can be.
Many love It's A Wonderful Life, but this is my favorite christmas film. To be able to tell a kid's POV so accurately is amazing. Perfect casting. Granted, it's very white, but the storytelling is universal.
I always liked that red head bully. He was always laughing. 😂
Thank you so much, #AriaC, for uploading this awesome movie reaction. I love your content so much because it's absolutely amazing, and I really enjoy watching your reactions to different movies.
A most soulful reaction to a well-crafted holiday standard. And, in the spirit of the season, pray accept this subscription from me. 😊
Really great reaction, Aria. You mentioned how much you enjoyed the narration. Jean Shepherd is the narrator; he also wrote the story this movie is based on. Shepherd had a radio show for several years (you can find them on RUclips; I highly recommend "Fixing The Family Car"). He also wrote a handful of books based on his life experiences.
Melinda Dillon played the mother here and did it perfectly. I'd seen her in an earlier movie and was hooked on that slightly shy retiring manner that she had, so when I saw her in Christmas Story, I knew that I'd enjoy it. The earlier movie that I saw was just as good as this one, but somewhat different. It is Close Encounters of the Third Kind and is in a class of its own.
Fun fact, during the Chinese Christmas dinner scene, the actors were never told about the goose so her reactions were real and not scripted.
This film is wonderful - I watched it for the first time with my own parents back in the mid-80s on TV - they were a bit older than Ralphie's generation, and I was a bit younger, but it rang so true for all of us.
Written by Jean Shepherd - he also narrated this film, and even appeared as the Dept. Store Santa. His books were so funny, like "In God We Trust, All Others Play Cash!" - this story takes place in NW Indiana circa 1939. He really captured what runs thru a little boy's imagination so well. I got my Daisy BB gun at Christmas in 1st grade - it was a lever action, but did not have a compass in the stock, etc. - and I never did shoot my eye out.
poor ralphie. he never got his wish of going blind! little known fact; peter billigsley, who played ralphie, grew up to be a hall of fame petunia picker and the emperor of japan. only to be dethrowned by the bully Farkus.
that's jean shepherd, the humourist writer, doing the narration. the movie is based upon a section of his book containing some of his short stories entitled "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash."
the director, bob clark, directed the infamous movie "porkies." which was known for a full frontal highschool girls nude shower scene. the movie sucked. but, for some reason, i kinda liked the shower scene.
Perfect reaction. You were so much fun. I double-dog dare you to make more. Thank you.
Thank you for having a sense of humor. I’ve seen other reactions to this movie and people looked uninterested or offended.
Offended by what?
@@bossfan49the lamp as sexist. The singing in the Chinese restaurant as racist.
@@snake0911 Wow. Ironically, you could cut out those 2 elements, and put in REAL swear words in the other scenes and they would probably be fine with it.
I love that you loved this movie. I loved this movie when I was a kid (I'm 39 now) and still love it. The dad is the best part for me.
My hometown is proud of this one. Jean Sheppard grew up two blocks over from where I'm sitting right now. The school in the movie - Warren G Harding, I can literally see from my front yard. The alley is also nearby. We were all so angry when we learned they were going to film in Canada and Cleveland. like wiatf.
I always had the notion that deep down inside, the Dad knew the lamp was hideous, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it, because he'd spent his whole life working hard and it was the only time in his life he'd ever won anything.
The Annabelle doll was a Raggedy Anne doll that was very popular at that time. Not in any way a scary doll from the movies. There was also a Raggedy Andy doll too.
i’m glad you found your channel. fun review of such a wonderful heartfelt film. it really does a good job given people a sense of nostalgia, whether or not they lived the experience or not. happy holidays!
Loved your reaction! The line “the soft glow of electric sex” is one of my favorites of any movie.
By the way, my mother grew up in the 30’s and remembered having the same Little Orphan Annie decoder ring when she was his age.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing your reaction to this movie. Because of it, my friends and I would schedule a sit-down December meal at a great Chinese restaurant. The casting of this movie was excellent on all counts.
The narrator is the author of the book, Jean Shepherd, one of the great American humorists of the 20th century. He's also the bearded man who tells Ralphie where the Santa line begins and ends...
This movie will always hold a special place in my heart because i was able to be in it as an extra. I was riding on the hay wagon during the parade scene. That part was filmed in Public Square in downtown Cleveland Ohio and started filming at midnight because they had to make sure that it was dark enough to hide 3 skyscrapers that could be seen, but wouldnt have been around during the "old days" that this is set to and they also had to make sure all the building lights were turned off.
"No, no! I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!"
"You'll shoot your eye out, kid. Merry Christmas. Ho! Ho! Ho!"
Merry Christmas! ✝️ 🙏 🎄 🎁
Fun Fact : Theatrical movie debut of Zack Ward.
Historical Fact: Red Ryder was a character from comic books and radio in the 1930s/40s, akin to popular western heroes like Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and the Lone Ranger.
Gun Enthusiast Fact: Due to this film's popularity, the Daisy Rifle Company has started producing Red Ryder BB Guns for sale during the Christmas season. It has become one of Daisy's best selling rifles.
Movie Magic Fact: For the scene in which Flick's (Scott Schwartz) tongue sticks to the flagpole, a hidden suction tube was used to safely create the illusion that his tongue had frozen to the metal pole.
Author Cameo Fact: Jean Shepherd (author of In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash (1966) which forms the basis of this movie) is not only the voice of a narrator, but is also the irate man waiting in the Santa line at the department store. The woman standing behind him is his wife, Leigh Brown.
Automobile Enthusiast Fact: The people of Cleveland were incredibly cooperative during filming, donating antique vehicles from every corner of the city. These vintage vehicles helped to enhance the authenticity of the production design. During the filming in downtown Cleveland, the antique automobile club members whose cars were used were given a route to follow on Public Square. They were instructed to continue circling the square until otherwise instructed. Road salt was a major concern for the car owners and the cars were pressure-washed after each day's filming and parked underground beneath the Terminal Tower.
Fixer Upper Fact: In 2005 the original home used for the exterior shots of the family home was put up for auction on eBay, and avid fan of the movie Brian Jones purchased it directly from the seller for $150K. Jones then spent the following year restoring the home to the way it looked on screen. The exterior was completely restored and the interior was renovated to match the interior of the home shown in the movie (parts of the interior were actually filmed in a Toronto studio). On November 25, 2006, the home finally opened its doors as a tourist attraction. Jones spent close to $500K in preparation for this grand opening. In addition, he also purchased a house across the street and converted it to a gift shop and museum dedicated to the film and the house.
You sound like a fellow neighbor in "The Land"
Plus you can actually go down the slide and see some other Christmas movie props in Medina Ohio at Castle Noel on the square
The Annabelle doll is actually raggedy ann, they were insanely popular, i still have one in my parents attic, Annabelle is just s possessed raggedy ann doll, they aren't all evil lol just that one in particular
2:00 That's Raggedy Anne. The Raggedy Ann and Andy toys are one of the longest running toy lines in history.
Aria you hit the nail on the head! Jean Shepherd's brilliant narration made this an instant classic. Absent that, it would have been just another kids movie. Also the man in the Santa line that tells Ralphie " the line begins there", IS Jean Shepherd!
The narrator is the actual author of the book this story came from, Jean Shepherd. He was a radio personality for most of his career, so he had a great speaking voice. "A Christmas Story" is based on one chapter of his (semiautobiographical) stories about growing up in NW Indiana in the 30s & 40s.
I liked that you appreciated the humor in this. If you haven’t seen It’s a Wonderful Life I would highly recommend it. It is considered a Christmas movie but it can be watched any time of year. It is the kind of movie that everyone should see at least once. I think you’ll really love it.
The words of doom: "wait till your FATHER gets home!"
Wonderful, Aria! I really enjoyed watching this with you. Thanks for sharing it with us. 🙂
This movie has direct sequel even though there was one before this one released last year (2022) called A Christmas Story Christmas.
Ralphie's home in the movie was recently bought and hopefully continue on tradition. House is in Cleveland, Ohio. Movie is based there.
Besides, doing acting, Peter Billingsley (Ralphie) is normally does producing on films and TV.
They play this movie ALL DAY long back to back like on 2 different TV channels on Christmas Day here in the US. I remember loving this movie when I was little
My mother told me her mother use to dress her and her siblings in the same fashion layer upon layer upon layer.
Plenty of people have already explained who Raggedy Ann and Andy are. There is a feature length movie about those characters from 1977 that is really bonkers and uneven, but is nevertheless a sentimental childhood favorite for both me and my sister. A Christmas Story, on the other hand, was not one I loved the first time I saw it as a kid, as a lot of the stuff Ralphie goes through (the bullies, the mean Santa, etc.) felt too real for me to find the humor in it, but as I got older, it became one of my favorite Christmas films.
Great reaction! Glad you enjoyed it even without a culture of celebrating Christmas.
I was just wandering around my RUclips feed and I came across this a Christmas story is one of my favorite films and I always watch it every Christmas day because well it’s a tradition. The first time I saw it I was maybe 11 or 12 and I was only then old enough to appreciate everything that happened but it is so worth it senior an adult react to it the first time. As a kid, I was the Randy character.
A Christmas Story Christmas is a solid sequel to this that came out in 2022. Worth watching. The original actors who played the kids returned for it.
Back in the time when this movie is set, every little girl had an "Annabelle doll" (or Raggedy Anne, as she was known in those days) There were Raggedy Anne and Andy kids books- She was ubiquitous. And this was still true well into the 1970s.
This Is My All Time Favorite Christmas Movie,I Watched This Movie,All Day Christmas Day, That's My Tradition & The Other One Is, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation & Great Reaction To This Great Movie 👍 & Happy Holidays 🎄, Sweetheart
After my stroke in 2001 at 23, learning how to speak again I learned the letters L&R are the most difficult sounds to make in the English language.They require the most engagement of muscles and coordination. For the longest time my L's were R's, and every time I thought of the dinner scene.
I love your channel. I enjoy your commentary
The "Anibell Doll" was Raggedy Ann a real life toy popular in the era. she even has animated movies if you want to learn more in a reaction
I really enjoy your reaction to this movie. And I really love all of your reaction. And this is such a good movie. And this movie was first released 40 years ago in theaters.
The writer/narrator of this movie is Jean Sheppard- He wrote several books worth of stories (several of which were also made into movies) all told from the perspective of Ralphie (himself as a child/teenager)
Hello Aria C, I remember that one of my neighbors had that BB-Gun. My brothers and I had the older, plainer Daisy BB-Guns. I haven't thought about those in more than two score years. " Hey! "
That's a very cute top you're wearing (although you make everything look cute) and YAY! Minnie's back!
Thank you!! ❤️
The cast in this movie was fantastic, especially the kids. Poor Randy, he did have the most infectious laugh. But that snowsuit was a abomination. Loved your reaction.
I was only 6 years old when this movie was first released in theaters.
First time watching your channel. Really loved it! Anyone who is touched by this great classic is my mind of people.
Fun fact: the flag pole was actually a PVC pipe painted to look like a rusty flag pole. They attached a vacuum to it and drilled a hole where Flick put his tongue so it would safely hold his tongue.
The writer of the story, Jean Shepherd has a cameo in the film while is also the narrator. It is a recollection of his childhood during Christmas in the 1940's, after WWII.
If you ever get to Cleveland Ohio you can go see that house
The director of this film Bob Clark also made a Christmas Horror film in the 70’s called Black Christmas. Worth checking out as it genuinely scary. I’ve heard Elvis used to watch it every Christmas.
Halloween also borrowed a lot from the film.
Always like your reactions, glad you had a fun one to watch and good to hear you laugh. Cheers
When Ralph said Schwartz told him the word, she should have said the bully's name.
That’s what I thought!!!
Aria that girl doll is a classic from before 1960 , maybe to the 1920's. She is called "Raggedy Ann" .Later came a boy doll" Raggedy Andy".
Hi there. This is my first time seeing your channel and I'm glad it was for this movie. I've seen it at least a hundred times and I love it so much. I'm happy you enjoyed it as well. To me, it's basically perfect. The writing, the acting, the casting, costumes, music...all perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. I'm looking forward to seeing your other reactions.
Light and funny - that’s what this is - and it connects with the collective experience of previous generations and their style of celebrating Christmas, similar to my own childhood from 55+ years ago - where my family environment was not particularly religious - yet whatever was celebrated in Los Angeles, and prominently in the media, or in public school, the neighborhood was typically stringing up lights, colorful Christmas lights, and often folks had a tree with lights, which is a joy to see as a small kid - any Christmas tree, anywhere, whether you believed in religion or not, the appreciation can take place in a realm of pure aesthetic perception. It’s beautiful cultural artwork, and the opportunities for being creative are endless. If you really like blue and green, and you want to light up a house with only blue and green lights, then you can absolutely do that. But anyway - this movie is the only one I know that seems to capture this appreciation of the holiday as a time of doing nice things, and buying presents, I guess, where affordable? Bob Clark and company created a real Christmas classic film here, that encapsulates a snapshot of America in the mid 20th century, an accurate template for generations to enjoy, as indeed they’ve been doing. 💜
The Annabelle doll was a super popular doll decades ago called Raggedy Ann. There was a male counterpoint named Raggedy Andy
*counterpart
Grew up watching this show...its my freaking favorite 😅
The part of Christmas Story 2 that I like, is that Ralph buys his dad a new leg lamp.
You folks may not have a holiday season revolving around _Christmas,_ in India, but I have long thought it might be nice to experience _Navratri,_ one year.
There are many amazing festivals in India if you ever decide to come here, I’m sure you’d have a nice time:)