Before we get into this post, I must make a confession. I have never watched “A Christmas Story”. Yes, it’s on 24/7 during the way-too-long holiday season. As an aside, The Hallmark Channel is killing Christmas, as well as local radio stations going all Christmas music BEFORE Thanksgiving. Let’s use an analogy, I LOVE a Manhattan. But if I drink them all the time, all day long, they go from special to overkill, to probably kill……
“A Christmas Story” was filmed in my beautiful Cleveland. The director reportedly sent scouts to twenty cities before selecting Cleveland for exterior filming. Cleveland was chosen because of Higbee’s Department Store in downtown Cleveland. Until they connected with Higbee’s, location scouts had been unsuccessful in finding a department store that was willing to be part of the film. Higbee’s vice president agreed to take part in the project on the condition he was allowed to edit the script for cursing. Ultimately, Higbee’s was the stage for three scenes in the film:
- The opening scene in which Ralphie first spies the Red Ryder BB Gun in the store’s Christmas window display. Higbee’s was known for its elaborate, child-centered Christmas themes and decorations, with Santa as the centerpiece.
- The parade scene, filmed just outside Higbee’s on Public Square at 3 AM. The parade was filmed at night because during the daytime the 1960s Erieview Tower and Federal Building was visible from the Public Square, as was the BP Tower, which was under construction at the time.
- Ralphie and Randy’s visit to see Santa, which was filmed inside Higbee’s. The store kept the Santa slide that was made for the film and used it for several years after the film’s release. Higbee’s became Dillard’s in 1992 and closed permanently in 2002.
In addition to the scenes involving Higbee’s, the exterior shots (and select interior shots where Ralphie lived, including the opening of the leg lamp) of the house and neighborhood, were filmed in the Tremont section of Cleveland’s West Side. The house used as the Parker home in these scenes has been restored, reconfigured inside to match the soundstage interiors, and opened to the public as “A Christmas Story House”. Appropriately, the fictional boyhood home of Ralphie Parker is on Cleveland Street.
So why am I spinning this tale? November 11, 2023 I volunteered to help at the Ralphie Comes Home event held at our Public Hall, where I have worked two Rock Hall Induction Ceremonies and a little band from Liverpool, The Beatles, played in 1964. Let me get a workout in first.
Whew….time to get to “work”!
The outfit was selected because as you will see below, I had to wear my volunteer t-shirt, which I did not yet have. So I went with a comfortable outfit to slip the shirt over.
The entire cast of children was there. People came from well outside of Cleveland for this event. One woman and her friend I spoke with came from Connecticut. Remember, I never saw the movie, to which EVERYONE said “You have to watch it!”. Nah.. I worked the booth for this gentleman, who apparently played the role of Grover Dill. Yano was a very good guy.
I was there for four hours and had a ball when engaged with visitors. Things died down dramatically with about an hour and a half left, so that was pretty boring, including my taking a brief nap (long night at Depeche Mode concert the previous evening). All in all, a wonderful event and a great afternoon for me!
8 Responses
Kandi,
So much of the goodness of Xmas has been taken out of it , I know the reasons why but still find in inexcusable , it should be more than just the MONEY ! While so many look for the feel good factor it’s not the case for all , to some it’s a period of isolation and depression , they may have lost loved ones or don’t have the money to give their children all those ” must have ” gifts . I wonder how many give a thought to why we actually celebrate Xmas , do we ever see a single advertiser mention that fact ?
I admit I find it a difficult time , some of the family gatherings don’t include Teresa , the dilemma being who is right and who is wrong , should I be fully embraced after nearly six years or do I compromise and become something I no longer wish to be ?
Sorry Kandi I try and be upbeat about the festive time of the year but admit like most it’s good to see it over .
Christmas Eve and through New Year’s Day, my favorite time of the year. Otherwise, the specialness is gone for me.
Ok first off, you have never seen that movie
What!! Ok I move on, but thanks for some behind the scenes of making that movie I love that kind of trivia
Yes the Christmas season begins so early and I’ve no doubt it’s all about the retailers who make or break there year on this time of year so the earlier the better for them.
But for me Jesus is the reason for the season and to me that’s all that matters
Of course the kids are important too.
Love ya my friend
Rachael
Thank you darling!!
The movie has become such a classic holiday film. The event looked way fun!
You go dear girl!
See you soon, I hope!
I see an intervention coming. Your friends need to sit you down and force you to watch the movie. Maybe Christmas Eve. Maybe with Egg Nog.
One of my neighbors already has lights up on their house and keeps them on all night, and It’s not even mid-November.
Actually Yano’s girlfriend was there along with her sister. Her sister said we needed to have a girl’s weekend and all sit and watch the movie! Great concept, but I know that will never happen. Bah humbug!