• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
methodshop

methodshop

tech news, reviews & how to's

  • Trending
  • Latest
  • Tech
    • Apps
    • Internet
    • Software
    • Security
    • Games
    • Advertising
  • Life
    • Entertainment
    • TV & Film
    • Music
    • Health & Science
    • Family
    • Social Media
    • Food
    • Style
  • Learn
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • News
      • Business
      • Crime
      • Politics
  • Fun
    • Featured
    • Humor
    • Holiday

Home : Holiday : Leg Lamp Trivia: 10 Fun Trivia Facts About The Christmas Story Leg Lamp

The Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story
How can you not love the the classic holiday film, A Christmas Story. It has plenty of memorable scenes including the infamous Leg Lamp!

Leg Lamp Trivia: 10 Fun Trivia Facts About The Christmas Story Leg Lamp

Here are some fun Leg Lamp trivia items that you probably didn't already know.

December 23, 2021 by jayfrankwilson
FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn

One of the most memorable parts of the 1983 film A Christmas Story is the Leg Lamp. The Leg Lamp, or as the old man calls it the “Major Award”, was a large tacky lamp that the father in the film won. Since its initial release, A Christmas Story has grown a cult following and is frequently found in heavy TV rotation during the holidays. And with the film’s popularity, the legend of the Christmas Story Leg Lamp has been passed on through the generations.

Here are some fun Leg Lamp trivia items that you probably didn’t already know.

A Christmas Story Is Based On A Short Story That Was First Published In Playboy Magazine

Before it was a movie, A Christmas Story was a series of short stories by writer and radio personality Jean Shepherd. The stories were a fictional account of his childhood in the 1940s. The short story about the Leg Lamp is titled “My Old Man and the Lascivious Special Award that Heralded the Birth of Pop Art” and was originally published in 1966. The story that inspired A Christmas Story, “Red Ryder Nails the Hammond Kid”, was published in the December 1965 issue of Playboy Magazine.

The Jean Shepherd Show - Leg Lamp Trivia
Jean Shepherd’s career as a writer, storyteller and radio personality spanned decades. But Shepherd is mostly known to modern audiences for the film A Christmas Story (1983).

#DidYouKnow ‘A Christmas Story’ is based on a short story that was first published in @Playboy magazine? #ChristmasStory #AChristmasStory #christmastrivia #Christmas
Click To Tweet

NERD NOTE: Jean Shepherd had his own radio show at WOR-AM in New York City for 22 years (1955-1977).

The Lamp Was Inspired By A Soda Advertisement

Jean Shepherd first got the idea for the leg lamp after seeing a Nehi Soda advertisement featuring a pair of legs. Nehi’s signature image in their ads during the 30s and 40s was a pair of female legs.

Drink Genuine Nehi - Leg Lamp Trivia
Nehi (pronounced “knee-high”) soda was introduced in 1924. In 1955, the company changed its name to Royal Crown Company, after its RC Cola brand.

Shepherd gave cloaked credit to Nehi by writing that the Old Man’s crossword contest was sponsored by an “orange pop” beverage company whose name “was a play on words, involving the lady’s knee.”

#DidYouKnow A NEHI soda ad inspired the Leg Lamp from “A Christmas Story” … #AChristmasStory #LegLamp #ChristmasStory #MovieTrivia #ChristmasTrivia
Click To Tweet

A Plus-Sized Model Posed For The Leg Lamp

The Leg Lamp is big, after all, it was “a major award.” Martin Malivoire, one of the prop designers who helped fabricate the lamp for the movie, used a plus-sized woman’s leg to cast the mold.

Leg Lamp Trivia
The “Major Award.”

Only One Leg Lamp Survived The Filming Of A Christmas Story

Collecting movie props is a very popular, and profitable hobby. Iconic props like the Wilson volleyball from Cast Away, the Maltese Falcon, and the Batmobile have fetched small fortunes at auction. But sadly no one will ever own an original Leg Lamp.

Broken Leg Lamp
All of the original leg lamps were broken during filming or discarded afterward.
The Leg Lamp From A Christmas Story - - Leg Lamp Trivia

Production designer Reuben Freed designed three-leg lamps for the film using a mold fabricated by Martin Malivoire. Two Leg Lamps were broken during filming. One survived and sat in the window of Martin Malivoire’s special effects shop in Toronto for several years.

Unfortunately, this is one of the saddest Leg Lamp trivia items on this list. While cleaning up his shop, Malivoire threw the lamp into the garbage. His timing was terrible. Just a few years later, everyone started going crazy for Leg Lamps. It’s too bad, Malivoire would have owned the ultimate Christmas Story collectible.

Only 3 Leg Lamps were ever created. 2 broke during filming A Christmas Story and the 3rd was foolishly thrown away … #AChristmasStory #LegLamp #ChristmasStory
Click To Tweet

The Christmas Story Lamp Shade Is Shaped Like A Bell

After Martin Malivoire created the glass leg, production designer Reuben Freed created the style and design of the Christmas Story movie leg lamp. The lampshade is a classic bell shape based on a lamp from Freed’s mother’s living room.

Leg Lamp Shade
The Leg Lamp’s lampshade

The ‘A Christmas Story Leg Lamp’ Is An Icon In Cleveland

Although Jean Shepard is a native of Indiana, A Christmas Story was primarily filmed in Cleveland, Ohio. In the years following the film’s release, the city has embraced being connected with the film.

Leg Lamp: Terminal Tower
Cleveland’s Terminal Tower lit up like the Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story.

To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of A Christmas Story in 2013, Terminal Tower in Cleveland’s Public Square was transformed into a giant leg lamp. People traveled from around the world to come to the United States for the event. Keen fans of the film might recognize Terminal Tower as Higbee‘s department store, where Ralphie and his brother have their frightening encounter with Santa.

Leg Lamp Replicas Are Very Popular Holiday Decorations And Holiday Gifts

It took several decades, but now you too can own the coveted Leg Lamp. And you don’t even have to win a contest like the Old Man to get one.

This half-scale 26″ reproduction of the Leg Lamp from the 1983 movie A Christmas Story isn’t completely accurate, but it’s probably close enough for most fans of A Christmas Story. And honestly, its smaller scale will be more apt to blend in with the average living room or make a great desk lamp.

26&Quot; A Christmas Story Deluxe Desktop Leg Lamp - - Leg Lamp Trivia
26″ A Christmas Story Deluxe Desktop Leg Lamp
Leg Lamp (27″ inch)
BUY NOW

/

Leg Lamp (40″ inch)
BUY NOW

And if you want a full-size floor lamp or a large 40″ inch Leg Lamp for the front window in your living room, then you’re in luck. They make those too. And the best part, most of these replica lamps come with an authentic box that says FRAGILE (fra-gee-le).

c

In 2012, Enough Christmas Story Leg Lamps Were Sold On Amazon To Top Mt. Everest

According to an Amazon.com press release on 2012 holiday sales, the Leg Lamp was such a popular item that if they stacked them all on top of each other they would be higher than Mount Everest (29,029 ft).

“If you stacked every Christmas Story Leg Lamp purchased by Amazon customers this holiday season, the height would reach the top of Mt. Everest.”

The Director Of A Christmas Story Made A Cameo In The Film Delivering The Leg Lamp

Bob Clark, the director of A Christmas Story, did a cameo with the Leg Lamp. Clark played the role of Swede, the dim-witted neighbor, who marvels at the Leg Lamp from outside the house.

Bob Clark, the director of A Christmas Story, played the role of Swede, the dim-witted neighbor, who marvels at the lamp from outside … #AChristmasStory #LegLamp #ChristmasStory
Click To Tweet

The Leg Lamp Has Inspired An Entire Line Of Christmas Decorations And Merchandise

For people who don’t need a new lamp but still love the Leg Lamp, smaller versions exist. In recent years Leg Lamp nightlights ($15+ via Amazon) and Leg Lamp Christmas Tree lights ($30 via Amazon) have all hit the market.

Leg Lamp Christmas Tree Lights And Nightlight
Leg Lamp nightlights and Leg Lamp Christmas Tree lights

The smallest official version of the Leg Lamp available for purchase as a light-up necklace. This mini Leg Lamp necklace ($5 via Amazon) is sure to collect tons of compliments at your next holiday party.

Leg Lamp Necklace
Leg Lamp Necklace

Yes, you can also eat the Christmas Story Leg Lamp. This Leg Lamp cookie cutter ($5+ via Amazon) creates holiday cookies in the shape of the iconic lamp. Make your holiday treats into a Major Award that’s edible and everyone can enjoy.

Leg Lamp Cookies
Leg Lamp Cookie Cutter

Leg Lamp Trivia

There you have it! You are now a master at all things Leg Lamp. We hope you enjoyed reading this article about the infamous Leg Lamp. Please share it with your friends online. And if you own a Leg Lamp at home, please tell us about it in the comments.

Fun Leg Lamp trivia from the 1983 film, A Christmas Story … #AChristmasStory #LegLamp #ChristmasStory #LegLampTrivia
Click To Tweet

NERD NOTE: Besides the Leg Lamp and the bunny suit, the other iconic prop from A Christmas Story is the Daisy Red Rider BB gun. Unlike the lamp and the bunny suit, the BB gun was a real product. Daisy has been making air rifles since the 1880s, but they didn’t introduce the Red Ryder BB gun until 1940. At the time, the rifle sold for only $2.95 and was named after a popular comic book cowboy character named Red Ryder.

Teddy Ruxpin

Remembering Teddy Ruxpin – The Original Storytelling Toy Gets Revamped

Read moreRemembering Teddy Ruxpin – The Original Storytelling Toy Gets Revamped
Pick Punch Collar Stay Punch

Upcycle Old Credit Cards Into Collar Stays With the Pick Punch Collar Stay Punch

Read moreUpcycle Old Credit Cards Into Collar Stays With the Pick Punch Collar Stay Punch
Squirrel Boxer Briefs - Funny Underwear For Men That Will Make Your Partner Smile

5 Pairs Of Funny Underwear For Men That Will Make Him Smile

Read more5 Pairs Of Funny Underwear For Men That Will Make Him Smile
Headless Santa

Decapitated Santa Found in Manhattan

Read moreDecapitated Santa Found in Manhattan

MF-575 Digital Picture Frame Review

Read moreMF-575 Digital Picture Frame Review
X-Rated Christmas Cookies Drive Facebook Moms To Boycott Target

Moms Outraged At X-Rated Target Cookies With Phallic Santa Claus Boots

Read moreMoms Outraged At X-Rated Target Cookies With Phallic Santa Claus Boots

iDockCover Review

Read moreiDockCover Review
Thundercats

ThunderCats Cufflinks: Novelty Cufflinks From The Popular 1980s Cartoon

Read moreThunderCats Cufflinks: Novelty Cufflinks From The Popular 1980s Cartoon
Itunes Store

iTunes Movie Rentals – Rumors Say They Are Coming Soon (2008)

Read moreiTunes Movie Rentals – Rumors Say They Are Coming Soon (2008)
What'S The Meaning Of Auld Lang Syne?

What’s The Meaning Of Auld Lang Syne? – The History Behind The Popular New Year’s Song

Read moreWhat’s The Meaning Of Auld Lang Syne? – The History Behind The Popular New Year’s Song

Adobe Photoshop Cook

Read moreAdobe Photoshop Cook
The Moth Podcast

The Moth Storytelling Competition Debuts New Podcast (2008)

Read moreThe Moth Storytelling Competition Debuts New Podcast (2008)
Affordable Men'S Cufflinks

7 Classy And Affordable Men’s Cufflinks Under $10

Read more7 Classy And Affordable Men’s Cufflinks Under $10
Pi Necktie

Be A Proud Math Nerd At Work With A Pi Necktie

Read moreBe A Proud Math Nerd At Work With A Pi Necktie
Leg Lamp Trivia: 10 Fun Trivia Facts About The Christmas Story Leg Lamp - Gopano Smile 1

Record 360-Degree Videos With The EyeSee360 GoPano Micro Lens For iPhone

Read moreRecord 360-Degree Videos With The EyeSee360 GoPano Micro Lens For iPhone
Tv Color Bars

What Features Do You Want In Next Generation TVs?

Read moreWhat Features Do You Want In Next Generation TVs?
Tv Color Bars

16 Tips on How to Dress for a TV Appearance

Read more16 Tips on How to Dress for a TV Appearance
School Classroom

Cash For Grades: Should Students Get Paid for Good Grades?

Read moreCash For Grades: Should Students Get Paid for Good Grades?
Mark Wahlberg Talks To Christmas Animals

Mark Wahlberg Talks To Christmas Animals

Read moreMark Wahlberg Talks To Christmas Animals

JVC HA-NC250 Noise Canceling Headphones

Read moreJVC HA-NC250 Noise Canceling Headphones


FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn
Category: Holiday, Learn, Life, TV & Film Tag: 1940s, A Christmas Story, Amazon, Bob Clark, Christmas, Cleveland, gag gift, gifts, Higbee's, Indiana, Jean Shepherd, Leg Lamp, Major Award, Maltese Falcon, Martin Malivoire, Nehi, Ohio, Playboy, Red Ryder, Reuben Freed, review, Santa Claus, storytelling, trivia, Wilson, WOR
Previous Post:Santa's Sleigh - Funny Christmas Card SayingsThe 4 Best Places In The World To Celebrate Christmas
Next Post:Boxing Day Explained: Everything You Need To Know About This Confusing HolidayBoxing Day

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jean

    December 23, 2021 at 8:21 AM

    love this movie!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sidebar

Popular Posts

  • Job Automation Using ChatGPT Could Make These Jobs Obsolete - Is Your Job On This List?Job Automation Using ChatGPT Could Make These Jobs Obsolete – Is Your Job On…
  • 18 Weird Facts About Sea-Monkeys You Won't Believe Are True, Including Their Connection To The Ku Klux Klan18 Weird Facts About Sea-Monkeys You Won’t Believe Are True, Including Their…
  • 7 Pictures Of Naked People Captured By Google's Cameras7 Pictures Of Naked People Captured By Google’s Cameras
  • The Surprising Story Behind The NBC ChimesThe Surprising Story Behind The NBC Chimes
  • Top 200 Nielsen DMA Rankings (2023) – Full ListTop 200 Nielsen DMA Rankings (2023) – Full List
  • 20 Famous People Who Are Members Of The Sleepless Elite20 Famous People Who Are Members Of The Sleepless Elite
  • How To Change The Default LG TV Home Screen To Live TVHow To Change The Default LG TV Home Screen To Live TV
  • Is Your Hatch Restore Already Registered? Here's How To Fix It And Unregister A Hatch Restore.Is Your Hatch Restore Already Registered? Here’s How To Fix It And…
  • The Best Caddyshack Quotes: 30 Famous Caddyshack Quotes That'll Make You LaughThe Best Caddyshack Quotes: 30 Famous Caddyshack Quotes That’ll Make You Laugh
  • What Comes After A Trillion? - Here's A Chart Of Enormous Named NumbersWhat Comes After A Trillion? – Here’s A Chart Of Enormous Named Numbers

Categories

Tech That Died - Tech Graveyard

RIP: Remembering The Tech That Died In 2022

It’s been a wild ride for tech in 2022. We’ve seen the rise of new gadgets, platforms, and services, and the demise of some of the biggest names in the industry. From the shocking death of a beloved tech giant to the sudden closure of a popular app, here are the biggest tech deaths of 2022 that left us all reeling. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane and pay tribute to the tech that died in 2022.

The Official ChatGPT Detector Sucks: 5 Reasons Why OpenAI AI Text Classifier Is Basically Worthless

The Official ChatGPT Detector Sucks: 5 Reasons Why OpenAI AI Text Classifier Is Basically Worthless

As the hype around generative AI tools continues to rise, some critics are demanding that the creators of these tools to create detectors.

Recent Posts

  • The Official ChatGPT Detector Sucks: 5 Reasons Why OpenAI AI Text Classifier Is Basically Worthless
  • Is Robot Religion The Next Phase Of The Artificial Intelligence Evolution?
  • RIP: Remembering The Tech That Died In 2022
  • 25 Inspirational Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes
  • Job Automation Using ChatGPT Could Make These Jobs Obsolete – Is Your Job On This List?

Jump to comments

About

MethodShop’s mission is to entertain, inform, and sometimes gross you out. MethodShop has affiliate relationships, so we may get a small share of the revenue from your purchases. Items are sold by the retailer, not by us. All prices are subject to change.

Latest

The Official ChatGPT Detector Sucks: 5 Reasons Why OpenAI AI Text Classifier Is Basically Worthless

The Official ChatGPT Detector Sucks: 5 Reasons Why OpenAI AI Text Classifier Is Basically Worthless

Robot Rabbit - Robot Religion - Jewish Robot

Is Robot Religion The Next Phase Of The Artificial Intelligence Evolution?

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
MethodShop Animated Zoom Icon
  • About
  • Submit
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Store

Copyright © 2023 MethodShop · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc.