National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

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

Stars:

Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis

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	...	Rocky
Ellen Latzen	...	Ruby Sue (as Ellen Hamilton Latzen)
William Hickey	...	Lewis
Mae Questel	...	Bethany
Sam McMurray	...	Bill

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.

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Plot Keywords:

pantyhose | christmas | family comedy | christmas gathering | christmas bonus | 

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Taglines:

There's No Place Like Home For A Holiday!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie has four Saturday Night Live (1975) alumni: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Brian Doyle-Murray, Randy Quaid, and Chevy Chase.

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Goofs

When the attic ladder slides down it hits Clark in the mouth and jaw. When he's climbing into the attic in the next shot he's rubbing his forehead.

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Quotes

Mr. Frank Shirley: Sometimes things look good on paper, but lose their luster when you see how it affects real folks. I guess a healthy bottom line doesn't mean much if to get it, you have to hurt the ones you depend on. It's people that make the difference. Little people like you. So, Carl... whatever you got last year, add... 20%.
[Clark faints]

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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.

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Alternate Versions

The UK PG Blu Ray version has the uncut Danny Kaye line.

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Connections

Spoofs National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)

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Soundtracks

The Star-Spangled Banner
(uncredited)
Lyrics by Francis Scott Key
Music by John Stafford Smith
Performed by the Griswolds

User Reviews

Oh, what fun it is....

A comedy with laughs is good.

A comedy with feel-good laughs is better.

A comedy like "Christmas Vacation" is great.

When the Griswolds go on vacation, disaster is a certainty. But staying home to celebrate Christmas with some far-flung relatives (who obviously weren't flung far enough) leaves room for not only some top-drawer fun but also time to reflect on family, love, goodwill, belief in one's self....

Who expected so much from Chevy Chase?

After watching "Christmas Vacation", you will.

Nine stars. And when you light up your house this Christmas, make sure there's a nuclear reactor nearby.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 December 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Filming Locations:

Mattison Boyd Jones House - 727 West Kenneth Road, Glendale, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$27,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,750,203, 3 December 1989

Gross USA:

$72,705,146

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$72,705,146

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros., Hughes Entertainment, National Lampoon

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1