15 things you probably didn’t know about ‘A Christmas Story’

• Since its 1983 release, “A Christmas Story” has become a beloved holiday classic.
• But you might not have known that the film inspired the sitcom “The Wonder Years.”
• The film almost starred Jack Nicholson as Ralphie’s dad, aka the Old Man.

“A Christmas Story” is one of the most beloved holiday films of all time, but it wasn’t immediately a huge phenomenon on its release in November 1983.

It made a modest $19 million at the box office, according to Box Office Mojo, and was out of theaters before December 25.

But after years of repeat showings on cable — including, famously, 24 hours of “A Christmas Story” on TNT and TBS on Christmas Day — it’s become a true holiday staple.

Here are some things you might not know about this film, including who almost made the cast and some blink-and-you-miss-it cameos.