CLEVELAND — It was a rare sight for January. After all, the holiday season was over.
But in downtown Cleveland the holiday lights and tinsel were actually going up. It was as if January 1983 was in a time warp going backward.
They were not Santa’s elves, but there was a frantic pace of preparing for Christmas. The workers were not getting ready for the bright lights associated with Rudolph’s brilliant nose, instead going into place were the bright lights of Hollywood.
It was lights, cameras, and wardrobe being pulled into place for 1983 Cleveland’s cinematic step back to the 1940s. The stage was being set for what would become a hit heart-touching tale.
The city was ready for its close-up.
"I play Ralphie in this part and it is called ‘A Christmas Story,'” said kid actor Peter Billingsley.
“Are you a star?” asked the 3News reporter.
“Well, I really don’t know what a star is, because a lot of people ask me that and I don’t know what to say, yes or no,” answered Billingsley.
”What do you think?” responded the reporter.
“I really don’t know. What do you think?” Billingsley said.
”Oh, I think you’re a star,” answered the reporter.
”Oh, really?” remarked Billingsley.
Well, they struck up the band. It brought its music to a swell. It was a grand opening and 1983 Cleveland put on its makeup, faced the camera, and knew its lines.
The star Peter Billingsley, the child actor, was in Cleveland for the movie premiere. Signing autographs once the film shooting had ended, Peter had become more comfortable with being a Hollywood star.
“You like acting?” asked a 3News reporter.
”Yeah, a lot,” Billingsley answered.
”You’re still of school age, how do you juggle school and work?” asked the reporter.
“Okay, well, when we're in Phoenix, which is my home now. I have a full-time tutor, and then he just gives me work to take with me when I'm on the road,” explained Billingsley.
Well, a lot can happen in 40 years. On film, Peter remains the kid. But in reality, he is all grown up now.
Cleveland is writing another chapter in the 'A Christmas Story' saga with “Ralphie Comes Home,” as the cast, now mature, will soon reunite.
Say! Isn’t that Scott Schwartz who played Flick in the movie?
“I walk in and I still see Higbee. You know, I walk in and I see the red carpet and I see all the countertops and I see Santa’s Mountain,” said actor Scott Schwartz.
The old movie had everything going for it. Just as it did years ago, it continues to draw in viewers. Even new ones who find a connection to a beloved classic with millions of fans. “A Christmas Story” still resonates warmly.
Maybe those cameras in Cleveland in 1983 captured more than just movie magic.
“It's the magic of people caring about each other and actually going through those adventures and those challenges and coming out as a family,” said actor Zack Ward who played Scut Farkus in the film.
“A Christmas Story” had everything going for it, a wonderful story told in a heartwarming way. All of it centered around Christmas and the magic that we feel during that time of the year. Fold into the tale the point of view from a child’s eyes, now spoon in a bit of nostalgia. Wrap it all up in Cleveland, our town, with familiar sights wearing a holiday wardrobe for the camera.
It has been 40 years since the film was made, but nostalgia of that time pulls us back into “A Christmas Story” as if it never left us. In many ways, Cleveland’s starring role in the film never leaves us because our fond memories continually take us back, warming us.
"Behind the Camera: A Christmas Story Official 40th Anniversary" is set for November 10-12 at Cleveland Public Auditorium. The event is present by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. Al Roker of NBC's TODAY will also be in town to serve as a moderator for a panel discussion on Friday, Nov. 10.