Am I the only one concerned about what happened to Randy ?
As the younger brother of Ralphie Parker in “A Christmas Story”, Randy clearly had a troubled childhood.
He was often shown hiding under kitchen cabinets, worried about the presumed punishment, even death, of his older brother.
He was always seen walking paces behind his brother’s friends. When confronted by bullies, he played dead, falling limply to the ground “like a slug”, since this was his best defense.
It was certain that he had an eating disorder. His mother had to resort to getting him to mimic “how the piggies eat”, the family amused by the disgusting display.
And then there was the winter overdressing. Unable to move freely, he was told he could let down his arms when he got to school.
Author and radio personality Jean Shepherd created the story decades ago, claims that it was only partly autobiographical. He did, in fact, have a younger brother named Randy.
It does make you wonder ???
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Post inspired by the extreme cold, and the 24 hour non-stop Christmas broadcast of the holiday favorite.
Be careful out there. Happy New Year !
vanbytheriver 
Maybe his tongue is still stuck to the flag pole. 😃
Ha ha…I thought the same thing, but in looking further, it turns out that a friend named Flick was the icy victim.
Oh, you’re right! Why’d I think it was the little brother? Well, instead, maybe he’s still trying to get up while garbed in his snow gear? 😃
Might have been the winter garb…they all looked alike in profile ? A child in the 40’s, he’s probably retired, having other issues now. Thanks.
Happy New Years!!
🍾🎊🎆🎊🍾
I had not heard of this story Van.. and reading your post it makes you wonder.. Wishing you a Wonderful Happy New Year Van.. Have a Loved filled one.. xxx ❤
It started as a collection of short stories, then a radio broadcast and 1983 movie. When the cable networks started airing it for 24 hours every Christmas, it picked up popularity. It is set in the U.S. Midwest of the 1940’s and revolves around a child’s Christmas wish to get a BB gun. A different, more innocent era is the draw, Sue. All the best to you for 2018.
Oh thank you for explaining it.. 🙂 now It makes more sense… Sending Hugs for the New Year and beyond Van xx
Happy New Year to you and yours. 🙂
Thank you, Di, the very same wish for you. 🍾🎊🎆
🙂
I have only seen this movie once….. I need to see it again.
As we moved around the country, we found it was super popular in some areas, not so much in others. Not my favorite, but it is omnipresent !
It’s strongly loved by my family…. they all do quotes. I just stand there looking lost. 🙂
I get it, C. It took me quite a while to pay attention to it. I guess I relate to living in the shadow of an older sibling.
Amen to THAT Van. 😉 I have 3 older and 4 younger. So we have a lot of shadows.
I understand, C.
Thank you for this wonder-ful post. I LOVE this movie and my guess is Randy turned out okay.
Ha ha…I sure hope so, Ann. Thanks.
He probably got his eye shot out, and now wanders about wearing an eye patch.
I was thinking the other day, that I’m wearing so many layers in an attempt to keep warm, I might soon resemble poor little Randy.
Same here, Peg. I rely on that layering these days. And no doubt, the real life Randy was probably a good target for his brother ! Thanks.
I’ve learned a new piece of American populare culture! Thanks for explaining to Sue. I hope Randy found happiness.
Happy New Year to you Van ❣️
Happy to share that info…it’s so big here in the U.S., I sometimes forget that it’s not universal. Happy NY right back to you, Val.
It does!
Right ??
Never heard of it but I heard of the crazy winter storms in the north! Take care, dear Van!!
It’s a bit chilly, Erika. But, it is winter, and as long as I dress for it, I rather enjoy the cold ! Thanks.
Then it is your season, Van! Stay warm 😃
It’s so cold here, Van, that my skin stands at attention when I’m outside. It hurts it burns and nope no hikes for me not for a while. Oh yeah, New York too. Freezing bitter cold …. we’re tough! 😘
I’m still walking my dog, Amy. His steps have quickened quite a bit, but I find it kind of challenging to be out there. Take care of you.
I’m not familiar with the story but I’m intrigued by a character who plays possum. Happy New Year!
Thanks, Rob. All the best for 2018.
My hubs likes this movie – it is not one of my favs – although I can see why it has this huge following. and that lamp – or the “I can’t put my arms down ” bah
stay warm and happy new year
The lamp is my least favorite feature, Y. It came from 1 of 3 short stories that he incorporated into the film. I like the ambience, they captured so much from Americana of that era, very much like what I saw in the 50’s. Thanks. You have a great new year as well.
thx and I have learned so much from this post – such a good idea to post about it cos from the comments it seems like many folks are enjoying learning about the film –
It’s such a particular U.S. piece. I forget that so many followers are from other cultures. Glad I could shed a little light on it. Thought about posting the link to the radio broadcast, but it’s kind of long…so.
I’ve never heard of this movie, but it sounds like an interesting theme for the holidays. I have heard about your frigid weather, though! Sending you warm thoughts for a delightful 2018, Van.
Thanks so much, Julie. Sending the warmest thoughts right back to you !
Sorry but I’d have had to slap whiney Randy at least once a day. Right after I slapped the Dad. Lol
Yep. That Dad…another whole set of issues !
But I love Darrin McGavin! Night Stalker..
Our favorite part. It’s a toss up between the “oh fudge” with subsequent Lifeboy trauma and the Chinese restaurant “farararararararara” ending. Always a must on our holiday list.
Did you see the live version ? They made the ending politically correct…not quite the same.
Oh no…glad I missed that.
It’s from the Broadway musical adaptation…everyone sings and dances their way through it. I forwarded through most of it…not for me, I guess.
The world is always swinging the pendulum too widely. No room for humor anymore.
hahaha true!
Thanks for the chuckles, Van. Happy New Year.
Glad you enjoyed, T. Happy New Year to you.
I dunno, my Moo is/was a really weird? brave? unconventional? unusual kid. She blends well enough most don’t notice, but if Sassy writes a screenplay featuring a younger sibling called Moo, well, people will think it’s all fiction, and we Motterns will know better 😉
By the by, I love that movie and watch it more religiously than any other this time of year 😀
Lots of creative kids are seen as weird, and unconventional…is just the best. Watch her create her own magic.
That movie came between my generation and the next, so I never much appreciated it back in the day. I watch it now with a different set of eyes, and enjoy the nostalgia.
She is utterly brilliant of course 🙂 Thanks!
Love that movie!
It took me a while to catch on, but I appreciate it now.
Happy new new Van seems I’ve missed your posts 😳 I’m sending you and your loved one joy and peace and all good things as the calendar turns 😀
Thanks and a Happy New Year to you, Hedy.
Belated Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years. Thank you for a hummus post, even if I never watched “A Christmas Story.”
Humorous, not hummus! Damn spellcheck.
Ha ha…I kinda liked “hummus post”. Thanks, Kitt.
Husband served hummus for dinner. Must have been a premonition.
Love and adore this movie—and Randy. “Oh boy! A zeppelin, THAT’S MINE!” as seemed everything else under the tree. And their mom’s request “Quick, give… Randy a present so he’ll shut up.” And their dad after all the unwrapping was over, “Randy? Wake up, Randy.” Great stuff. 😀
Ha ha…you caught quite a few of those Randy moments. Thanks, Paul. Glad you can appreciate this one.
My pleasure, and Happy New Year, Van! 😀
Randy probably grew up to be a handsome, successful, compassionate person with a wonderful family and fulfilling job. I hope he can look back and laugh. And I love that movie. Happy New Year, Van. Wishing you and yours a wonderful new year.
You just may be on to something good there for that kid ! Thanks so much, D. Wishing you the very same in 2018.
Well, never heard of Randy over in Australia or this movie. Sounds like I’ve been spared. Every New Year, “Can’t Stop the Music” plays after the midnight fireworks. Watching that, has now become my ritual, which is pretty sad. I like to see the Village People do the Milkshake. The movie is very slow for long stretches and it’s around 3 am when it finishes and the good bits are at the end. I should just buy the DVD but it wouldn’t be the same.
I should also point out that we’re on dog duty on NYE. Lady is absolutely terrified and while there are the local council 9.00pm and 12pm fireworks, many locals let them off illegally in their backyards at all hours. We don’t want an escapee. This year, we’ve also got our pups and wasn’t sure how they’d react. Thankfully, all good.
Hope you have a Happy New Year, Van and all goes well.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Oh, no. Those poor pups with the fireworks ! We have very few neighbors who do that any more…kids have grown up and moved away. I never seem to be able to stay up to “ring in the new year”…well past my bedtime. Happy 2018 to you, Ro. All the best.
I am a dreadful night owl but catch up during the day. We had a barge of fireworks catch fire at a local fireworks and the beach was evacuated. friends were there and said it’s lucky Lady wasn’t with them. She’d be needing to move into a padded bunker.
I have never watched this movie but need to now!
There will be many opportunities, Lynn.
Maybe he’s still mommys little piggy hahaha happy New year!!
Maybe ?? ha ha. Thanks, Mandi.
Thinking of you, Van. Hope all is well. xo
Van
Think of you often, hope life is filled with rainbows. Miss you. I hope your well and out enjoying life without looking back. M
Hope you are ok, Van!
Van
you like a post this morning!!!!! so glad to see your alive and well. I hope well. Are you taking time off to finish getting the house ready. No doubt closure will be a huge relief. 🙂
Hi Van, just checking in. I hope all is well!
Rob
Hi Van….haven’t heard from you in a while. Just checking in to see if everything is ok. Hope you are well.
George
Dear Van, how are you doing? I hope all is well with you and yours. You have been on my mind many times and I knew I couldn’t put off checking on you. Stay blessed and I hope to see you around sometime soon.