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A Christmas Story

  • 19831983
  • PGPG
  • 1h 33min
IMDb RATING
7.9/10
137K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,320
685
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
A Christmas Story (1983)
Official Clip: It's a Major Award!
Play trailer0:54
10 Videos
99+ Photos
ComedyFamily

In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.

IMDb RATING
7.9/10
137K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,320
685
  • Director
    • Bob Clark
  • Writers
    • Jean Shepherd(based on the novel "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by)
    • Leigh Brown(screenplay)
    • Bob Clark(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Peter Billingsley
    • Melinda Dillon
    • Darren McGavin
Top credits
  • Director
    • Bob Clark
  • Writers
    • Jean Shepherd(based on the novel "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by)
    • Leigh Brown(screenplay)
    • Bob Clark(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Peter Billingsley
    • Melinda Dillon
    • Darren McGavin
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 537User reviews
    • 91Critic reviews
    • 77Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 3 wins & 11 nominations

    Videos10

    A Christmas Story
    Trailer 0:54
    A Christmas Story
    A Christmas Story
    Trailer 1:22
    A Christmas Story
    'A Christmas Story' | Spotlight
    Clip 1:23
    'A Christmas Story' | Spotlight
    The Worst Gifts in Our Favorite Holiday Films
    Clip 2:37
    The Worst Gifts in Our Favorite Holiday Films
    Holiday Movies and TV Specials That Get You in the Spirit
    Clip 2:06
    Holiday Movies and TV Specials That Get You in the Spirit
    What Are These Stars Watching This Holiday Season?
    Full Episode 3:11
    What Are These Stars Watching This Holiday Season?
    Which 8 Christmas Movies Almost Had Completely Different Stars?
    Video 2:34
    Which 8 Christmas Movies Almost Had Completely Different Stars?
    You Just Watched: 'A Christmas Story'
    Video 4:40
    You Just Watched: 'A Christmas Story'
    Dates in Movie & TV History: Christmas Eve
    Video 2:08
    Dates in Movie & TV History: Christmas Eve
    "No Small Parts" IMDb Exclusive: Peter Billingsley
    Video 2:22
    "No Small Parts" IMDb Exclusive: Peter Billingsley

    Photos183

    Peter Billingsley in A Christmas Story (1983)
    Peter Billingsley and Jeff Gillen in A Christmas Story (1983)
    Peter Billingsley in A Christmas Story (1983)
    Peter Billingsley and Melinda Dillon in A Christmas Story (1983)
    Peter Billingsley and Scott Schwartz in A Christmas Story (1983)
    Peter Billingsley in A Christmas Story (1983)
    Peter Billingsley and Jeff Gillen in A Christmas Story (1983)
    Peter Billingsley in A Christmas Story (1983)
    Peter Billingsley at an event for A Christmas Story (1983)
    Peter Billingsley, Bob Clark, R.D. Robb, Scott Schwartz, and Zack Ward at an event for A Christmas Story (1983)
    A Christmas Story (1983)
    A Christmas Story (1983)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Peter Billingsley
    Peter Billingsley
    • Ralphieas Ralphie
    Melinda Dillon
    Melinda Dillon
    • Mother Parkeras Mother Parker
    Darren McGavin
    Darren McGavin
    • The Old Man Parkeras The Old Man Parker
    Scott Schwartz
    Scott Schwartz
    • Flickas Flick
    Jean Shepherd
    • Ralphie as an Adultas Ralphie as an Adult
    • (voice)
    Ian Petrella
    • Randyas Randy
    Tedde Moore
    Tedde Moore
    • Miss Shieldsas Miss Shields
    R.D. Robb
    R.D. Robb
    • Schwartzas Schwartz
    Zack Ward
    Zack Ward
    • Scut Farkusas Scut Farkus
    Yano Anaya
    Yano Anaya
    • Grover Dillas Grover Dill
    Jeff Gillen
    • Santa Clausas Santa Claus
    Colin Fox
    Colin Fox
    • Ming the Mercilessas Ming the Merciless
    • (scenes deleted)
    Paul Hubbard
    Paul Hubbard
    • Flash Gordonas Flash Gordon
    • (scenes deleted)
    Leslie Carlson
    Leslie Carlson
    • Christmas Tree Manas Christmas Tree Man
    • (as Les Carlson)
    Jim Hunter
    • Freight Manas Freight Man
    Patty Johnson
    • Head Elfas Head Elf
    Drew Hocevar
    • Male Elfas Male Elf
    David Edward
    • Kid with Gogglesas Kid with Goggles
    • (as David Svoboda)
    • Director
      • Bob Clark
    • Writers
      • Jean Shepherd(based on the novel "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by) (screenplay)
      • Leigh Brown(screenplay)
      • Bob Clark(screenplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

    Storyline

    Edit
    Christmas is approaching and 9 year-old Ralphie wants only one thing: a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun. When he mentions it at the dinner table, his mother's immediate reaction is that he'll shoot his eye out. He then decides on a perfect theme for his teacher but her reaction is like his. He fantasizes about what it would be like to be Red Ryder and catch the bad guys. When the big day arrives he gets lots of present under the tree including a lovely gift from his aunt that his mother just adores. But what about the BB gun? —garykmcd
    christmasbb gunboy1940sbully137 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • Sometimes Christmas is about getting what you really want.
    • Genres
      • Comedy
      • Family
    • Certificate
      • PG
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Darren McGavin ad-libbed the profane rants while fighting with the furnace. He said he speaks gibberish the entire time because it was almost impossible for him to ad-lib angry words without actual profanity. He did this in order to ensure a "PG" rating.
    • Goofs
      Before Ralphie and Randy get in line to visit Santa in Higbee's Department store, The Wizard of Oz (1939) characters pass by, and the witch tries to talk to Ralphie, who won't interact with her because he's busy 'thinking'. Watch Randy's face in this scene as he comes out of character for a moment and smiles at a scared little girl, who is off camera. She was afraid of the witch during rehearsal, and never really was able to handle her presence.
    • Quotes

      Ralphie as an Adult: [narrating] Only one thing in the world could've dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window.

    • Crazy credits
      Early home video copies contained the following text immediately after the end credits:

      "THIS TRANSFER IS DEDICATED TO 'POPPY' JOE BLUTH 1984."
    • Alternate versions
      Theatrical and home video versions have the end credits scrolling in red text over a shot of the Parker house. The airings on TBS in the United States have the credits on white over a black background.
    • Connections
      Featured in At the Movies: A Christmas Story/Star 80/Running Brave/Streamers (1983)
    • Soundtracks
      The Hut-Sut Song (A Swedish Serenade)
      Written by Leo Killion, Ted McMichael, and Jack Owens

      Performed by Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra

    User reviews537

    Review
    Top review
    10/10
    A timeless movie that will never get old
    A Christmas Story, there is absolutely no way that anyone could ever say they never saw this film since it's shown every Christmas, especially on TNT when they do the 24 hours of A Christmas Story, lol. But onto the movie, I've watched A Christmas Story since the day I was born, it's one of those films you never get sick of because of the simple fact that each year of your life you could relate to it in some way. Each character has these memorable moments and you could say that you've been in the same situation. It's great seeing this movie because it makes us laugh about the silliest moments in our life during the Christmas season.

    Ralphie is a little boy who just so badly wants a B.B. gun for Christmas, it's just his dream. Only one problem, it'll shoot his eye out according to the adults around him. We go through Christmas with Ralphie and his family, his father who is obsessed with a prize leg lamp he won. His mother who is greatly under-appreciated but extremely loving. His brother, Randy, who is your typical silly and annoying younger brother who makes fun of him. And his friends who are on a constant run from the school bully. But all Ralphie can think about during this hard time in his adolescence is that B.B. gun.

    A Christmas Story has constant unforgettable scenes, like the pink bunny out fit that Ralphie gets as a present from his aunt, him saying his first swear in front of his dad, Mom and Dad's fight over using the glue on purpose, visiting Santa at the mall, and of course that great ending that is sure to bring a that is sure to bring a tear to your eye. It's just the perfect Christmas movie that is a BIG recommendation for the season. It has great comedy, terrific acting, and just the most touching moments you'll ever see in a Christmas movie.

    10/10
    helpful•69
    22
    • Smells_Like_Cheese
    • Nov 16, 2003

    FAQ7

    • What is 'A Christmas Story' about?
    • Is this movie based on a book?
    • When and where does the story take place?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 18, 1983 (Canada)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Canada
    • Official site
      • Warner Bros. DVD site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Une histoire de Noël
    • Filming locations
      • 3159 W. 11th Street, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
    • Production companies
      • Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
      • Christmas Tree Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $3,300,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $20,640,209
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $2,072,473
      • Nov 20, 1983
    • Gross worldwide
      • $20,653,717
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 33min
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

    Related news

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    Sep 6Indiewire

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