The film's shooting location in Cleveland, Ohio, has some hidden gems related to the movie. There are local stores that sell replicas of items from the movie like the leg lamp. Another little - known thing is that some of the lines in the movie were improvised by the actors. For instance, the 'You'll shoot your eye out!' line has become so iconic, but it was part of the natural flow of the actors' performances.
A lesser - known aspect of A Christmas Story is that the film was not initially expected to have such a long - lasting impact. However, it has endured for decades. The director had a specific vision for the look and feel of the movie, from the snow - covered streets to the warm interiors of the houses. The casting was also crucial, as the actors had to bring to life these quirky characters. For example, the actor who played Scut Farkus had to create that menacing yet somewhat comical presence. The movie also has some hidden jokes and references that only eagle - eyed viewers might catch, like the names on the mailboxes in the neighborhood scenes.
One not - so - well - known fact is that the movie's set designers had to find a lot of period - appropriate props for the 1940s setting. They scoured antique stores and flea markets. Also, the character of Ralphie was actually played by a young actor who had to really get into the mindset of a kid in that era. He had to practice his expressions and reactions to things like getting in trouble or being excited about Christmas presents. And, the movie's score, which gives it that warm Christmas feeling, was carefully composed to match the mood of each scene.
Somewhat less - known is the fact that in the days following 9/11, there was a great sense of unity in the United States. People from all walks of life came together to support the victims and their families. Also, the intelligence failures that led up to the attacks were significant. There were signs that the plot was being planned, but the different intelligence agencies did not effectively communicate and piece together the information. This has since led to major reforms in the U.S. intelligence community.
A lesser - known Christmas animated story is 'The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus' which delves deeper into the origin of Santa Claus. It shows his life from being a foundling to becoming the jolly gift - giver we know today. Another one is 'The Christmas Star'. It tells the story of a little star that wants to be part of the Christmas sky but faces many challenges along the way. There's also 'Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree' which is about a very tall Christmas tree that gets passed down from one creature to another, each taking a part of it to make their own Christmas special.
One lesser - known detail is that the actor who played Ralphie had to practice his 'daydream' expressions a lot. They were crucial for the movie's charm. Another is that the set was decorated with a lot of real vintage items from the 1940s. This made it look really authentic. And, the filming of the famous tongue - on - the - pole scene took a lot of trial and error to get it just right.
Michael Jackson had a fascination with different cultures, which is not as widely talked about. He incorporated elements of various cultures into his music and performances. For instance, some of his dance moves were inspired by African and Asian dance forms. Another thing is his love for reading and learning. He was always seeking knowledge, whether it was about music history or other art forms. His insomnia was also a part of his life that few really delved into. It affected his daily routine and perhaps even his creative process at times.
One of the lesser - known aspects of Amy Winehouse's life was her love for jazz music from a very young age. It was a big influence on her musical style. She used to listen to old jazz records and was inspired by the likes of Sarah Vaughan. Another aspect was her struggle with body image in her early days in the music industry. She faced a lot of pressure to look a certain way, which added to her insecurities.
Some of these stories might have a more somber tone. Unlike the typical jolly and festive Christmas tales, they could explore themes like loneliness or the true meaning of giving in a more poignant way. Take 'The Little Match Girl' for instance. It shows the sad side of Christmas for those in poverty, which is a unique take compared to the usual gift - giving and celebration - focused stories.
There's also 'The Tailor of Gloucester'. In this story, a poor tailor is supposed to finish a waistcoat for the mayor to wear on Christmas Day. But he falls ill and some helpful mice come to his rescue. They sew the beautiful garment for him while he sleeps. It's a charming story that emphasizes kindness and the magic that can happen around Christmas.
There is a legend about the Christmas Spider. In some cultures, it is believed that spiders would spin webs around the Christmas tree. Instead of cleaning them away, people would leave the webs because they were seen as a sign of good luck. It is a unique legend that adds a different aspect to the Christmas decor.
Crimson Glory's 'Transcendence'. It tells a story of self - discovery and spiritual awakening. The album has a unique sound with powerful vocals that really carry the story forward. It's not as well - known as some of the bigger metal bands, but it's a gem for those who like story - driven metal.
One lesser - known fact is that Columbus made four voyages across the Atlantic. His later voyages were more about trying to establish colonies rather than pure exploration. Also, he had a lot of trouble with his crew on those long and arduous journeys. They were often on the verge of mutiny due to the difficult conditions and Columbus's sometimes erratic leadership.