Featured Image Credit: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy / @achristmasstoryhouse / Facebook
Topics: TV And Film, Christmas
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: TV And Film, Christmas
People have flooded to social media in support after the owner of the A Christmas Story house revealed they're selling the property.
A Christmas Story - directed by Bob Clark - became a festive hit soon after its release in 1983.
So much so, the house where the film's protagonist Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) lives, went on to become a tourist attraction.
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Alas, the house is now set to be sold and fans of the film have took to Facebook in a mixture of panic and support for its owner.
The 1983 release sees Ralphie Parker try to convince those around him he deserves an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle.
Ralphie drives a hard bargain, but at the age of nine, it's unsurprising his wish is dismissed whether it be by his parents, teacher or even Santa Claus himself. However, it is Christmas - so miracles do happen.
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The enchanting story of what Christmas truly means and the dream of a young boy captured the hearts of many, leading to Ralphie's house being 'restored to its movie splendour' for fans to come and visit - and even stay the night - and a museum being built across the road with 'original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos'.
Brian Jones - the owner of the house - has since opened up about why he's decided to sell it and what this means for the future of the house.
In a post to Facebook, Brian quickly reassured the house and museum will 'always be an experience and attraction for fans to visit' as a result of it being designated as a Cleveland landmark 'several years ago'.
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He continued: "I am selling because it is simply time for me to move on to a new adventure in life after 20 years in this endeavour.
"It has been an honour to be the steward of such an amazing piece of Americana. All founders need to eventually move on so that their creation can reach its full potential.
"There are so many more great opportunities to make A Christmas Story House & Museum an even greater experience for everyone. The future of A Christmas Story House & Museum will be amazing."
He also stressed that most external changes to the house will have to be approved by the Cleveland Landmarks Commission.
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Fans of the film have since flooded to the post in a mixture of sadness and nostalgia but also in support of Brian, thanking him for all he's done for the house and keeping the film's memory alive.
One said: "You will always be a legend in the Christmas Story legacy. Thank you for sharing your vision and hard work with all of us fans, it's deeply appreciated. Seeing it was on my bucket list and I was lucky enough to fulfill it. We had a fantastic time. Best wishes on your future!"
"Can't you get ahold of Peter Billingsley. Maybe he can buy it and keep it as a museum!! Thank you for the years you've saved this iconic treasured home! Happy Holidays!" another wrote.
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A third commented: "Thank you for posting this and putting us fan at ease. I thank you for your 20 years of your blood, sweat and tears to have this for us diehard fans.
"Even after we are gone this house will continue to bring joy and laughter to all who see it. I had the joy of seeing it in person several years ago and loved it so much.
"We tried on the hats, heard the recording on the phone and looked under the kitchen sink for Randy. lol. Bless you on your new adventure and if it's anything like this one it will be EPIC!!!!!!"
Brian reassured fans further he will 'find the right person to carry on the tradition' of the house and make sure 'it's left in good hands'.
If Ralphie can manage to get his Christmas wish of a BB gun fulfilled, maybe an A Christmas Story mega-fan might get their hands on the house.