The Christmas Story is a movie I will never, EVER stop watching. It embodies the full spirt of Christmas, to me.

@AnthraciteHorrorStories

Жыл бұрын

👍

@95KIPPIE

6 ай бұрын

I can watch this movie every day of the year! Because I love Christmas so much that I wish we could have it every day. I wish I had someone in my life that like to share that every day!!!

@atlantic_love

6 ай бұрын

@@95KIPPIE My husband and I are thinking of having Christmas in the middle of January when it's colder and hopefully with some snow. We're just not the types who like to do the same thing everyone else is doing. This fall I did not make the time to watch all of the Christmas movies I normally watch, life and illness got in the way. Like you, I'm a huge, huge fan of Christmas. Well, pretty much from the end of August to sometimes in the middle of winter is my favorite time of the year :)

Around this time of the year, I like to rewatch your video. Thank you for sharing all this with us.

@ObscuristTourist

6 ай бұрын

Awwww, that warms my heart. Thanks for watching and re-watching!!! Wishing you nothing but the best this holiday season. ❤️🤗

Just now found this scrolling through youtube. Thanks so much for the video. Big, big Christmas Story fan but not an expert on some of the trivia behind the scenes. This video is a New Years treat for me, again, thanks so much for taking the time to put this gem together. Did not know the school was converted to a shelter. Also, I just discovered a DVD/BOOK. Road Trip for Ralphie. Have not watched it yet. If you have not heard about this book/dvd, this is a "MUST HAVE" for Christmas Story fans. ROAD TRIP FOR RALPHIE. Happy New Year. Don't shoot your eye out.....

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

Roadtrip for Ralphie came up on my radar just after I posted this video. Planning to watch over the next few days. Thanks for the recommendation and thanks for watching! I’ll try not to shoot my eye out. 😎

The outside school shots with the flagpole were filmed in St. Catharines. I pass the old school building regularly, now it's a woman's shelter I believe.

Love watching the movie every year in Rememberance of my deceased brother since 1991

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

It’s really nice that this movie has the ability to bring back such nice memories for you of your brother. ❤️

@christhayil8354

3 жыл бұрын

My oldest brother passed away one year ago this month, so my heart truly goes out to your loss!

I was a boy in the late 50's/early 60's, much of the movie was still part of my growing up. The octopus furnaces, the octopus wall sockets, galoshes, heavy winter outerwear. My elementary school and neighbourhood were from the mid 1920's. The Simpson's and Eaton's store windows. Electric trolleys.

@ObscuristTourist

2 жыл бұрын

What a magical time to have grown up - from a design standpoint. Very cool. 🤗

Just found this video now Dec 2022.. thank you for this awesome info.. A Christmas is my all time favorite movie.. My goal is to visit the house one day. :)

My Mother went there last year, she loved it! Will have to send her this :)

the school is central senior public school in lindsay, ontario. They added a newer wing to it since filming but the old part of the school is still intact and in use.

@atlantic_love

Жыл бұрын

And to this day a piece of Flick's tongue is stuck to the pole. J/K :D

@winniemartin1413

Жыл бұрын

The school was Victoria school in st catharines

The radio the Parker's listened to was a 1940 Canadian Westinghouse Model 780X. Another clue that points to at least 1940.

Also, in the Chinese restaurant, the acting when the duck came out was genuine. Including Mom's scream.

@hectorlopez1069

Жыл бұрын

That was real, she did that for real.

Thanks for the tour that was awesome !!

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! 🤗

Good job! Loved the background music that you selected. It’s the music when Ralphie was feeling badly about his prospects of getting his wish, and lying in bed at twilight after the fight. So well done. R.I.P. Bob Clark.

@ObscuristTourist

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely love that scene. One of my favourites!!! Thanks for watching. Happy holidays. 🎄🤗

@Modeltnick

2 жыл бұрын

@@ObscuristTourist Thanks for your reply! Will always be my favorite Christmas movie. I used to watch it with my dad. His favorite scene was at the end when the mother comes down the stairs and both parents are marveling about how beautiful the falling snow looked over a glass of wine. My mom had a robe like the one the mother wore. So much in that movie reminded us of days gone by, including the coal furnace! Thanks and Merry Christmas to you as well!

The year of the movie setting was 1940. The Red Ryder BB gun only became available in the spring of 1940 so it couldn't be 1939 and the Orphan Annie Radio show ran until April 26, 1942. There was a subsequent movie to this called My Summer Story. It was also written by Jean Shepherd and was based on the same characters. The setting was the summer of 1941 and they made references to The Christmas Story from the previous year. You can read it here. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Summer_Story

@Thatguyjack758

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting how there was never any mention to the war or the rationing as a result of the war.

@Jack29151

2 жыл бұрын

@@Thatguyjack758 which means it took place prior to the german invasion of Poland...probably 1938??

@Jack29151

2 жыл бұрын

@@Thatguyjack758 and it wasn't a red ryder gun, it was a Daisey. which was released in 1938...

@Jack29151

2 жыл бұрын

@@Thatguyjack758 on the newspaper the dad is reading over breakfast, the cubs were playing the new york yankees. that match happened in the 1938 world series.

@frankm3867

Жыл бұрын

The calendar on the wall is actually December 1945 and December 1st fell on a Saturday in 1945 I’m not saying that’s the years it’s set in. I’m just saying, in my opinion it’s taking place over several different years of the authors life all put into 1 Christmas story.

The year of the setting of the movie makes sense regarding 1939 but to me the inconsistency is that the Olds is a 1938 and is portrayed as an older car. Bald tires etc. One of my favourite movies and not just Christmas movies.

@Jay-vr9ir

3 жыл бұрын

I thought it was post WW II , but it wasn't . There appeared to be a nice wad of cash , for back then ,during the depression , I find it to be very fortunate and odd .

Killer job on showing before and after footage! Sometimes people really butcher it. But these were exact! 🎥

@ObscuristTourist

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jesse. That stuff always bothers me as well. Haha

Nicely edited and done!

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Joseph!!! 🤗

Great video. I really enjoyed it.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!!! 🤗

I wish you could have popped down and included the St. Catharines locations as well as the Chippawa firetruck from the flagpole scene.

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

I really wanted to, believe me! Next year. 😎

That was great, thanks!👍

Killer video bro. Thanks so much

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching dude! Much appreciated! 🤗

The movie has to be the Christmas season of 1939. There is no doubt! The 1940 Orphan Annie decoder was issued in late 1939, so Ralphie got it before Christmas. It can't possibly be the 1940 Christmas Season because Orphan Annie was off the air by then.

Hello so y'all hopfully made it great story I just seen the trailer I say( GREAT) Have a great Christmas....

@robinburgett1947

Жыл бұрын

love love hello Canada

I always thought the movie took place around 1940 since the Old Man drives a 1937 Oldsmobile Six.

1939 was the year I felt it took place because the parade and the wizard of Oz was in 1939 but 1940 makes more sense as that’s decoder ring Ralphie has was 1940 not 39’.. either way it’s my fav Christmas movie ever!!!! So so cool some scenes were shot in Toronto.. 👍😍

That was fun! Thank you! I agree...I have always thought it was 1939 because of The Wizard of Oz.

@ObscuristTourist

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!! 🤗

The Parkers car didn't break down, it just got a flat tire!!!

I feel like 1939/40 was too early. America was still feeling the lag of the depression. It wasn't until the US got involved in WWII that it's economy started growing and boosted the middle class. If you look at Ralphie and his family, they are stable with pleanty of food, the father a good comfy job etc. Even the town reflects good and ample times. I'd go for 1944👍🏻. The 1 thing that actually makes me want to imagine it was 1942 is the fact that he is listening to Little Orphan Annie in real time as a broadcast and that sets it in 1942 , for me. This movie is heartwarming and reminds me of my neighbourhood in Illinois.♥️😊

@ObscuristTourist

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, soooo many contradictions in the movie for what year it is. The calendar with the dates and days is pretty solid as far as evidence goes, but then so many other clues say otherwise. Very well could be 1944!

@MrJeep75

6 ай бұрын

Orphan annie ended in 1940, so it was 1940 defently before the war

I had always wondered about the timeframe of the movie. Finally, when they released the current sequel, it was revealed that the original film took place in 1943.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

I noticed that too. Somehow … I am still not satisfied with the answer. Haha

@MrJeep75

6 ай бұрын

No it was supposed to be before the war 39 or 40

The license plate on their car ,a 1937 Olds, was a 1940 Indiana plate, black with white or silver letters..1939 was yellow & blue or green ...1941 blue with silver or white.. There are other automotive discrepencies ..the police car in the flagpole scene is a 1942 + Chevy probably a 48 but l believe 1940 is the year they wanted to portray...

People with spray cans have too much time on there hands tagging and painting some ones property. Great video, Thanks for sharing. The Christmas Story is one of my all time Christmas Movies.

Regarding time period - The Red RYDER BB gun is a BB gun made by Daisy Outdoor Products and introduced. In the spring of 1940 - that would rule out 1939. These guns were not produced after Pearl Harbor (1941) , until 1947.

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

Yep. 1940 definitely seems to be the predominant theory about the time period for this film, and I think it’s very likely. There are so many conflicting clues in the movie! But the Red Ryder BB gun and the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin definitely point to 1940. ⏰

Excellent presentation. Thank you for braving the fearsome cold elements and your health to bring us this interesting information. But, did Scut Farkas really have yellow eyes?

Your theory about What year the film was based on 1939 could be very close due to the fact that the The formal licensing agreement for production of a Daisy bearing the Red Ryder image was signed in 1939.

I love the movie so very much..I am an American,but I live in Bavaria,Germany now ..I have it on DVD ..I got it for Christmas last year...I have never seen it here on TV and without that movie it just don't feel like Christmas..

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

same! It always feels like Christmas. Perfect atmosphere and always brings me back to a special time.

New subscriber!😀🎄

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

Welcome and thank you for watching!!! 🤗❤️

40 or 41. But it’s a fantasy concept, but it can’t be 39 because the rifle wasn’t available yet. I’m a toy collector and know it came out in 40

I have always agreed that 1939 was the likely year that the movie took place because of the Wizard of Oz references. However in the tongue freezing scene a post war Chevy is used for the police car. I guess they couldn’t find a pre-1939 car to use in that scene. The movie definitely has a pre-war feel to it so I will also stick with 1939.

Cool video, thaks for sharing as A Christmas Story is my favorite Christmas movie of all time. By the way the neighbors were the Bumpis's (spelled wrong i'm sure), not the Buckis's as you said.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

My fave Xmas movie as well. I’m pretty sure I did say Bumpus … but perhaps my doofus Canadian accent fooled you? Haha

At the flag pole it was a 1948 Chevy Stylemaster and the fire truck was a 1938 La France..

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

So many contradictions! It’s crazy

I believe the December 1 on the valet is a Saturday not a Friday.

It’s actually better that he says “fudge”. It makes it more funny.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

I think so, too. 😂

Good video - I enjoyed this. Curious, where is the park that the Scut Farkus fight takes place?

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

It’s off a street called Sears, just east of Leslie. It’s more like an alleyway, but once you pass the little park you’ll know it!

Thanks for you video. Heading for Toronto today… As for the date A Christmas Story is portrayed I agree that 1939 is the best bet for the reasons you mention. Also, there is no way it is 1941 or after WW2 because Randy would NOT have gotten a toy zeppelin for Christmas then

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

YES … The Zeppelin is also a pretty good clue! Thanks for pointing that out. Have a great visit to Toronto. 🤗

Can you believe I only saw this film for first time EVER a couple weeks ago?

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

But what did you think? I’m always curious to know what people think about it as a movie without the nostalgia element.

If I’m correct that bridge is near cherry beach?? Please correct me if I’m wrong

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

You are correct! 🤗

The streetcars used in the treelot scene were PCC models built beginning in 1946 by the St Louis Car Co. So it would not be time period exact

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, they did their best with what they had … and also banked on most people never having seen a Toronto street car. 🤗

About Scut's name, my fan theory / headcanon is that it's technically "Scott", but everyone called him "scut" because he was awful, and he ran with it.

I thought it was Scott Farkus too for decades!

@ObscuristTourist

2 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

Thanks for the video. Love this movie. As far as the year depicted, we may never know for sure 100%, just based on movie props and dialog. Too many contradictions. Like many of Jean Shepard stories he would place several separate incidents into one story as if they all happened during the story when, in fact they may have been years apart. Shirley Temple on the cover of "Look" magazine was December 1937. The decoder ring 1940. The calendar 1939. 3 clear contradictions. The White Sox trading "Bullfrog" was totally made up. Radio Orphan Annie ran from 1931 to 1942, totally fits, but which year. I love a good mystery, but I love this movie more. Thanks again for this video.

@ObscuristTourist

2 жыл бұрын

Me too! I love a good mystery. I feel like perhaps Jean Shepard never wanted us to figure it out … which is why he left us so many Easter eggs and contradictory hints throughout the movie. Still, one of my favorites. Thanks so much for watching!!! 😎

I never would have guessed the flat tire scene took place on a bridge.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

I know! All these years I had no idea until I looked into it.

@josephbennett3482

7 ай бұрын

You can clearly see the bridge in the background in the movie.

december 1st also fell on friday in 1944

@MrJeep75

6 ай бұрын

No it was 39 to 40 pre war

Awesome video, It was 1940

and the metal decoder was only marketed from 1935 to 1940...

@ObscuristTourist

2 жыл бұрын

So many contradictions in this gem. Perhaps it’s a mystery that was never meant to be solved. 🤯

It seems like the best giveaway for the year might be the phone. Not that I think it is a new phone, or new cars or anything else like that. But if it's a 1940 phone it can't possibly be in the 1930s. Just as an example.

But the red Ryder BB gun was released in March 1940 so would have to take place after that you’d think

I thought it was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio. Wow, some scenes were filmed in Canada.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

Some stuff was filmed in Cleveland. Like the parade scene and the house is actually in Cleveland as well

I thought the house was only used for outside shots and the inside shots were on a sound stage

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

The layout of the interiors look exactly the same, so it’s possible they were shot inside as well

The year being '39 is a good bet. I'll take it. Not 41, no way.

Can you tell me the address of the alley and the fight scene? Going up there from NJ after this year and would love to check it out

@ObscuristTourist

7 ай бұрын

The laneway is called Sears Street. It’s south of Memory Lane. Between those two is Maple Leaf Forever Park (located in the east end in Toronto (around Leslie & Eastern).

@brandonjohansky9377

7 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

The chattering teeth toy in the teachers desk didn't become a toy till 1949.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

Another crazy thing to throw off the timeframe! It’s insanity 🤯

Sorry, correction - all the house interior shots.

Scut Farkas....they had me fooled for over 30 years, man haha

@ObscuristTourist

2 жыл бұрын

Our lives have been a lie this whole time!!! 😂

Bumpus Hounds btw.

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed! Six hours out in the cold had me tongue-tied and frozen. 🥶

You forgot to show the school and the pole. Wasn't the school in Toronto too.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

It’s actually in my newest video? The school is actually in St. Catharine’s. kzread.info/dash/bejne/lmt-sralqsjJqto.html

I was an extra in the film "Porky's"

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

No way!!!! That’s amazing. Grew up with Porky’s and it was like the height of Canadian comedy on the big screen. That’s so cool. 🤗

Paul Giamatti? Is that you?

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

😎

This is amazing but…. Why not say where the spots are

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

Happy to share locations if you need. Send me an email at obscuristtourist@gmail.com

Google says it took place in 1940

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

New news as the year was finally revealed in the latest movie.

Come up from Mexico, that border is always wide open.

A simple Google Search will tell you that the Red Ryder BB Gun originally came out March, 1940. Also, the Wizard of Oz speculation was a good one but back then, movies like that ran for Months and often re-released in theaters Annually, especially the popular ones. And yes, the Little Orphan Annie pin was also a give away.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

A simple google search will tell you that the latest iteration of A Christmas Story reveals that the movie is set in 1943. So we are both wrong. 🤷‍♂️

@MrJeep75

6 ай бұрын

​@@ObscuristTouristno it wasn't was before the war 39 or 40

I thought it was Scott too 😂

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

I’m glad I wasn’t the only one 😂

Did Hard best holiday movie

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

Hard to beat Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber as a holiday villain, that’s for sure!

@TheGr8nss

3 жыл бұрын

@@ObscuristTourist agreed!

yeah, it would seem if it was after pearl harbor, that would have dominated the news then

That Chinese restaurant is in Cleveland and so is the bridge. There’s even a sign on the Chinese restaurant stating that it’s from A Christmas Story. A lot of the scenes were filmed in Cleveland. A few scenes were filmed in Toronto.

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

Shawn Huff The house is in Cleveland and so too is the mall and square where they filmed the Santa parts. The Chinese Restaurant and everything else was filmed in Toronto and St. Catherine’s (Ontario). These scenes have been discussed by the director of A Christmas Story as well as crew and extras who worked on the movie. I have heard there are some locations in Cleveland that have been recreated from the movie (aka the restaurant). But that’s the not the actual one used from the movie.

@sheteg1

3 жыл бұрын

The bridge is at broadview & Queen in Toronto and the Chinese restaurant on gerrard up the street.

@Anothertominohio

3 жыл бұрын

@@ObscuristTourist Yep...you're definitely correct on this. I think the school is in Toronto or at least in Canada as well. Higbees Department Store in Cleveland where they filmed the Santa/slide scenes is now a casino but it is still there. www.jackentertainment.com/cleveland/

The problem I have with 1941 is that would place it mere weeks after Pearl Harbor.

@MrJeep75

6 ай бұрын

It was pre war 39 or 40

Reconstruct 😃

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

Haha. I couldn’t think of the right word on the spot! That’s the one - “reconstruct” 😎

Not Croney, Toady.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

I know he’s Toady, but I called him a crony. It’s means “pal.”

Someone please buy the house and move it to a location not in fckn Cleland but a nice country setting

Bumpus’* dogs

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

Yep

I think you have multiple inconsistencies in the movie with the date. While The Wizard of Oz could be promoted in 1939. Its characters endure to this day, meaning it didn't have to be the opening debut. You wouldn't have the 1940 decoder ring in 1939. The calendar looks like December 1st is on a Saturday. I'd have to go back to the film if it was December or November at that point. The football game would be an inconsistency as would the Oldsmobile age. Little Orphan Annie stopped their broadcast in 1942. The decoder rings were marked from 1935-1940. So it would be closest to 1940, but I don't think you can nail it down. The feel of the movie seems like the mid to late 40s and would help explain the age of the Olds, but that isn't supported either. It's a great movie, notwithstanding!

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

You’re not wrong, but then again … everything in A Christmas Story is inconsistent when it comes to dates, etc. I think Jean Shepherd wanted to make the story as ambiguous as possible so we could never really pin down the date/year.

the police car was a 48 however every other a 37 or 38 or older. there is a 1939 calendar on the wall and the decoder pin is 1940. i would think it wouldnt be far fetched to say someone in 1940 just needs a new calendar. also that a christmas story 2 movie as terrible as it is takes place in 1946 and is set 6 years later as is my summer story is set a year later in 1941.

@keith021175

Жыл бұрын

I think 49. Chattering teeth in the teachers desk didn't get released to the public till 1949.

its a park but you cant go into it wow

I would move the house to a better location

It was 1940

Certainly NOT 1939! And if it was during the war, why not one single uniform, stars in windows, army toys in stores anywhere! The car plate does NOT show a date. Only Indianapolis as a location. I've always felt, based on the autos used, it was 1948 or 1949 before the economy had really got going. No cars were built 1941-1945 in the U.S.! It was not unusual to see mostly pre-war vehicles.

@MrJeep75

6 ай бұрын

It took place in 1940, we didn't go to war tell after Dec 7 1941

I say 1940.

@MrJeep75

6 ай бұрын

You would be right

I read somewhere they wanted to use Disney characters, but they were all protected...and of course greedy Disney would have wanted a sizable chuck of the film's profits. They chose the Wizard of Oz, because all of the characters in the L. Frank Baum Wizard of Oz books were public domain by 1983. Certain things, like the ruby red slippers, belonged to MGM...but the characters of the Wizard of Oz stories could be used.

Screw filling locations I played in my alley which was portrayed in the movie the real life locations. This first time I saw the movie I kept hearing names of streets. Then I contacted on facebook my sisters and brother about a movie I just watched. They were all well read and jy older sister who lived when the author did. My sister said Jeff that alley he played in was the same that me and my brother played in then she told me we lived across the alley where he lived the author and one house down. I said I thought all those names were familiar.

Sorry, I stopped watching after the second time he said "holiday movie". The name of the holiday is in the title so why not say it?

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

You spent more time writing this than watching the video. That’s crazy man 😂😂

Are you a DailyWoo knockoff? Sure seems like it.

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

I dunno, Iceman. Am I?

@Iceman8723

Жыл бұрын

@@ObscuristTourist 10000000%

Thanks for showing, however I have to say.... I didn`t like this movie.

@ObscuristTourist

2 жыл бұрын

I know a few people who don’t like - or get - this movie. So you’re not alone. ☺️

The way this guy talks, seems like he is a wanna be Adam the Woo

@ObscuristTourist

3 жыл бұрын

Adam the Woo is pretty cool, so I suppose there’s worse people to sound like. 😏

There's a band from cincy called the scutt farkus affair... I always thought it was scott too until I learned of this band in the 90s

@ObscuristTourist

Жыл бұрын

No way! One of my fave bands of all time is from Cincy - Foxy Shazam. A while back I tried find other hidden gems for music out of Cincy and did not come across the Scut Farkus Affair! Downloading on my Spotify right now. 😂

Too much yapping, get to the point.

@ObscuristTourist

6 ай бұрын

Patience is key. 😂