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A Christmas Story (1983)

PG  94 min  -  Comedy | Drama | Family   -  18 November 1983 (USA)
8.0
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Ratings: 8.0/10 from 62,364 users   Metascore: 77/100 
Reviews: 399 user | 78 critic | 8 from Metacritic.com

Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940's.

Director:

Bob Clark

Writers:

Jean Shepherd (based on the novel "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by), Jean Shepherd (screenplay), and 2 more credits »
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2 wins & 11 nominations See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Melinda Dillon ...
Mother
Darren McGavin ...
Scott Schwartz Scott Schwartz ...
Jean Shepherd Jean Shepherd ...
Ian Petrella Ian Petrella ...
Tedde Moore ...
R.D. Robb R.D. Robb ...
Zack Ward ...
Yano Anaya Yano Anaya ...
Jeff Gillen Jeff Gillen ...
Peter Billingsley ...
Colin Fox Colin Fox ...
Ming the Merciless (scenes deleted)
Paul Hubbard ...
Flash Gordon (scenes deleted)
Leslie Carlson Leslie Carlson ...
Christmas Tree Man (as Les Carlson)
Jim Hunter Jim Hunter ...
Freight Man
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Storyline

Ralphie, a young boy growing up in the '40's, dreams of owning a Red Rider BB gun. He sets out to convince the world this is the perfect gift. But along the way, he runs into opposition from his parents, his teacher, and even good 'ol Santa Claus himself. Written by Angela Anuszewski <axa143@psu.edu>  

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Christmas | BB Gun | School | 1940s | Department Store  | See more »

Taglines:

Peace. Harmony. Comfort and Joy... Maybe Next Year. See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Uma História de Natal See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$CAD4,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$2,072,473 (USA) (20 November 1983) (886 Screens)

Gross:

$19,294,144 (USA)
See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

 | USA: (20th Anniversary)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

An elaborate fantasy sequence - in which Ralphie joins Flash Gordon to fight Ming the Merciless - was filmed but dropped from the final cut. See more »

Goofs

Anachronisms: Colored bowling balls were not developed until the 60's. In addition the ball already has the holes drilled in it. Aside from the fact that the holes are way too small for an adult, the holes are drilled to fit the user so they wouldn't have been in the ball until after his hand span was measured. See more »

Quotes

Ralphie as Adult: My father's spare tires were only tires on the academic sense. They were round,and had once been made of rubber.
See more »

Crazy Credits

"Ming the Merciless" and "Flash Gordon" are listed as characters despite being cut from the general release. See more »


Soundtracks

"GRAND CANYON SUITE"
(excerpts)
Ferde Grofé Sr. See more »