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The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

Director:

Jeremiah S. Chechik (as Jeremiah Chechik)

Writer:

John Hughes
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Popularity
2,101 ( 593)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Chevy Chase ... Clark
Beverly D'Angelo ... Ellen
Juliette Lewis ... Audrey
Johnny Galecki ... Rusty
John Randolph ... Clark, Sr.
Diane Ladd ... Nora
E.G. Marshall ... Art
Doris Roberts ... Francis
Randy Quaid ... Cousin Eddie Johnson
Miriam Flynn ... Cousin Catherine Johnson
Cody Burger Cody Burger ... Rocky
Ellen Latzen ... Ruby Sue (as Ellen Hamilton Latzen)
William Hickey ... Lewis
Mae Questel ... Bethany
Sam McMurray ... Bill
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Storyline

It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon. Written by Rob Hartill

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

There's No Place Like Home For A Holiday! See more »

Genres:

Comedy

Certificate:

PG-13 | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Brian Doyle-Murray and Natalija Nogulich, who play husband and wife in this film, are the only natives of Chicago, Illinois (where the movie is set, even though it was filmed in California, Colorado, and Chicago, Illinois) among the film's cast. All other cast members were born outside Illinois. They both guest starred in season three of 2 Broke Girls (2011). See more »

Goofs

When Clark and family are hiding in the foyer from the squirrel, Catherine's arms are alternately around/not around Rusty between shots. See more »

Quotes

Audrey: Do you sleep with your brother? Do you know how sick and twisted that is?
Ellen: Well, I'm sleeping with your father. Don't be so dramatic.
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Crazy Credits

"THE END" is lit up in Christmas lights. One of the bulbs pops, making the lit up "THE END" go dark. See more »

Alternate Versions

To receive a PG certificate in the UK all cinema and video versions were cut by 2 secs to remove the swearing from 'We're gonna have the happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye.' See more »


Soundtracks

O Come, All Ye Faithful
(uncredited)
Lyrics by Frederick Oakeley (uncredited) and music by John Francis Wade (uncredited)
[Incorrectly credited as Traditional]
Performed by Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo
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User Reviews

 
A wonderful comedy and Christmas movie
22 July 2000 | by Quinoa1984See all my reviews

This is probably the best Vacation film to come from the National Lampoon series. There are so many laughs to go around (thanks to writer John Hughes) that it boggles the mind (and it might be the final time Checy Chase brings belly laughs). Here, the Griswalds don't go on a vacation, but instead the family stays in Chicago where there relatives come to town and hell will come too. Randy Quaid makes this film a treat by having just laugh out loud moments on the screen. Great fun for the whole family (I think). A+


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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 December 1989 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$27,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,750,203, 3 December 1989

Gross USA:

$73,576,146

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$73,594,646
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »

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