"With a budget of only about $4 million and a cast of mostly unknowns, the film seemed to have little going for it But Peter Billingsley turned in an unforgettable performance as Ralphie, the boy with the dream, and Darren Mc-Gavin - arguably the biggest name in the cast when shoot??ing began - supported ably as his father, adding up to a heartwarming and inspiring film that has now joined White C" . . . .