One of the things that makes A Christmas Story a holiday classic is how it shows a broken family dealing with everyday problems. The most down-to-earth part of the 1983 movie is its funniest scene, which wasn’t planned—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.
For many families, watching A Christmas Story during the holiday season is a beloved tradition. The quirky 1983 film perfectly captures the mayhem joy, and nostalgia of Christmastime through the eyes of young Ralphie Parker. While it has countless memorable moments one scene stands out for its sheer hilarity – the impromptu “Chinese turkey” dinner.
The Premise: A Ruined Holiday Meal
After eagerly awaiting Christmas and a perfect turkey dinner, the Parkers’ hopes are dashed when the neighbor’s unruly hounds burst into their kitchen and devour the entire bird. With no turkey left to eat, the crestfallen family must quickly find an alternative holiday meal.
Dad saves the day by suggesting they eat out at a Chinese restaurant called Bo Ling’s Chop Suey Palace. This simple premise sets the stage for comedy gold as the family enjoys a very untraditional Christmas dinner.
Memorable Moments at Bo Ling’s
From the instant the Parkers enter Bo Ling’s, the laughs begin. The staff greets the family with awkward “Merry Christmas!” wishes as stereotypical Chinese music plays. An overeager waiter tries taking their order but can’t understand Ralphie’s request for roast duck. “Fa ra ra ra ra, ra ra ra ra,” the confused waiter sings in response.
When the crispy roast duck arrives Mrs. Parker recoils in horror seeing its head still attached. The kids excitedly watch the chef chop off the head and parade the duck to their table. As the family feasts Christmas carols continue playing in the background with nonsense “ra-ra-ra” lyrics.
Why the Scene Works
This absurdist vignette has remained hugely popular for several reasons:
-
The culture clash humor comes from mixing Chinese and Christmas traditions.
-
Mrs. Parker’s dramatic overreaction to the duck head is priceless.
-
The strange versions of carols with “ra-ra” words are oddly catchy.
-
Seeing the family make the most of a bad situation is relatable.
-
Spotting the creepy leg lamp and Santa statue tie back to the film’s recurring jokes.
Behind the Scenes
-
The restaurant interior was a created set, not a real eatery.
-
Exterior shots took place at a closed Toronto restaurant.
-
A real duck was used for authenticity – the chef actually chopped off the head.
-
The lyrics were purposely rewritten with nonsense “ra’s” and “la’s” to imply a language barrier.
-
The iconic leg lamp and Santa statue appeared to drive home recurring jokes.
Pop Culture Impact
The nonsensical “ra-ra-ra” lyrics and duck decapitation left an enduring impact:
-
The carol renditions are frequently referenced and parodied in pop culture.
-
Commentators often mention the scene when discussing wacky holiday meals.
-
It helped define the film’s eccentric nostalgic charm.
-
Fans still debate the meaning of the lyrics and Mrs. Parker’s hysterical reaction.
-
Yelling “Fa ra ra ra ra!” became a shorthand way to reference the movie.
Why This Scene Endures
Of all the holiday mishaps in A Christmas Story, the Chinese restaurant debacle stands out because:
-
It encapsulates the film’s quirky humor and family dynamic.
-
The idea of salvaging Christmas dinner is relatable.
-
The nonsensical song lyrics are oddly amusing.
-
Mrs. Parker’s freak-out over the duck is over-the-top funny.
-
It injects absurd unpredictability into the traditional holiday meal.
After nearly forty years, this iconic sequence remains a highlight as it exemplifies the offbeat humor that makes A Christmas Story such a beloved classic. For many fans, it just doesn’t feel like the holiday season without hearing “Fa ra ra ra ra!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurant did the Parkers go to?
They went to Bo Ling’s Chop Suey Palace for an impromptu Christmas dinner.
Why did they have to go there?
Their turkey was devoured by the neighbor’s dogs, so they had to find a quick alternative.
What food did they order at Bo Ling’s?
They ate roast duck, presented in memorable fashion with the head still attached.
How did Mrs. Parker react to seeing the duck head?
She let out a horrified scream and laugh upon seeing the duck head.
Why couldn’t the staff speak English clearly?
Their confusion implied a language barrier for comedic effect.
A Lasting Pop Culture Moment
With its eccentric take on holiday mishaps, the makeshift Chinese dinner has rightfully earned its status as an iconic highlight of A Christmas Story. The absurd “Fa ra ra ra” song perfectly encapsulates the film’s endearingly quirky appeal that families have cherished for decades.
How Melinda Dillon Breaks Character in A Christmas Story
Being forced to watch the Bumpus dogs tear through the Parker kitchen and destroy the family’s turkey is one of the hardest parts of A Christmas Story. 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. The moment wasn’t planned; it was meant to show how the string of bad luck has made them laugh out loud.