In 1983, filmmaker Bob Clark adapted the book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd. The book was actually a compilation of columns Shepherd had written for Playboy. Clark and Shepherd used the various stories to build the tale of Ralphie, a boy who dreams of getting the ultimate gift. A Red Ryder BB Gun.
The film has a truly timeless feel. I think many of us have had dads who cursed up a storm when frustrated, mothers who tried to smooth it all over, bullies who made our lives miserable. If you grew up in a place where winter meant cold and snow? That tongue stuck to a flag pole is a little to close for comfort.
The cast is enjoyable, all mining laughs no matter the size of the role. The kids are fun and likable, the parents have there own quirks and lovable qualities.
I suspect most anyone reading this is familiar with the film, as much like It’s a Wonderful Life it has gotten regular airplay every Christmas for decades.
The film is warm, hilarious and deserving of it’s status. If you have not seen it? Find an opportunity to sit down and watch.
Halloween is often cited as the father of the slasher genre. But three years prior was Bob Clark’s Black Christmas. If you are wondering why the name Bob Clark might sound familiar, there is a reason. For about a decade, for 24 hours every Christmas, TNT aired back to back showings of Clark’s “A Christmas Story”. Yeah, that guy who brought us a beloved holiday classic also gave us another, lesser known (but no less classic) holiday film.
Tripping Through Gateways 