The definitive guide to everything fans want to know about A Christmas Story shares the inside story behind the film’s Production, release, and unlikely ascent to the top of popular culture. From Jean Shepherd’s original radio broadcasts to Bob Clark’s 1983 sleeper hit film and beyond, A Christmas Story has become a beloved Yuletide tradition over the last three decades. In conjunction with the 30th anniversary of its theatrical release, this is the untold story of the making of the film, and what happened afterwards. Ralphie Parker’s quest for a Red Ryder air rifle didn’t end with the movie’s release; the tale inspired massive VHS sales, a Broadway Production, and a mountain of merchandise. Complete with rare and previously unreleased photographs, now fans of the movie and film buffs alike can lean all they didn’t know about the timeless classic.

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Caseen Gaines is a pop culture enthusiast who has won awards for essays on The Flip Wilson Show and the Planet of the Apes film series. He is a high school English teacher, the cofounder of Hackensack Theatre Company, and the author of Inside Pee-wee’s Playhouse. He lives in Hackensack, New Jersey.

"A Christmas Story, everyone's favorite modern holiday classic, finally gets the extraordinary book it deserves. Caseen Gaines' comprehensive, insightful and beautifully illustrated look at Ralphie Parker and his family will make perennial viewings of this beloved comedy an even richer and more entertaining tradition." —Jeremy Kinser, Queerty

"Fans of the film – and film fans in general – will love this book. Extremely detailed and immensely fun to read, Caseen Gaines'  book only adds to the magic that is A Christmas Story. Expertly told in a style and tone that would make Jean Shepherd and Bob Clark proud." —Michael Ambers, producer, The Cast of A Christmas Story: Where Are They Now

"The ultimate companion book to the ultimate holiday movie!" —Mike Gencarelli, MediaMikes.com

"Caseen Gaines's book on A Christmas Story is a gift. It entertainingly and exhaustively sheds new light on a movie that everyone loves and thinks they know inside and out. Engaging and packed with enlightening anecdotes, it's a perfect companion to the movie." —Richard Crouse, author of 100 Best Movies You've Never Seen and Raising Hell: Ken Russell and the Unmaking of The Devils

"An iconic and brilliant part of Americana is brought back to life through Caseen Gaines' book. I couldn't stop smiling while reading it!" —Noah Levy, cohost of VH1's The Gossip Table

“Though brutally honest in recounting crew conflicts and the fickle world of show business, Gaines demonstrates the enchantment and broad appeal of the Playhouse, as well as the spontaneity of a show where "anything could happen." — Publishers Weekly on Inside Pee-wee’s Playhouse

“All Pee-wee fans will enjoy this informative and fun text.” — Library Journal on Inside Pee-wee’s Playhouse

“"For all its attraction for the superfan, from the exhaustive episode guide to the previously unpublished photographs and behind-the-scenes tech-talk, the human portrait of Paul Reubens stands as Gaines’ signal achievement." — Kirkus on Inside Pee-wee’s Playhouse