CLEVELAND — The year was 1983 -- and movie magic was happening in Cleveland as production on A Christmas Story had taken over parts of the city.
As the holiday hit celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, WKYC dug into the archives and found some incredible behind-the-scenes footage that you simply have to see.
The first video, which you can watch in the player at the top of this story, shows a 3News reporter on set inside the Higbee building as crews were working to build the iconic Santa slide. But the real treat is the moment 11-year-old actor Peter Billingsley talked with us about his role as Ralphie in the movie and offered a special response when asked if he's a star.
If you're looking for more behind-the-scenes footage, our cameras were there throughout the production to capture the film's progress (watch in the player below). Highlights include the following moments from Jan. 13-20, 1983...
- Crews hanging decorations in Public Square in preparation for filming
- Construction of the iconic Santa slide inside Higbee's
- Cameras rolling on the scenes being filmed at Santa's slide
- Night filming of the parade scenes in downtown Cleveland's Public Square
Want more? We also found this awesome footage from the movie's premiere night in Cleveland back on Nov. 17, 1983, as Billingsley talked with 3News about juggling work and school while also signing an autograph for a young fan. Enjoy!