Now You Can Go To Ralphie's Room

(CBS)  There's a new buzz in Cleveland this week. But it hits close to home for many of people.

The Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith counts himself among them, because he grew up in Hammond, Ind., fictionalized as Homan, Ind., in the movie "A Christmas Story" (1983). The movie was actually shot in Cleveland and now you can see for yourself the home in which the Parker family lived.

The movie home of Ralphie, Randy and his mom and dad has been cleaned up and opened as a museum in Cleveland. The movie has become so popular that TBS has run it back-to-back for 24 hours on Christmas Day. This year will mark the 10th such marathon. It also has spawned online games and commercials.

Jean Shepherd's story is a classic, and hundreds of people showed up at the museum's opening. Some of the stars showed up as well, including Scott Schwartz, the actor who played Flick, the kid who gets his tongue stuck on the flagpole on a "triple-dog dare."

---

To see photos of "A Christmas Story" House, click here.

---

The inside of the house looks just like the one in the movie. You can even hide under the sink, like Randy did.

And then there's the lamp, a "major prize." Who wouldn't want something like that in their living room window? It is Brian Jones, the man who makes the lamps, who also bought the house and made it into a shrine.

So now there is another reason to visit Cleveland. And on your way there, you can decide if the gift your child wants more than anything in the world is the one they should get.

The House Tour and Museum: A visit to "A Christmas Story" House begins at the museum across the street. The museum features original props and set pieces used in the movies, as well as more than 100 behind-the-scenes photos from the filming of "A Christmas Story." You'll then take a guided tour of the house and the yard, peppered with anecdotes from the movie.

Hours and Admission: "A Christmas Story" House is open year-round (except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and every Wednesday from Jan. 15 to Oct. 31). Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

For more information, visit its Web site.

[jjreding-2009]

We're pretty chuffed about this museum opening up here. I remember when they shot the movie - though believe it or not I've never seen it!!! Since I don't have cable I don't get to see the marathon on TBS. But it still warms my heart to think that our little city is so warmly remembered every time the movie airs (even if it IS supposed to be in Indiana)!!!