This past weekend, at the annual Christmas tree lighting event in Downtown Cleveland, some cast members from A Christmas Story were on hand. According a story in "that yellow rag" (a.k.a. The Plain Dealer) these actors showed up to help raise $$$ to save Ralphie's house! This old dump, which was on "Cleveland Street" in the movie, is on West 11th Street in Cleveland, where the movie was filmed in the early 80s.
We're proud of this movie here in Cleveland, even though this flick does not once breathe the name of Jesus, nor even indicate that Ralphie's family goes to church on Christmas. But it does showcase many local landmarks, like Public Square and the Terminal Tower, the steel mills, and the cruddy working class neighborhoods of the city (such as where we live). And every Clevelander of a certain age fondly recalls the front window at Higbee's, so nostalgically depicted at the beginning.
Who'da ever thought this movie, which bombed so bad when it was new, would become the It's a Wonderful Life for the 21st century? And it's a fun movie, unlike the two depressing flicks filmed in Cleveland, The Deer Hunter with DeNiro and Meryl Streep, and The Light of Day with Michael J. Fox and Joan Jett. (FYI -- we don't discuss that "Major League" abomination here in Cleveland).
A couple years ago, I read the original book by Jean Shepherd -- In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash. The book is a collection of vignettes written by Ralphie, now all grown up and a successful writer in New York City. Ralphie returns to his home town in Indiana where he meets up with his old pal Flick, who now runs the local bar. The title of the book is from a sign that hangs behind Flick's bar. The actual "Christmas Story" is a short story drawn from Ralphie and Flick's recollections. It's a fun read for every fan of the movie.
So anyway, this 29-year-old guy in Hawaii of all places has launched this campaign to restore Ralphie's house here in Cleveland. This guy sells replica "leg lamps," the Old Man's "major award" from the movie. Apparently, this guy paid $150,000 for the dump and wants to make it a museum. (If I knew he had that kind of money, I could have sold a bridge in Brooklyn for much less!) You can check out his web site for more info.
Oh yes, and I was in a video store in the mall a few weekends ago - and we found "A Christmans Story" ornaments and a leg lamp. I did not buy them - being somewhat of a traditionalist myself - but found them amusing and enjoyable to look at!
Edited by jewls2texas on Monday, November 28, 2005 at 2:15 PM
I guess everyone has their own causes so if the guy wants to save the house, then so be it. Although I think it's a bit weird to raise money for that sort of thing like it's a real historical landmark or something. Oh well. To each his own.
You are on a blogging roll today Jay!
I did give Chris the 'ol virtual high 5 fer ya! hehehehe... The first time I saw your little avatar cartoon, I thought to myself, "Heh, he reminds me of Chris, whose face would look JUST like that, if caricatured!" And then, when I saw Debbie's avatar looking alot like mine would, I thought it uncanny, our resemblances! The pic you have up of Debbie looks JUST like a pic I have of my sister. And I've a hunch that Debbie is just as proud to be the wiff of her "Laaaarge" (think Popeye movie, Olive Oil singing of Brutus..."he's Laaaarge, and he's miiiiine") goatee manly man as I am. Thanks for your comment. And ftr, you guys can do alot of homesteading type stuff in the city too ya know (though I'm thinking it will be more fun in the country)!
Yeah, we SO totally agree on the baptismal principle. I will write more about it when I get a chance, share some of our own studies and thoughts... I so cherish the memory of Chris's baptising me, (I ought to blog about that sometime too!) that's cool that Debbie has had a similar experience also! You are the head of your home, we are all now in the priesthood throught the Blood of the Lamb. He alone is your covenantal head, and therefore who better to baptize your family than you? It is TOTALLY within your spiritual jurisdiction to do so even, as a believer, and the head of your household. Really, it's so strange to me that this is such a foreign concept to so many people...
Don't forget about Knoxvilles other great attraction..
The University of Tennessee !!!
Go Vols! - Tony