BOISE, Idaho — The Egyptian Theatre in downtown Boise is screening 35 mm film showings of 'A Christmas Story' this December in celebration of the movie's 40th anniversary.
Peter Billingsly - the actor best known for playing Raphie in the movie - is now on the board of the Idaho Film Society (IFS). He lives in the Gem State and pushed for 35 mm film screenings over more modern digital formats.
"It goes back to the roots of film. Not a lot of theatres in the country are doing it," Billingsly told KTVB.
The screenings are set for Dec. 14 and Dec. 19. The former is already sold out. But before officially screening the film, the theatre first needs its projector to be up to speed.
IFS called a well-known film theatre in Chicago, The Music Box, to help track down a projectionist. Ironically, the best in the business was already in Idaho's backyard.
"I can sum it all up in this, I never had a day that I didn't want to go to work," John Eickhof said. "I own the old movie theatre in Wendell. I bought that 33 years ago."
Eickhof is well-known nationwide, according to Billingsly. IFS estimates Eickhof has worked in and operated half of the film projectors in America; however, Eickhof called it a career roughly two decades ago.
IFS pulled him back off the bench.
"This was great for me. I mean, I'll tell you, having a project to do again," Eickhof said. "We're going to train some people to not only operate projectors but work on them and maintain them. What happens if that stuff gets in for another 10 years, who is gonna fix it then? That's what we're trying to work on."
For 'A Christmas Story,' Eickhof can pull one last rabbit out of his hat. But going forward, it's time for him to take a rest - he's soon to be the last of a dying breed.
"I have end-stage renal failure," Eickhof said. "I just haven't had any luck getting a transplant yet."
Eickhof has tried three different hospitals. He’s currently betting on the University of Washington in Seattle. But in the meantime, while he waits for live-saving news, Eickhof chooses to use what time he has left to tie a bow on his life's work for the IFS and Egyptian Theatre.
Eickhof also owns a warehouse full of projectors and parts. His personal stock is robust enough to tell the entire history of cinema projectors and artifacts. Eickhof is donating his collection to IFS - they plan to create a museum in the future.
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