A Christmas Story
The movie A Christmas Story has so many memorable lines and characters that I could write all day about them. My annual viewing of the movie last night reminded me of how great the elves were who were helping Santa at the Higbee's store.
It's hilarious to see how much the elves -- wearing those ridiculous hats -- enjoy sending the freaked-out kids down the big slide. Perhaps the most bitter elves ever, although I don't know a lot of them.
But, in my opinion, the greatest line in a movie of great lines is uttered by narrator Jean Shepherd (whose novel the movie is based on). It comes after Ralphie says the f-word and is asked by his mom where he heard that word:
"Now, I had heard that word at least ten times a day from my old man. He worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay. It was his true medium; a master."
Shepherd wasn't a very nice guy, I've heard. But with writing like that, it's no wonder he was so popular. He's one of the reasons I wanted to be a writer.
Anyway, back to your Christmas to-do list. Tomorrow I'll report on the level of hassles I receive when I fly back into D/FW Airport. If they let me through the security gates.