Jack Nicholson as “the old man”? Ralphie in “Iron Man”? What you may not know about “A Christmas Story.”
Writing about the best Christmas movie ever made for mentalfloss.com, Stacy Conradt offers “a few tidbits to tide you over until the 24-hour Christmas Eve marathon on TBS.” For example:
- Actor Jack Nicholson wanted to play the role of Ralphie’s dad, but hiring him would have blown the movie’s budget. Thank heavens. I love Jack, but Darrin McGavin perfect.
- The director of “A Christmas Story” (1983) also directed the teen sex romp “Porky’s” (1982). “Porky’s” gave Bob Clark the financial wherewithal to make “A Christmas Story.”
- Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) was the executive director of “Iron Man,” and has a small part in the movie. Listen for the voice.
- Scott Schwartz, who played “Flick” (the kid whose tongue got stuck on the flagpole), dabbled in adult films for awhile.
- You can tour Ralphie’s movie house, in Cleveland, for $7.50. Collector Brian Jones bought the house in 2004 for $150,000, and reinstalled some of the original props, including Randy's snow suit.
