The Cleveland, Ohio house occupied by the Parker family in the 1983 film A Christmas Story will open for guided tours beginning November 25.

A Christmas Story is a TV holiday favorite. Set in 1940, the Jean Shepherd-penned childhood recollection follows young Ralphie Parker's frustrating quest to get an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Although the film supposedly took place in Hammond, Indiana, the house used for location shooting was at 3159 W. 11th St. in Cleveland, Ohio.

The "A Christmas Story House" was purchased in 2004 for $150,000 on eBay by Brian Jones, a San Diego native and fan of the film. He manufactured and sold replicas of a tacky lady's leg lamp -- a "major award" won in the film by the late Darren McGavin -- and used the profits to renovate the house into as near a match to the movie setting as possible (At last check he was still searching for a correct claw-foot tub and a pull-chain toilet to finish the upstairs bathroom.). Actors from the film have also chipped in, reuniting for a fundraiser to help finance the transformation.

Jones bought the house across the street as well, to use as a ticket office, museum, and gift shop that will sell lady's leg lamps. The legs are available online at www.redriderleglamps.com. More info on the House at www.achristmasstoryhouse.com. [10/15/2006]

February 10, 2012