National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Chevy Chase as Clark W. “Sparky” Griswold Jr.
• Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold
• Juliette Lewis as Audrey Griswold. Audrey was previously portrayed by Dana Barron and Dana Hill in the previous two films.
• Johnny Galecki as Russell “Rusty” Griswold. Russ was portrayed by Anthony Michael Hall and Jason Lively in the previous two films.
• John Randolph as Clark Griswold Sr., Clark’s father
• Diane Ladd as Nora Griswold, Clark’s mother
• E. G. Marshall as Arthur “Art” Smith, Ellen’s father
• Doris Roberts as Frances Smith, Ellen’s mother
• Miriam Flynn as Catherine Johnson, Ellen’s cousin
• Randy Quaid as Eddie Johnson, Catherine’s husband
• Cody Burger as Rocky Johnson, the son of Eddie and Catherine who has an unidentified lip fungus
• Ellen Hamilton Latzen as Ruby Sue Johnson, the daughter of Catherine and Eddie who was formerly cross-eyed
• William Hickey as Uncle Lewis, Clark’s uncle
• Mae Questel as Aunt Bethany, Clark’s aunt
• Sam McMurray as Bill, Clark’s co-worker
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Margo Chester, the Griswold family’s yuppie neighbor who takes the brunt of their shenanigans
• Nicholas Guest as Todd Chester, Margo’s husband
• Brian Doyle-Murray as Frank Shirley, Clark’s boss
• Natalia Nogulich as Helen Shirley, Frank’s wife
• Doug Llewelyn as the voice of the Parade Announcer
• Nicolette Scorsese (uncredited) as Mary, the sales clerk

Storyline:

Based on Hughes’s short story, “Christmas ’59”, published in National Lampoon, the film tells the story of Clark Griswold’s efforts to have a good old-fashioned family Christmas as they take a hilarious turn for the worse.

About National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Movie:

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is an American Christmas slapstick comedy film and the third installment in the National Lampoon magazine’s Vacation film series. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by John Hughes, the film stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold, and Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie, with supporting performances from Miriam Flynn, William Hickey, Mae Questel, Diane Ladd, John Randolph, E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, Juliette Lewis, and Johnny Galecki.

Plot Summary

The film centers around Clark Griswold’s ambitious plans for a “fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.” Determined to create the perfect holiday experience for his family, Clark faces a series of comedic disasters that threaten to derail his plans. The story begins with Clark and his family preparing for Christmas while dealing with the arrival of extended family members, including Ellen’s parents and Clark’s eccentric cousin Eddie.

Clark’s attempts to decorate their home culminate in him covering it with 25,000 Christmas lights. However, his efforts lead to chaos when the lights malfunction and cause a citywide power outage. As the holiday progresses, various mishaps occur: a disastrous Christmas dinner where Aunt Bethany’s cat is electrocuted and Uncle Lewis accidentally burns down the Christmas tree.

The plot thickens when Clark eagerly anticipates his Christmas bonus to fund a new swimming pool but instead receives a membership to the “Jelly of the Month Club,” leading him to snap and confront his boss. In a comical twist, Cousin Eddie kidnaps Clark’s boss to deliver a piece of his mind.

Despite the chaos surrounding him, Clark maintains a positive attitude and ultimately realizes the true meaning of Christmas through the support of his family.

Production Notes

Filming took place in Summit County, Colorado, as well as Burbank, California, between March and June 1989. The film was produced on a budget of approximately $25 million and grossed over $73 million at the box office.

Reception

Upon its release on December 1, 1989, Christmas Vacation received mixed reviews from critics but has since become regarded as a holiday classic. It is celebrated for its humor and relatable depiction of family dynamics during the holiday season. The film’s portrayal of Clark Griswold as an everyman striving for a perfect Christmas resonates with audiences.

Legacy

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has become an enduring staple of holiday cinema, regularly featured in seasonal movie marathons. Its memorable quotes and comedic moments have solidified its place in pop culture. Over time, it has gained appreciation for its humorous take on family gatherings and holiday stress.

The film is often cited as one of the best Christmas comedies ever made and continues to be enjoyed by new generations during the holiday season.

Budget & Box Office Collection: