If you’re like my uncle, then you’re probably watching the 24 hour marathon of A Christmas Story on TBS quoting lines before they’re even said while sitting next to a leg lamp. Did you know there is A Christmas Story House Museum where the movie was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio? Surprisingly, they aren’t open today for Christmas, which is too bad because my uncle would be first in line, if he could ever get off the freakin’ couch, that is. But at least you can still see the house every single minute of the day on the television screens of your annoying relatives. Directly across the street from the house is the official museum, which features original props, memorabilia and costumes from the film, including Randy’s snow suit, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Apparently there are no items from last year’s disasterous straight to DVD sequel at the museum. Hmmm…wonder why? Because of the original film’s importance in the pop culture landscape, the museum’s facebook and blog accept fan submissions, like this picture of the Easterling family in deranged Pink Bunny pajamas (just like Ralphie!). Thanks, Aunt Clara! Personally, I can never get past Melinda Dillon’s 1980s permed, frizzy hair. Did they run out of money for a more appropriate 1940s wig or did they just want to create the most annoying film anachronism of all time? Why bother spending all that time and money finding period pieces for the set when the main actress has hair that looks like that? Considering the movie is watched countless times on an annual basis why can’t we just digitally erase that poodle mess? Kind of like Gwyneth Paltrow’s entire career? Anyway, I do appreciate A Christmas Story, especially after I finally got around to reading the book the film is based on “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash”. I particularly enjoyed the author Jean Shepherd’s recollections of NW Indiana and Chicago, which reminds me…I need to tell you that Shepherd’s hometown of Hammond (also home to the Jean Shepherd Community Center) has a special exhibit featuring six animated displays depicting scenes from the movie, like the Bumpus Hounds and the Triple Dog Dare. There is even a contest for the “Ugliest Lamp”…now how can you possibly pass that up? Merry Christmas! Bah Humbug!
A Christmas Story House Museum
