'A Christmas Story' 25th anniversary draws crowds to Cleveland house

[MaineDem]

The streets of Cleveland were still asleep Friday when the Gillens of Miami, Fla., bolted through the hotel lobby, ready to see the city that helped make their father famous.

Like caffeinated shoppers tracking deals, the Gillens were a jangle of joy. After all, the city threads through the family's past; it's where their late father starred in "A Christmas Story."

Twenty-five years ago, Jeff Gillen played the scary, worn-out Santa listening to a little boy in the movie classic that did much of its filming in Cleveland.

This weekend, his wife, Arlene, and children, Phil and Elana, are joining about 4,000 people to visit a convention at the Renaissance Hotel and A Christmas Story House in Tremont.

"It's a film about being a kid and looking back," said Brian Jones, who owns A Christmas Story House and the neighboring museum.

http://www.cleveland.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/a_christmas_story_25th_anniver.html

[Eurobabe]

1. Holiday tradition in my house, I was upset that TBS didn't

run their usual marathon this year. Not sure why? Maybe I am confused, I thought they rolled it out on Thanksgiving, but I just looked and it appears to be playing on Xmas day?

I have the DVD anyhow, so I can watch it whenever the mood strikes me. We love Ralphie and Randy. :bounce:

[deminatl]

2. I thought the marathon

was Christmas eve

[rurallib]

3. yep - christmas eve & christmas day

[hendo]

4. Yup

Thanksgiving is when they show "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Charlie Brown Thanksgiving".

[Berry Cool]

5. The house and the museum across the street are really well done.

I've visited them. Walking into the house is like stepping right into Ralphie's house, and the museum is full of items from the making of the movie and photos of the production in progress. Well worth visiting for all fans. While in town, you can visit the Rock Hall and make it a twofer.

[Number9Dream]

6. Wish Jean Shepherd, Darren McGavin, Bob Clark, & Jeff Gillen were...

...still around to be part of the celebration. Hope Melinda Dillon is doing okay. Darren McGavin should have won an Oscar for his portrayal of "the old man".