Imagining a Better Future by Re-imagining the Past

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Dieselpunk Christmas

The 1920’s – 1950’s are known for giving us some of our favorite traditions of Christmas. It’s from that time that we have songs such as "I’ll be Home for Christmas" and "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby as well as Gene Autry singing "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" and "Here Comes Santa Claus." 1924 saw the first Macy’s Day Parade, which is often heralded as the start of the Christmas season. From that time we have movies such as "It’s a Wonderful Life":

and "Miracle on 34th Street."

It might be ironic that one of the great Christmas films set in that era was actually made much later. That movie is “A Christmas Story."

Released in 1983 this film, a box office sleeper, "A Christmas Story" tells the story of a 9 year-old boy named Ralphie Parker who desperately wants a "Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock" for Christmas. But with each request he hears the phrase, "You’ll shoot your eye out." Now recognized by many as a classic, "A Christmas Story" not only captures the feel of the early 1940’s but is made with a wry sense of humor that also 'keeps it real,' such as the father who would swear profusely when angry or the children's problems of having to deal with the local bully. "A Christmas Story" is a gentle film that the whole family can enjoy.

Merry Christmas to all.

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