Initially overlooked as a sleeper film , '' A Christmas Story '' was released a week before Thanksgiving 1983 to moderate success , earning about $ 2 million in its first weekend . Roger Ebert , who added the film to his " Great Movies " list , suggested the film had only modest success because holiday-themed films were not popular at the time . Vincent Canby 's mostly negative '' The New York Times '' review complained that " the movie 's big comic pieces tend only to be exceedingly busy . Though Mr. Billingsley , Mr. Gavin , Miss Dillon and the actress who plays Ralphie 's school teacher ( Tedde Moore ) are all very able , they are less funny than actors in a television situation comedy . " The film would go on to win two categories in the 5th Genie Awards , for Director Bob Clark and Best Original Screenplay for the work of Leigh Brown , Bob Clark and Jean Shepherd
5th Genie Awards
5th Genie Awards
A Christmas Story