A Christmas Story
National Film Registry
Rent/Purchase
The comic mishaps and adventures of a young boy named Ralph, trying to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect Christmas gift for the 1940s.
What critics thought
A Christmas Story was a modest theatrical performer that grew into a beloved holiday institution — critics at the time were mostly supportive but hardly unanimous, and the film's reputation has expanded far beyond what its original release suggested. What critics consistently noted was its blend of genuine warmth with an unsentimental, even cynical edge, though some felt its comic set-pieces strained for effect rather than earning their laughs. The gap between the lukewarm initial box office and the film's current near-canonical status is itself the most telling thing about how it has been received.
“the movie's big comic pieces tend only to be exceedingly busy. Though Mr. Billingsley, Mr. Gavin [sic], Miss Dillon and the actress who plays Ralphie's school teacher (Tedde Moore) are all very able, they are less funny than actors in a television situation comedy”
Vincent Canby·The New York Times
Genres
Comedy, Family
Cast & Crew
DirectorBob Clark
StarringMelinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Jean Shepherd, Ian Petrella
ComposerPaul Zaza, Carl Zittrer
A Christmas Story
National Film Registry
The comic mishaps and adventures of a young boy named Ralph, trying to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect Christmas gift for the 1940s.
What critics thought
A Christmas Story was a modest theatrical performer that grew into a beloved holiday institution — critics at the time were mostly supportive but hardly unanimous, and the film's reputation has expanded far beyond what its original release suggested. What critics consistently noted was its blend of genuine warmth with an unsentimental, even cynical edge, though some felt its comic set-pieces strained for effect rather than earning their laughs. The gap between the lukewarm initial box office and the film's current near-canonical status is itself the most telling thing about how it has been received.
“the movie's big comic pieces tend only to be exceedingly busy. Though Mr. Billingsley, Mr. Gavin [sic], Miss Dillon and the actress who plays Ralphie's school teacher (Tedde Moore) are all very able, they are less funny than actors in a television situation comedy”
Vincent Canby·The New York Times
Genres
Comedy, Family
Cast & Crew
DirectorBob Clark
StarringMelinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Jean Shepherd, Ian Petrella
ComposerPaul Zaza, Carl Zittrer
Rent/Purchase