Vegas Vacation (1997)

When Clark Griswold puts his mind to something, we soon realize he hasn't got one. Still, nothing stops him when the vacation bug hits. This time, he's chosen Las Vegas, the new family ... See full summary »

Director:

Stephen Kessler

Writers:

Elisa Bell (story), Bob Ducsay (story),

Stars:

Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Chevy Chase	...	Clark Griswold
Beverly D'Angelo	...	Ellen Griswold
Randy Quaid	...	Cousin Eddie
Ethan Embry	...	Russell 'Rusty' Griswold
Marisol Nichols	...	Audrey Griswold
Miriam Flynn	...	Cousin Catherine
Shae D'lyn	...	Cousin Vicki
Wayne Newton	...	Wayne Newton
Siegfried Fischbacher	...	Himself (as Siegfried)
Roy Horn	...	Himself (as Roy)
Wallace Shawn	...	Marty
Sid Caesar	...	Mr. Ellis
Julio Oscar Mechoso	...	Limo Driver
Sly Smith	...	Mirage Security Guard
Julia Sweeney	...	Mirage Reception Person

Storyline

When Clark Griswold puts his mind to something, we soon realize he hasn't got one. Still, nothing stops him when the vacation bug hits. This time, he's chosen Las Vegas, the new family entertainment capital of America! Chevy Chase returns as bubbly, bumbling Clark in Vegas Vacation, a jokers-are-wild laugh fest including two other stars from past Vacations. Beverly D'Angelo is back as wife Ellen, doting on the guy she calls "Sparky," and Randy Quaid again delights as grubby goof ball Cousin Eddie. Ethan Embry (That Thing You Do!) and screen-debuting Marisol Nichols are Griswold teens who love the round-the-clock nightlife - as long as they don't share it with Mom and Dad! From Seigfried and Roy's extravaganza to a Hoover Dam tour, from cruising to losing (Wallace Shawn as a shifty blackjack dealer) to amorous crooning (Wayne Newton falls for Ellen): watch Clark try to keep family and wallet together!

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Plot Keywords:

vacation | hoover dam | card game | fake id | snake | 

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Taglines:

This time the Griswolds are on a roll.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for sensuality, language and thematic elements

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

National Lampoon's Las Vegas Vacation

Filming Locations:

Baker, Mojave Desert, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$12,837,927 (USA) (14 February 1997)

Gross:

$36,429,528 (USA) (30 May 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros, Jerry Weintraub Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the original draft for Vegas Vacation, the Griswolds do not stay at the Mirage Hotel. They stay at the Walley World Hotel and Casino, and Roy Walley was a part of the script. This is a reference to the Griswolds' vacation destination from the first film.

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Goofs

When Clark slammed into the Hoover Dam and waved at the family, he was holding onto a power line. In the next shot, as he was trying to climb up the dam, there was no power line.

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Quotes

Wayne Newton: Ellen, I've always been a moral man. But my resolve is melting in the light of your blinding smile.
Ellen Griswold: Um, maybe you're just hungry, would you like some more pasta?

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits are played over Clark driving home from work, happily singing along to a Beach Boys tune, driving very carelessly.

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Connections

Referenced in Special Collector's Edition: Blu-ray: Las vacaciones europeas de una chiflada familia americana (2012)

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Soundtracks

"The Way You Look Tonight"
Written by Dorothy Fields and Jerome Kern
Performed by Gary Le Mel (as Gary LeMel)
Courtesy of Blue Note Records
A division of Capitol Records, Inc.
Under license from EMI-Capitol Special Markets

User Reviews

What's not to like? This movie is a classic like the first.

I've read many comments about the Vacation movies. Most people give the original "Vacation" high marks, but trash the others. I think a lot of people just like to be pick on Chevy Chase. "Vacation" is the best, but I liked the sequels and "Vegas Vacation" is my favorite of them. My kids just love to watch "Vegas Vacation". You can't pop in the DVD expecting to watch a movie that will be thought provoking or life altering. It was made to make people laugh and it accomplishes that very well. Chevy Chase and cast are very funny in this movie. The Wayne Newton bit was great. I love going to Vegas, and I love this movie. When my wife and I fly to Vegas, we always kid about going to the bathroom to join "the club" like Clark and Ellen. Numerous other things remind us of the movie when we are in Vegas, and it has made those trips even more enjoyable. Just wish Chevy would do another "Vacation" movie.