Jean Shepherd (July 26, 1921- October 16, 1999) was a story teller, radio DJ, TV personality, live performer, author, actor and the writer of the 1983 movie, A Christmas Story that was based on his books and stories about growing up in Michigan.

The year before on March 16, PBS aired his The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters movie about his summer memories of friends, picnics, parades, fireworks, beauty queens, wash rags, sousaphones and "the old man."

Lots of fun for all. Think of this as the summer version of A Christmas Story.

This is a rare film to find because PBS has never aired it since 1982 and it is not available for sale or rent.

So thank You Tube for this very funny slice of American life as you celebrate this Fourth of July.