The Origins of a Classic

The story titled 'Duel in the Snow' first emerged in Playboy magazine in December 1965, capturing the thrill of a dramatic shootout between a young boy and a group of bandits. The author, a disc jockey, initially thought his audience would enjoy hearing the story read live, leading him to the WOR station in New York City just in time for his midnight shift. He scrambled to prepare, unsure whether the story's content, which included profanity and adult themes, would be suitable for a live radio broadcast. Regardless, the story became an annual highlight for insomniacs, leading to its transformation into a beloved Christmas film over time.