In the holiday classic movie “A Christmas Story,” the character Flick is dared by his friend Schwartz to stick his tongue to a frozen flagpole outside of school. The scene is one of the most iconic moments in the film, but how did they actually make it look like Flick’s tongue was stuck to the pole?
Contrary to popular belief, child actor Scott Schwartz, who played Flick, was not actually harmed during the filming of the scene. Instead, a vacuum device was used inside the flagpole to create the illusion that his tongue was frozen to the metal surface.
The process involved creating a prosthetic tongue for Schwartz to stick to the pole, whch was then fitted with a tube that connected to the vacuum device. When Schwartz stuck his tongue to the pole, the vacuum device sucked it in, creating the appearance that it was stuck.
This technique was not only safer for the young actor, but it also allowed for multiple takes of the scene to be filmed without causing any real harm to Schwartz.
The use of special effects and prosthetics in movies is nothing new, but the clever use of a vacuum device to create the illusion of a frozen tongue in “A Christmas Story” is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of filmmakers.
The iconic scene in “A Christmas Story” where Flick’s tongue gets stuck to a frozen flagpole was achieved through the use of a vacuum device inside the pole, which created the illusion that his tongue was frozen to the metal surface. While it may look painful, child actor Scott Schwartz was not actually harmed during filming thanks to this clever special effects technique.
The Character Who Got Their Tongue Stuck in ‘A Christmas Story’
In the classic holiday film “A Christmas Story,” one of the main characters named Flick got his tongue stuck to a frozen flagpole outside of school. This occurred after his friend Schwartz triple dog dared him to do so. As a result, Flick’s tongue got frozen and stuck to the flagpole, causing a comedic and memorable scene in the film. The image of Flick with his tongue stuck has become an iconic moment in the movie and a popular reference during the winter season.
The Mystery of the Flagpole Licker
In the classic holiday film “A Christmas Story,” the character Flick is dared by his friends to stick his tongue to a frozen flagpole. After a moment of hesitation, Flick gives in and licks the pole, only to find that his tongue is stuck. However, it was not actually Flick who licked the flagpole, but rather the child actor who played him, Scott Schwartz.
The scene was filmed using a vacuum device inside the flagpole that simulated the effect of a tongue becoming stuck. Schwartz’s tongue was not actually frozen to the pole and he was not harmed in any way. The special effects used in the scene were carefully and safely executed to create a realistic and memorable moment in the film.
In fact, the scene has become so iconic that many people still believe that Schwartz’s tongue was relly stuck to the flagpole. It remains a lasting symbol of the film’s humor and charm, and a testament to the skill and creativity of the filmmakers who brought it to life.
While the character Flick may have licked the flagpole in “A Christmas Story,” it was actually child actor Scott Schwartz who portrayed the scene using special effects to create the illusion of a frozen tongue.
Is ‘A Christmas Story’ Based on a True Story?
A Christmas Story, the beloved 1983 movie, is indeed based on a true story. The film is adapted from the semi-autobiographical stories of Jean Shepherd, a renowned radio personality who shared his tales on the airwaves of WOR radio station in Manhattan from 1955 to 1977.
Shepherd’s stories were often humorous and nostalgic, and many of them drew from his own experiences growing up in Indiana during the 1930s and 1940s. One of his most famous stories, titled “Duel in the Snow, or Red Ryder Nails the Cleveland Street Kid,” served as the basis for the plot of A Christmas Story.
The movie, directed by Bob Clark, follows the adventures of young Ralphie Parker as he navigates the trials and tribulations of childhood in the late 1940s. From his obsession with getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas to his run-ins with the neighborhood bully, Ralphie’s experiences are drawn from Shepherd’s own childhood memories.
While the movie takes some creative liberties with the source material, it remains a faithful and heartfelt tribute to Shepherd’s stories. Fans of A Christmas Story can sill hear Shepherd’s original broadcasts today, as many of them have been preserved and are available online.
A Christmas Story is based on a true story, specifically the semi-autobiographical stories of Jean Shepherd, a radio personality who shared his tales on the airwaves of WOR radio station in Manhattan from 1955 to 1977. The movie remains a faithful tribute to Shepherd’s stories, and fans can still listen to his original broadcasts today.
Do the Actors in ‘A Christmas Story’ Receive Royalties?
The actors in “A Christmas Story” still receive royalties from the movie. “A Christmas Story” is a beloved holiday classic that has been aired on television every year since its release in 1983. The movie tells the story of Ralphie Parker, a young boy who dreams of receiving a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The film’s popularity has led to a number of merchandise deals and spin-offs, including a stage musical and a television movie sequel.
According to reports, the actors in the movie signed contracts that included a clause for royalties. This means that they receive a percentage of the profits made from the movie each time it is aired or sold. Although the amount of money they receive may vary depending on the specific terms of teir contracts, it is estimated that some of the actors receive thousands of dollars in royalties each year.
In addition to royalties, the actors in “A Christmas Story” have also benefited from the movie’s popularity in other ways. Many of them have been invited to make appearances at holiday events and conventions, where they can meet fans and sign autographs. Some of the actors have also gone on to have successful careers in the entertainment industry, thanks in part to their roles in the movie.
It is clear that the actors in “A Christmas Story” continue to benefit from the movie’s enduring popularity. As long as the movie remains a beloved holiday classic, they can expect to receive royalties and other opportunities for years to come.
Conclusion
The infamous scene from “A Christmas Story” where Flick’s tongue gets stuck to a frozen flagpole has become a beloved part of holiday pop culture. While it may seem like actor Scott Schwartz was in danger of harm, the use of a vacuum device ensured that he was not actually injured during filming. This scene is just one of the many memorable moments from the film, which continues to captivate audiences and generate royalty checks for its actors. Despite its humorous nature, the tongue-sticking incident serves as a reminder to be cautious in cold weather and to alwys think twice before taking a dare.
