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Last Update: 05-21-2015
A Christmas Story

National Film Registry

December 19, 2012

The Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today named 25 motion pictures that have been selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. These cinematic treasures represent important cultural, artistic and historic achievements in filmmaking. "Established by Congress in 1989, the National Film Registry spotlights the importance of preserving America's unparalleled film heritage," said Billington. "These films are not selected as the 'best' American films of all time, but rather as works of enduring importance to American culture. They reflect who we are as a people and as a nation." A Christmas Story (1983) Humorist Jean Shepherd narrates this memoir of growing up in Hammond, Ind., during the 1940s when his greatest ambition was to receive a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The film is based in part on Shepherd's 1966 compilation of short stories titled "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash," which originated on his radio and television programs. Writer-director Bob Clark had long dreamed of making a movie based on Shepherd's work and his reverence for the material shows through as detail after nostalgic detail rings true with period flavor. Dozens of small but expertly realized moments reflect an astute understanding of human nature. Peter Billingsley - with his cherubic cheeks, oversized glasses and giddy grin - portrays Shepherd as a boy. Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon are his harried-yet-lovable parents.
Links to Further Information:
• Library of Congress link