One of the reasons A Christmas Story is a holiday classic is its portrayal of a dysfunctional family dealing with day-to-day struggles. The down-to-earth feel of the 1983 film is best demonstrated in its funniest scene, which was unscripted — at least for one of the stars.
Although Ralphies story is the primary focus of A Christmas Story, the real heroes are his parents. For example, his mother, played by Melinda Dillon, is both the most loving and most intimidating parent. The film also shows how she handles stress in one of its best moments.
In the beloved 1983 holiday film A Christmas Story, the Parker family enjoys a hilarious Chinese restaurant experience after their Christmas turkey dinner goes awry. This iconic “Chinese turkey” scene has become a quintessential part of the movie’s charm. Let’s take a look at why it left such an enduring impression.
The Premise
On Christmas morning in the film, the Parkers are thrilled when their turkey dinner is ready. But suddenly, their neighbor’s unruly hounds burst into the kitchen and devour the entire bird, leaving only bones behind.
With their hopes dashed, the distressed family must find an alternative for their holiday meal. Dad saves the day by suggesting they go out to eat at a Chinese restaurant called Bo Ling’s Chop Suey Palace.
This sets the stage for comedy gold as the family enjoys a decidedly untraditional Christmas dinner. The Chinese turkey scene perfectly encapsulates the film’s eccentric, tongue-in-cheek humor.
Memorable Moments
From the instant the Parkers enter the restaurant, the laughs begin. The staff at Bo Ling’s wish the family “Merry Christmas” in stilted English as stereotypical Chinese music plays in the background.
An overeager waiter tries to take their order, but can’t understand Ralphie’s request for roast duck. “Fa ra ra ra ra, ra ra ra ra,” the waiter confusingly sings in response.
When the duck arrives with head still attached, Mrs. Parker recoils in horror. The kids eagerly watch the chef chop off the head and parade the bird to their table. As the family cracks open the crispy duck, Christmas carols continue in the background with indecipherable “ra-ra-ra” lyrics.
Lasting Popularity
This absurdist scene has remained popular for several key reasons:
-
The fish-out-of-water humor derives from the juxtaposition of Chinese and Christmas traditions.
-
Mom’s overblown reaction to the duck head provides a hilarious moment.
-
The strange renditions of carols with nonsense “ra-ra” words are oddly catchy.
-
Ralphie’s family making the best of an unfortunate situation is relatable.
-
The cameo appearance of the creepy Santa statue ties back to the film’s recurring jokes.
Behind the Scenes
-
The interior of Bo Ling’s was shot on a soundstage, not in a real restaurant.
-
The exterior shots of the restaurant took place at a closed eatery in Toronto.
-
The duck was real, not a prop, and the chef actually chopped off its head on set.
-
To mimic a language barrier, the carol lyrics were rewritten with “ra’s” and “la’s.”
-
The Santa statue appeared in several scenes as a running gag after frightening Ralphie earlier.
Lasting Legacy
Since A Christmas Story’s debut, the offbeat Chinese restaurant scene has left an indelible mark:
-
The “ra-ra-ra” versions of carols have been widely parodied and sampled in pop culture.
-
Commentators frequently reference the scene when discussing alternative holiday meals.
-
The moment helped establish the film’s unique sense of humor and nostalgic charm.
-
Fans still debate the mystery of the lyrics and Mrs. Parker’s hilarious overreaction.
-
Yelling “Fa ra ra ra ra” has become a quick way to reference the movie.
Why It Endures
While A Christmas Story has many memorable moments, the Chinese restaurant scene stands out because:
-
It encapsulates the film’s eccentric humor and heartwarming family dynamic.
-
It resonates with the relatable experience of making the best of unexpected circumstances.
-
The bizarre renditions of carols are quirky and amusingly odd.
-
Mrs. Parker’s dramatic meltdown over the duck head is over-the-top funny.
-
It takes the classic holiday meal in an absurd and unpredictable direction.
Decades later, this beloved sequence remains a highlight and exemplifies the off-kilter humor that makes A Christmas Story so rewatchable year after year. For fans, it just isn’t the holiday season without hearing “Fa ra ra ra ra!”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Scene
- What restaurant did they go to in A Christmas Story?
The Parker family went to Bo Ling’s Chop Suey Palace for their “Chinese turkey” dinner.
- Why did they have to go there?
Their own turkey dinner was eaten by the neighbor’s dogs, forcing them to find an alternative.
- What did they eat at the restaurant?
They ate roast duck with the head still attached at the Chinese restaurant.
- How did Mrs. Parker react when she saw the duck?
She screamed in horror when the duck arrived with its head still on.
- Why couldn’t the staff speak English clearly?
Their confusion of lyrics like “Fa ra ra ra” humorously implied a language barrier.
A Lasting Pop Culture Gem
With its blend of holiday mishaps and eccentric humor, the impromptu Chinese dinner scene has rightfully earned its status as an iconic moment in A Christmas Story. That unforgettable “Fa ra ra ra” song encapsulates why after almost forty years, this classic film remains a beloved staple of the season for families everywhere.
How Melinda Dillon Breaks Character in A Christmas Story
One of the most challenging moments in A Christmas Story is when audiences are forced to watch the Bumpus dogs tear through the Parker kitchen and destroy the familys turkey. Not only is it the fathers most favorite meal, but Mrs. Parker worked hard to prepare it.
But rather than accept defeat, the family heads to a Chinese restaurant for Christmas dinner. After the staff sings carols, they bring out a roasted duck, with the head still on. Upon seeing the head, Mrs. Parker lets out a yell, and begins to laugh. While its meant to show how the string of bad luck has caused a giggle fit, the moment was actually unscripted.