Last week, I shared some memories of one of my favorite downtown Cleveland department stores that has since closed. I also mentioned that parts of the movie, A Christmas Story, were filmed here in 1983.
In 2005, a California man who was a huge fan of the movie, was the winning bidder in an eBay auction for the house that "Ralphie and his family lived in". He decided to make into a tourist attraction with a museum and a gift shop. When he bought it, it looked like this.
The previous owner had installed new windows and aluminum siding so some renovations were required to bring it back to its original movie glory.
A Christmas Story cast reunion around the leg lamp in A Christmas Story House just before the Grand Opening. From left to right Zack Ward (Scut Farkus), Yano Anaya (Grover Dill), Tedde Moore (Miss Shields), Ian Petrella (Randy Parker), Scott Schwartz (Flick), Patty Lafontaine (Head Elf) and Drew Hocevar (Male Elf).
Much like other show and movie reunions, you'll notice that the main characters are blatantly missing from the reunion. What's a reunion without Ralphie?
When you're planning your next trip to Cleveland, keep in mind that the Christmas Story house is open year round so it's not just a holiday attraction. And if you're stumped about what to get that person who has everything, the gift shop across the street carries these unique items.
A replica of Ralphie's bunny suit that he got for Christmas. A steal at $99.99
The major award leg lamp, $99.99.
A bar of Lifebuoy soap
Radio Orphan Annie's decoder pin, $7.99
Randy's scarf, $24.99
Schwartz stocking cap, $24.99
Flick's aviator cap, $34.99
And last but not least, Ralphie's prized Red Ryder bb-gun, $179.99
Whatever you do, don't shoot your eye out!
I loved that movie, and looking at these pics was so heartwarming! :o)
ReplyDeleteA few years ago we were driving through Liberal Kansas. (I know...) AND it was in the middle of "Oz Fest" (Not Oz as in Ozzie, but Oz as in the Wizard) low and behold there was this little Wizard of Oz museum (Not in Kansas anymore? Think AGAIN). And... (this was a tad bit creepy) there were some of the original little people munchkins for autographs and pictures. (We left there depressed and in a deep need for a toddy).
Or maybe that was just the Kansas effect, I'll have to go again just to see!
That's awful steep on that Red Ryder BB Gun. You could shoot someones credit rating out with that thing.
ReplyDeleteI hate to admit it but I have never been able to watch the whole movie but some of the scenes are classic and I love the Leg Lamp scene.
This is epic. Definitely comment worthy :) I know where I'm going on my next... er, first... trip to Cleveland!
ReplyDeleteThis is my husbands favorite movie! And the one picture reminded me of something I wrote that kind of describes my relationship with him:
ReplyDeleteShe clings to him
like hot, moist lips
to cold frosted metal.
She is numb to the pain
that is already there.
Imagine, when she turns away.
I'd like to bid on the Santa slide please. Chrissy ... You crack me up.
ReplyDeleteWell, here's my comment from last year...
ReplyDelete"BRAVA! Awesome post, Chrissy!
What fabulous movie that is! I had no idea it was shot in Cleveland!?
It's so cool to see the picture of the house after they restored it to it's original look!
I think I'll take the bunny suit!"
Fab post, girl! Loved reading it again!
X
Thank you all for commenting! :-)
ReplyDelete@Miss Nikki,
I can't stop laughing at "oz Fest". I guess it makes sense. Wouldn't those munchkins be like a hundred by now. Were they using walkers?
@Simply Suthern,
Well, sure, they have to overcharge you or you won't feel the value. It's one of my sister's favorite movies so when TBS plays it for like 24 hours on Thanksgiving, we indulge her and leave it on.
@Geeta,
Thank you! I'll keep a light on for ya.
@Middle Child,
Yes! I see the similarities!
@Joel Momberg,
You'll need to break open the piggy bank. Good to see you!
@Ron,
Yes! You were the only one to comment. THANK YOU! And thank you for commenting again. You're a true friend. xoxo
My all time favorite Christmas movie! I'm planning my trip as I type.
ReplyDelete