Released exclusively as it aired on American Playhouse, season one, episode ten, the film was met with moderately positive critical reception.

[1] Set during the late-1940s to early-1950s America, high school-aged Ralph Parker prepares himself for the perceived date of his life, with his friend's attractive cousin named Pamela.

While he plans the event with precision, his mother and father each respectively prepare to celebrate the nation's Independence Day.

Mr. Parker decides to display his patriotism by lighting off Roman Candle fireworks from his pockets that night during the neighborhood event.

The film's direct follow-up, A Christmas Story, was released in 1983[2] with Darren McGavin playing the Old Man.