Illuminating Origins: Reuben Freed's Legacy and the True Leg Lamp | Ep009

Talking A Christmas Story

Summary This episode of Talking a Christmas Story with the cast delves into the creation of the iconic leg lamp, told by the original creator, Reuben Freed. Freed is an influential, visionary art director in the film industry. While his artistry has graced many notable films (imdb.com), the leg lamp is perhaps the creation he is best known for. This conversation explores how the concept of the leg lamp came about and the inspiration behind its unique design. It also discusses the challenges in constructing the lamp and reveals that multiple leg lamps were made for the film. The episode highlights the collaborative process between Reuben Freed, Bob Clark, and Jean Shepherd and shares fond memories from the set of A Christmas Story. He reveals that most leg lamps sold today are not made from his original design. Freed expresses his disappointment in the lack of depth and authenticity in the replicas being sold. He also discusses the cultural and historical context behind the leg lamp, including its connection to wartime pinup culture. Freed shares his vision for creating an authentic replica of the leg lamp and his hope to bring back the emotional connection and warmth that the lamp represents.

Takeaways

• The leg lamp was inspired by an advertising poster for knee-high cola and was designed by Reuben Freed.
• Multiple leg lamps were made for the film, with around 10 being created.
• The construction of the leg lamp posed challenges due to its fragility.
• The collaborative process between Reuben Freed, Bob Clark, and Jean Shepherd played a crucial role in bringing the leg lamp to life.
• Fond memories from the set include the creative energy and resourcefulness of the art department. Most of the leg lamps sold today are not made from the original design by Reuben Freed.
• The replicas lack depth and authenticity, as they are mass-produced in China at cheap prices.
• The leg lamp has cultural and historical significance, tied to wartime pinup culture.
• Reuben Freed aims to create an authentic replica of the leg lamp to bring back the emotional connection and warmth it represents.
• "Today, we're gonna unravel the true story behind one of the most iconic symbols of our beloved film told by the original creator."
• "How did the concept of the leg lamp come to you and what inspired its unique design?"
• "The original sketch from the leg lamp was just revealed. And for me, that is just, that is priceless. It's a treasure."
• "Most of the leg lamps that we, the die-hard fans have in our homes were not actually made from the original creator as yourself."
• "The lamp that I have in my front window is a monument to mass production and to commerce that basically doesn't understand the meaning of the people."
• "The leg lamp was inspired by a real-life beauty contest."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to the Leg Lamp

05:22The Inspiration Behind the Leg Lamp

16:12The Collaborative Process of Designing the Leg Lamp

30:33Memories and Experiences from the Set of 'A Christmas Story'

33:27The History and Legacy of the Leg Lamp

35:25Disappointment with Replicas

37:21The Deeper Meaning of the Leg Lamp

53:54Creating Authentic Replicas