Podcast (English): Albert Birney & Kentucker Audley ♥ A Christmas Story // Thumb Carolling 082

15 december 2021 | Ruud Vos | Film

For Kentucker and Albert (in screen) the whole concept of Christmas has basically merged together with this movie. | Foto: Anouk Broersma

When the Duimpjeworstelen movie podcast goes English, it's Thumb Wrestling time! Over-exposure makes the heart grow fonder, it seems. In the US., the movie A Christmas Story (1983) gets played on a loop for 24 hours, every single year at Christmas. And people love it!

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands most people will probably never have heard about director Bob Clark's festive classic. It's an episodic family film, centered on Ralphie, a boy who wants a BB gun for Christmas. Adventures and larks ensue. And if you've grown up with it, like film makers Albert Birney and Kentucker Audley, chances are you'll carry it in your heart with deep, warm feelings.

One of the most refreshing cinema experiences of 2021 was the brilliant and charming Strawberry Mansion, by the directing duo Audley and Birney. At least, for Dutch audiences, because in the States it will be released in February 2022. Kentucker also plays the lead. And you may have seen him before in Ain't Them Bodies Saints, or in V/H/S or the intriguing She Dies Tomorrow. But if you haven't seen Strawberry Mansion yet, please, treat yourself!

In the episode, we also discuss what it implies when you say a movie 'works' or not, watching a Christmas movie when it's nowhere near Christmas and director Bob Clark's other yuletide output.