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A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic

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The definitive guide to everything fans want to know about A Christmas Story shares the inside story behind the film’s production, release, and unlikely ascent to the top of popular culture. From Jean Shepherd’s original radio broadcasts to Bob Clark’s 1983 sleeper hit film and beyond, A Christmas Story has become a beloved Yuletide tradition over the last three decades. In conjunction with the 30th anniversary of its theatrical release, this is the untold story of the making of the film, and what happened afterwards. Ralphie Parker’s quest for a Red Ryder air rifle didn’t end with the movie’s release; the tale inspired massive VHS sales, a Broadway production, and a mountain of merchandise. Complete with rare and previously unreleased photographs, now fans of the movie and film buffs alike can learn all they didn’t know about the timeless classic.

197 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

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Caseen Gaines

12 books57 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Paxton Holley.
2,231 reviews10 followers
December 12, 2023
This was one of the really well done oral histories of a pop culture phenomenon.

Gaines covers all the things you want him to cover in this book. Plus, he goes deeper into several of the actors in the movie and even comes up with several behind the scenes stories that I hadn’t heard before. We also get coverage of the two direct to video sequels that were made, and the musical, but unfortunately we don’t get any info on the recent streaming sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas. That would be my only nitpick, is that we don’t get any development info on this last sequel.

Writing style is like a giant blog post that is aggregating quotes and stories from other places, but the writing style is enjoyable and I’m already hyper interested in the movie so that didn’t bother me.

Other than that, this was a pretty great history of the franchise.
Profile Image for Orsolya.
652 reviews284 followers
November 18, 2016
If you are unfamiliar with the holiday film, “A Christmas Story”, then you must live under a pop-culture rock or don’t turn on the television during the 24-hour running block of the movie during Christmas. However, let’s be frank: EVERYONE knows of the movie and can reference a line or two. Not only am I a fan of the film but originally hailing from Northeast Ohio means I have visited the actual ‘Christmas Story House’ where exterior shots were filmed. For fellow fans itching for a revealing look at the iconic film; Caseen Gaines offers, “A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday”.

Gaines’s “A Christmas Story” claims to be a sort of extensive, expose tell-all, of the secrets of the creation and culture surrounding the classic 80s Christmas film. This description is certainly arguable. “A Christmas Story” begins by exploring the back story of Jean Sheperd (a radio personality and the voice of the narrator in the movie whose story is the basis of the film); and the match up with Bob Clark who single-handedly conceptualized the film. Although much of this background is probably new even to staunch fans; “A Christmas Story” is still not hard-hitting or in-depth. Yes, some interesting facts seep through but it can hardly be called mind-blowing writing.

In fact, the entirety of Gaines’s text lacks any writing chops. “A Christmas Story” reads like a college term paper merely offering coverage on the subject with quotes but without a natural flow. It can be best said that “A Christmas Story” is like a blog article which at least means there is a fast pace making the piece a quick read.

“A Christmas Story” also suffers from a terrible absence of structure or clear direction. Gaines is constantly jumping back-and-forth in his discussion which can confuse the reader and/or make the material difficult to remember merely because it isn’t mapped out well.

On a positive note, “A Christmas Story” does feature a plethora of facts and back stories that are interesting and seemingly unknown which will certainly satisfy readers. This creates a new angle of light to be shed upon the movie and makes it more real and relatable than just the movie that fills television screens every Christmas.

It should be noted that there are a couple grammar/misspelling errors within the text which apparently skipped past an editor.

The ending of “A Christmas Story” is abrupt and Gaines tries too hard to be emotionally expressive and emotive but fails and is cutoff in texture. Gaines follows this with some notes explaining sources and information draws.

“A Christmas Story” is a fast; ‘cute’ look at some behind-the-scenes facts surrounding the film, its creators, actors, and the cultural impact but don’t expect excellent writing or an all-inclusive look as advertised. “A Christmas Story” is a bit of a let-down and is only suggested for big fans of the film seeking any raw information versus just an average reader.
Profile Image for Mo.
1,928 reviews193 followers
December 9, 2014
1 1/2 stars

I guess I was looking to recapture a bit of the magic of 'A Christmas Story', one of the most charming movies ever made. Darn it, there I go again with those unrealistic expectations.

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Profile Image for Linda.
1,087 reviews10 followers
July 21, 2015
Thanks so much to the author, publisher and Goodreads for offering the chance to own a copy of this holiday gem about a holiday gem.

In the interest of full disclosure, I live in Cleveland (see my avatar) and not only have been to the Cleveland locations, I know "Evil Elf #2" Drew Hocevar, he's the brother of a childhood friend. So I was primed to love this book and it didn't disappoint. It's filled with the minutia of a cult classic and all the drama that entails on and off the screen.

There's an extensive setup explaining who Jean Sheperd was and how he impacted people with his wit, wisdom and talent. There's also self-pretension mixed with self-deprecation because the man dubbed himself a "raconteur". He tried to live the definition.

Author Caseen Gaines also gives extensive background on Bob Clark who toiled for years to get this story told and we only have it for suffering the likes of the movie "Porkys".

Gaines isn't an over the top fan of the movie as you read this but he's enough of a fan to appreciate it and respect it along with the people who made it happen. We hear from many of the actors in the film including all the kids now grown up many with kids of their own. One of the notable exceptions is Melinda Dillion who apparently doesn't get all the excitement of watching the movie for 24 hours on Christmas. She won't talk about it or be interviewed.

I loved the drawings Ian Petrella contributed for each chapter, the efforts to take us to every location used for the quick and low budget shoot. It was a tough go for all involved for a movie that didn't do much in theaters but became a huge hit because of VHS tapes, cable movie channels and ultimately Ted Turner.

You'll also get a course in royalties, licensing and the reason cast members charge for some autographs. It explains the "business" part of show business and it's not always pretty or fair. The goodreads counter puts the book at more than 325 pages, it's closer to 200 with the forewords and the index.

A great companion to the 24 hour Turner cable marathon, "A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic" will be as welcome as a Red Ryder BB Gun.

One more thing, come and visit the "A Christmas Story House and Museum". We'd love to have you see the place and all the rest we have to offer no matter the time of year.
Author 3 books1 follower
January 11, 2019
A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic is a fascinating and comprehensive look at everyone’s favorite Christmas film. After providing a little bit of background on the men behind the film’s creation, writer Jean Shepherd and director Bob Clark, author Caseen Gaines tracks the development of A Christmas Story from its inception to the casting and filming. He then discusses the rise of the Christmas Story House attraction and some of the merchandising issues that cast members have had as the film has gained in popularity. Also covered are how the film grew to become a holiday television event (i.e. TBS’s 24 Hours of A Christmas Story), the stage musical adaptation, and the sequel films. Gaines is an admitted fan, recounting his own visit to the Christmas Story House in the Introduction, and his appreciation and respect for the franchise and those involved shows in his writing, which has a lighthearted and cheerful tone. Additionally, the book is packed with production and personal photos, including many of Ian Petrella’s (aka Randy Parker) own behind-the-scenes photos. A definite must read for fans, A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic is a fascinating retrospective on this beloved film and the influence that it’s had.
Profile Image for Seth Arnopole.
Author 2 books5 followers
December 17, 2018
On a December night in 1984, my family rented A Christmas Story on VHS (and a VHS player to go along with it) from the local Alpha Beta supermarket, and three generations of us began a tradition of watching it regularly for years. Eventually, we would tape a version of it off the TV that edited out some of the old man’s utterings but fortunately kept in Ralphie’s disgusted “Son of a bitch!” I don’t think I’ve seen the movie in close to 20 years, but it’s all still there in my memory.

There is a lot in this book about A Christmas Story as a phenomenon, with a long afterlife of promotional events, stage adaptations, and merchandising. I wanted there to be more about the conception and production of the film itself, but I suppose I can seek out DVD extras for that.

Some highlights: I learned that the woman who played the schoolteacher actually has a cheerfully earthy sense of humor. Also, somebody bought the house that was used for the exterior shots in the movie, poured a lot of money into remodeling the inside to match the interior shots, and turned it into a tourist spot, where the guy who played the little brother actually lived for a while as an added attraction for visitors!
487 reviews13 followers
December 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book a lot, especially the interviews with the actors from the movie. There is a lot of fun trivia and some cute anecdotes. It felt a bit disjointed — like a series of essays rather than a conceptually unified book. I would have liked a little more insight and analysis. But a fun, fast read. I’d recommend it for die-hard fans of the movie.
Profile Image for Carla.
503 reviews58 followers
November 16, 2013
***** This is a First Reads *** Thank You Goodreads***


If you have ever been caught unawares and triple dog dared, or tongue-tied at the awe of the big man (you know - Santa)...
The pure genius of A Christmas Story and the wonderful telling of Jean Shepard has lasted over the years. This is the fan's book. The book written by a fan for the fan.
Mr. Gaines celebrates Shepherd's history and storytelling abilities, embraces Bob Clark's vision and desire for this film, and takes us behind the scene with interviews with casts, workers, and fans alike.
From Brian Jones who bought the Christmas Story House on ebay to Peter Billingsley backing A Christmas Story Musical - no stone is left unturned. Read about how wonderful fans are as they reach out to each other, like Jones (see above) and Tyler and Jodie Swartz as they search for artifacts of the movie before they are destroyed or lost forever.
Hollywood hasn't always been kind to the child stars and even as they speak candidly with the author you can hear the bitter pill being swallowed by some, but all seemingly have positive things to embrace about their experience making this film.
This is the perfect gift, better than a can of simoniz!
Profile Image for Kim Heimbuch.
592 reviews16 followers
July 19, 2014
Will post soonNothing makes the holidays better than meatloaf, leg lamps, BB guns, and bullies! In Caseen Gaines newest pop culture book, A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic, readers are given a special tour of one of America’s favorite classic movies from the early eighties. Gaines adventure starts when he pulls up to the once house and now museum, of the one and only, Ralphie Parker. And this is where the adventure begins. A gift shop across the street, two massive buildings housing memorabilia, and the actual house used during the filming, complete with the nostalgic leg lamp! Gaines wanted to do more than just retell a story. He wanted to give readers the history behind it, insight into the characters, filming, and every in and out, he could acquire.

“…after seeing the other tourists get out of their cars without forking over some green, Josh and I began to feel we had overpaid for what should have been free parking.”

Read the Full Review at http://bit.ly/1jZVwH4
Profile Image for Lisa.
927 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2018
A Christmas Story is a favorite movie mostly for nostalgic reasons. This movie came out when I was in middle school and was the go to movie at school for post mid-terms/ pre Christmas break.
I enjoyed re watching the movie as I was reading this book and finding out lots of fun facts about the making of the movie. I kind of want to visit the Christmas Story House (museum) in Cleveland now,though I will never buy any licensed merchandise after reading this and seeing how some of the characters were swindled out of their cut of profits on merch.
If you have even a passing fondness for the movie this book is worth checking out for all the interesting, but little known nuggets like: who almost played the iconic characters of Ralphie and “The old man”? Did you know there was a sequel, a Broadway show? What ever happened to the actor who played Ralphie? The movie almost never got made so how did it become such a classic?
Profile Image for Theresa Jehlik.
1,607 reviews9 followers
November 27, 2017
This lavishly illustrated book would be a nice gift for the "A Christmas Story" fan in your life. Although the house in the movie was in Cleveland, Ohio, most of the movie was shot in St. Catharine's, Ontario, Canada. The author, a self-described super fan, has made the trek to the various locations and sought out locals who still remember the movie shoot in the early 1980s. The book also describes the rise of the movie merchandising that still continues to today. Ian Petrella, the actor who portrayed the younger brother Randy, has made a second career out of living in the restored Christmas Story house and signing photos at various fan events. The chapter, "Applauding the Geniuses on Cleveland Street", discusses the development and staging of the live musical version, that keeps audiences entertained and grows a new audience for the movie.
1 review
February 22, 2014
Fasinating book on a favorite movie

I was a big fan of Jean Shepard and thoroughly enjoy a "Christmas Story" with its 1940s nostagia. To discover how the movie was made made fastenating reading.
Profile Image for Brian.
66 reviews
Read
September 17, 2015
I really love this book. Great behind the scenes info on the movie. Who knew a lot of it was shot in Canada. The author does a great job walking you through the making of the movie. Definitely recommend it to anyone who watches the movie every Christmas
Profile Image for Cody.
187 reviews
November 25, 2013
More research would take this book to the next level. The Scut Farkus/Zack Ward section had quality coverage of an interesting back story. Overall the book came off a bit 'low budget'.
Profile Image for Heather.
13 reviews
December 17, 2013
worth a look for fans of the movie who didn't know its origins
Profile Image for E.
822 reviews
March 10, 2014
Armed with what I learned in this book, I look forward to the next time I see the movie.

(Did you know that the actress portraying Miss Shields was 8 months pregnant in those classroom scenes...?)
Profile Image for Abigail Grunst.
44 reviews
March 29, 2014
I enjoyed reading about what went on behind the scenes of one of my favorite Christmas movies. If you love A Christmas Story, I would recommend this book. It's an easy read.
Profile Image for Jamie.
478 reviews
April 7, 2016
Slice of life stories of growing up in Northern Indiana in the 1930's.....used as a basis for my favorite Christmas Movie!
Profile Image for Tanya Spackman.
Author 6 books12 followers
May 25, 2017
Pretty good, but seemed to be trying too hard to find interesting info. Probably would have been stronger as a shorter book.
Profile Image for Teena in Toronto.
2,480 reviews80 followers
May 12, 2025
"A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic" is about the making, legacy and impact of the 1983 film "A Christmas Story". The book explores the origins of the film, which was based on the semi-autobiographical stories of Jean Shepherd found in his book, "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash". Gaines provides behind-the-scenes stories such as challenges during production (waiting/hoping for snow for the school yard scenes) and reveals little-known facts about the cast and crew (like hiding the fact that the actress playing the teacher was eight months pregnant in real life but they had to hide this because a pregnant teacher wasn't a thing in the time the movie takes place).

The book also discusses how the film, which had modest success at the box office, gradually gained cult status through repeated television broadcasts, especially its 24-hour Christmas marathon. The book looks at fan devotion, memorabilia and even the restoration of the house used in the film, which has become a museum (the museum was recently sold and the website isn't working).

We usually watch "A Christmas Story" around Christmastime every year so it was interesting to find out more about it. The book was published in 2013 and had insights from most of the actors (though nothing from the actors who played Ralphie, the mom and the dad, who had passed away by then). For the younger actors, this seems to be their peak of success and they are still riding it (the actor who played Randy quit his job at Starbucks to live in the museum for a while as a tour guide). I found the book got a bit uninteresting when the focus shifted to musicals that were made about it. There were lots of pictures, which was fun. Surprisingly there was some swearing when some of the actors were quoted.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2025/05...
Profile Image for Peter McGinn.
Author 11 books3 followers
March 17, 2022
I really love the movie A Christmas Story and watch it every year. So I enjoyed more than half of this book as it researched the behin the scenes aspects of the filming of the movie and other details of its release, its reception over the years, and so on. Having seen a video tour of the museum in Cleveland, the history of how that came to be was similarly intriguing to me. Even the background on Jean Shepherd kept my attention, because I had listened to his shows late at night in bed with a portable radio when I was a kid.

But I must confess that when the book moved on to discuss the sequels and the musical version and other more arcane aspects of the history of the production, the book gradually lost me. Having said that, it admittedly could me all the more reason for a true devotee of A Christmas Story to love the book even more. I guess I am just a fan rather than a super fan.
Profile Image for Steven Paul Leiva.
Author 21 books20 followers
December 18, 2019
If you are a fan of "A Christmas Story" -- and who isn't unless you are Scrooge or the Grinch -- this is a fun read at this time of the year, giving interesting info on the Before, During, and After of the creation of what has become a Christmas classic. My only disappointment might be that when this 2013 book mentions lists publications that were beginning to call "A Christmas Story" the best Xmas movie of them all, the author failed to mention my 2011 Los Angeles Times article where I said juast that! But you can read it here: https://emotionalrationalist.blogspot...
3 reviews
January 10, 2024
If you're a fan of the movie, it's worth the read.

This book not only goes behind the scenes of the making of the movie, but also addresses the opening of the Christmas Story house, the various musicals and the ill-conceived sequels. However, the book does not mention the NBC musical televised live. It also doesn't address the movie "A Christmas Story Story", as I believe this book came out years before that movie. Fans of the movie will mostly enjoy the tidbits about the making of the movie by those who know it best: many of the actors themselves. So enjoy this book; I guarantee you won't shoot your eye out.
Profile Image for Peter Wright.
Author 4 books11 followers
November 29, 2019
This was so much better than I expected, and I expected a lot. It covers the conception of the film, the making of it, the growing of it's cultural impact, and even the sequels and Musical. It only leaves out the live musical that aired on TV, but I'm betting the book came out before that aired. If you love A Christmas Story, this book will be a joy to read.
Profile Image for Kay Hudson.
427 reviews6 followers
December 7, 2019
A Christmas Story is probably my all-time favorite movie, and I enjoyed this collection of stories about the making of the movie, comments from many of the actors involved, info on Jean Shepherd (one of my favorite humorists), and lots of color photos (if you buy the ebook version, read it on a color reader). Now I'll have to reread Shepherd's stories again (which I do every few years).
Profile Image for Sue.
226 reviews
November 30, 2019
If you love the movie, you'll love this book! Lots of behind the scene stuff, how the locations were chosen, how he cast was hired and general trivia info. Now I can't wait to see the movie this year!
Profile Image for Sue.
264 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2021
A fascinating behind the scenes look at the classic film. Well written but a bit dry near the end.
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