What animal is in the Christmas tree in Christmas vacation?
When Aunt Bethany and Uncle Lewis come to Christmas dinner, Aunt Bethany hands the family presents, one of which turns out to be her cat she wrapped by accident. It is eventually released from captivity and hides under a chair.
Is the house in Christmas vacation real?
In the movie, the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation house is located in a snowy Chicago suburb, however, the true location of the property is on the backlot of the Warner Bros. Ranch facility in Burbank, Los Angeles. The National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation house before the Christmas lights were turned on in the movie.
Who streams Christmas vacation?
The Best Christmas Movies on Hulu
- Happiest Season
- The Man Who Invented Christmas
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Where is the cast of Christmas vacation?
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a 1989 American Christmas comedy film and the third installment in National Lampoon magazine's Vacation film series. Christmas Vacation was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, written and co-produced by John Hughes, and starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid with supporting roles by Miriam Flynn, William Hickey, Mae Questel, Diane Ladd ...
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What happens at the end of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?
The entire family, Frank and Helen, and the SWAT team members then celebrate inside the house, while Clark and Ellen happily share a Christmas kiss, and Clark stands outside satisfied that he provided a great Christmas for his family. As the credits roll, he manages to give Snots the petting he wanted.
What mental illness does Clark Griswold?
Clark Griswold is a lunatic, a narcissistic sociopath whose criminal conduct and obsessive single-mindedness endangers the well-being of everyone he supposedly holds dear. He is an unparalleled public menace.
Why is it called National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?
1. THE MOVIE IS BASED ON A SHORT STORY. Like the 1983 original, "Christmas Vacation" is based on a short story, “Christmas '59,” written by John Hughes for National Lampoon in December 1980.
Why is Rusty younger in Christmas Vacation?
Dana Barron revealed in an interview that when a sequel was announced after the first film's success, Anthony Michael Hall declined to return as Rusty so he could star in John Hughes' Weird Science instead. Instead of only finding a new actor for Rusty, Amy Heckerling decided to recast both children.
Why does Clark Griswold cheat on his wife?
He's Motivated By His Own Desires Clark is completely driven by his lust. He's constantly trying to have sex with his wife, even when it's not the right time (like when they're in a rickety old tent, and she's just not into it).
What was the gift Clark gave his boss?
All the presents that were on the credenza when Clark went in to give his to Mr. Shirley are identically shaped, and likely the same gift. It is a desk organizer. When this movie came out, pen sets came in an L-shaped arrangement.
What is Todd and Margo?
Todd and Margo are the next door neighbors to the Griswolds in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Margo is played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Why are Rusty and Audrey always different?
In each of the main films of the series, the Griswold children are portrayed by different actors. This is usually attributed to the fact that after Anthony Michael Hall declined to reprise his role in European Vacation in order to star in Weird Science, director Amy Heckerling requested both children be recast.
What was wrong with the turkey in Christmas Vacation?
In the film, cousin-in-law Catherine laments that she and Clark's wife, Ellen, “put it in too early.” In reality, the amount of time required to cook a turkey can take anywhere from 90 minutes to two-and-a-half hours, depending on the size of the bird, which reflects the thickness of the meat.
How many Russ Griswolds are there?
six different actorsConsidering the upcoming release of the series reboot,... six different actors have portrayed Rusty Griswold, son of Clark and Ellen Griswold (Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo) in the National Lampoon's Vacation films.
How is everyone related in Christmas Vacation?
A bunch of veteran actors were recruited to play Clark and Ellen's relatives in Christmas Vacation. E.G. Marshall and Doris Roberts (later of Everybody Loves Raymond) were cast as Art and Frances Smith, Ellen's mother and father. William Hickey and Mae Questel portrayed, respectively, her Uncle Lewis and Aunt Bethany.
Who is the girl at the counter in Christmas Vacation?
Nicolette ScorseseNicolette Scorsese was born on January 6, 1954. She is an actress, known for National Lampoon's ...
Who wrote the Christmas song for National Lampoon?
In its place is a song entitled "Christmas Vacation" that was written for the movie by the husband-and-wife songwriting team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and performed by Mavis Staples of The Staple Singers fame. The song was covered in 2007 by High School Musical star Monique Coleman for the 2007 Christmas album Disney Channel Holiday. Popular Christmas songs featured in the film include Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters Hawaiian-themed " Mele Kalikimaka ", and, during the climax of the film, Gene Autry 's " Here Comes Santa Claus ". For the latter song, Autry's re-recorded 1957 Challenge Records version is used.
When was Christmas Vacation made?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a 1989 American Christmas family comedy film, the third installment in National Lampoon magazine 's Vacation film series. Christmas Vacation was written by John Hughes, who based it on "Christmas '59", his short story published in National Lampoon.
How many lights does Clark have?
Clark, however, maintains a positive attitude, determined to have a "fun old-fashioned family Christmas". He covers the house's entire exterior with 25,000 twinkle lights, which fail to work at first, as he has accidentally wired them through his garage's light switch.
Who is Clark Griswold's wife?
Plot. Chicago-area resident Clark Griswold plans to have a great Christmas with his entire family. He gathers his wife Ellen, daughter Audrey, and son Rusty and drives out to the country to find a tree. After walking through the snow for hours, Clark picks out the largest tree he can find.
Who wrote Christmas Vacation?
Christmas Vacation was written by John Hughes, who based it on "Christmas '59", his short story published in National Lampoon. The film stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid.
Who played Ellen Griswold in the movie?
Juliette Lewis as Audrey Griswold, Clark and Ellen's daughter. She was previously portrayed by Dana Barron and Dana Hill in the last two films.
Who played Eddie's cousin in National Lampoon?
Randy Quaid, Miriam Flynn, and Dana Barron reprise their roles from the previous Vacation films alongside series newcomers Jake Thomas, Edward Asner, Sung Hi Lee, and Fred Willard .
Who plays Clark Griswold in The Holidays?
Movie Info. As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly.
Is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation a good movie?
It's a near perfect holiday film with a positive message and a ton of laughs. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a wonderful film that's sure to brighten up the holidays.
When was National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation released?
Since 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' was released in 1989, we've never looked at Christmas lights or sleds the same way. See where the cast is today. If you’ve ever walked out into the freezing cold and uttered, “It’s a bit nipply out," you’re probably one of the many fans of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation — the third installment ...
Why did Beverly D'Angelo leave the show?
Upset over the lack of attention paid to his character, he left the show, calling sitcoms “the lowest form of television.”. He later appeared in 2010's Hot Tub Time Machine, as well as the film's 2015 sequel, and the comedy Lovesick. Beverly D’Angelo.
Who played Clark Griswold's wife in the movie?
A perennial favorite, this 1989 John Hughes’ film follows Clark Griswold ( Chevy Chase) as he tries to make a memorable holiday for his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo ), son Rusty (Johnny Galecki) and daughter Audrey ( Juliette Lewis ).
Who is Ellen Griswold?
Never mind the fact that Beverly D’Angelo appeared in Annie Hall and Coal Miner’s Daughter — she’s best known as Ellen Griswold, the ever-loyal Griswold matriarch. Following her movie success in the 1980s, she went on to appear in such films as Pacific Heights, American History X, Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay and The House Bunny. In 1988, she met Al Pacino on the set of Sea of Love. The couple had twins together but never married. In 2013, she appeared in the grindhouse-inspired indie film, Bounty Killer and in 2015, rejoined Chase to appear in the soft reboot of the Vacation franchise, aptly titled Vacation.
Chris Columbus Was Originally Hired To Direct Christmas Vacation
The legendary John Hughes is the one who started the Vacation franchise, having written the first two films before penning and producing National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, which was inspired by his own short story, “Christmas ’59.” The film is just one of a few holiday favorites from the mind of the late filmmaker, including one that has an interesting connection to Christmas Vacation..
Leonardo DiCaprio Was Considered To Play Rusty Griswold In Christmas Vacation
There is one noteworthy “what if?” regarding the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation cast. As fans recall, there is a running gag throughout all of the Vacation movies in which Clark and Ellen’s (Beverly D’Angelo) children, Rusty and Audrey, are played by different actors each time.
Juliette Lewis Caught Her Boyfriend Two-Timing Her On The Christmas Vacation Set
Speaking of the Griswold kids, Juliette Lewis has an interesting personal anecdote from her time making National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation that she shared for Rolling Stone ’s oral history about the film’s production in 2014.
The Christmas Vacation Cast And Crew Experienced An Earthquake On Set
A then-13-year-old Johnny Galecki, thankfully, never experienced any heartbreak while making National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. However, there was another emotion the young actor was plagued by: fear, particularly when the set suffered an unexpected earthquake.
Johnny Galecki Regrettably Opted Out Of Filming A Scene Of Clark And Rusty Bonding
However, The fear which that earthquake caused Johnny Galecki during the filming of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was really nothing compared to the feelings of regret he would experience long after the camera stopped rolling.
An Untrained Squirrel Had To Be Used For The Squirrel Attack Scene
Another fun National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation fact regarding animals was also revealed by director Jeremiah Chechik on the commentary track.
Why is Clark waiting for his Christmas bonus?
The biggest plot point of the entire film is that Clark is waiting on his Christmas bonus to show up in order to cover the cost of his non-refundable deposit, and at one point, he makes a wry comment — in a conversation with a child, weirdly enough — about how he "can't even afford to be an elf.".
Where do Clark's parents sleep in Sassy?
Ellen's parents wind up in Audrey's bed (with a sight gag about Ellen's elderly father reading an issue of Sassy by flashlight), but Clark's parents are sleeping in bunk beds, in what, judging by the decor, is presumably Rusty's room.
How many lights does Clark Griswold have?
As a testament to how far over the top he's going in an effort to have a merry Christmas, Clark Griswold covers his home in "250 strands of lights, 100 individual bulbs per strand, for a grand total of 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights.". This is, by any measure, a lot of lights.
What happens at the end of the movie?
By the end of the movie, the stress of trying to hold his family's fun, old-fashioned Christmas together gets so intense that Clark fully snaps to an extreme that even the most dysfunctional family would probably find alarming. After ranting and raving about his boss cheaping out on the Christmas bonus — a furious monologue with dire consequences to come later — Clark forbids his family from leaving when they try, then puts on a Santa suit and starts wandering around the house with a chainsaw, literally destroying pieces of his home in some kind of fugue state.
What happens to a houseguest after a couple of days?
Like the old saying goes, houseguests are like fish. After a couple of days, they really start to stink. With that in mind, you'd think the Griswolds would want to spare themselves as much of a headache as they could. Instead, they seem to have gone out of their way to make it an even bigger hassle.
Is Christmas Vacation dumb?
Christmas Vacation's ending is incredibly dumb. It's fun to pick apart the holes in a beloved Christmas classic, and since they're a little off-kilter by their very nature, slapstick comedies are always easy targets.
Is Christmas Vacation a horror movie?
By the time that happens, Christmas Vacation has morphed into The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It 's a full-on horror movie , but the weird thing is, nobody really reacts like that's the case.
What Family Traditions Are You Looking Forward to This Christmas?
The movie takes all of our Christmas family traditions and takes it to an extremely funny and hilarious portrayal.
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What is Christmas Vacation Rated?
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is rated PG-13 for language and sexual content and may not be suitable for children under 13 according to the MPAA.
Language
There’s quite a bit of language in Christmas Vacation including a**hole, jacka**, fat a**, sh**, shi**er, damn, g-ddamn, bit**, hell, and one use of the f-word. I counted at least 35 uses of profanity not including “oh my g-d” and Jesus. Sh** is used by adults and kids.
Mature Content
There is quite a bit of sexual content in Christmas Vacation. Clark is kind of a perv.
Overview
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a 1989 American Christmas comedy film and the third installment in National Lampoon magazine's Vacation film series. Christmas Vacation was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, written and co-produced by John Hughes, and starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid with supporting roles by Miriam Flynn, William Hickey, Mae Questel, Diane …
Plot
Chicago-area resident Clark Griswold plans to have a great Christmas with his entire family. He drives his wife Ellen, daughter Audrey, and son Rusty out to the country to find a tree. After walking through the snow for hours, Clark picks out the largest tree he can find. Realizing too late that they did not bring any tools to cut the tree down, they are forced to uproot it instead, before driving home with the tree strapped to the roof of their car.
Cast
• Chevy Chase as Clark W. "Sparky" Griswold Jr., the patriarch of the Griswold family. Perpetually optimistic, and sometimes in denial, he is nonetheless passionate about and dedicated to putting on the perfect family holiday.
• Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold, Clark's wife. She does not share her husband's outlook but still supports him in his Christmas endeavor.
Production
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation originated from a short story by writer John Hughes called "Christmas '59," which was published in the December 1980 issue of National Lampoon magazine. "The studio came to me and begged for another one, and I only agreed because I had a good story to base it on," said Hughes. "But those movies have become little more than Chevy Chase vehicles." Director Chris Columbus initially was to direct the film, but due to a personality cl…
Music
The musical score for National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation was composed by Angelo Badalamenti. It is the only installment of the Vacation film series not to include Lindsey Buckingham's "Holiday Road". In its place is a song entitled "Christmas Vacation" was music by Barry Mann, lyrics by Cynthia Weil and performed by Mavis Staples of The Staple Singers fame. The song was covered in 2007 by High School Musical star Monique Coleman for the 2007 Christmas …
Release
The film has been released on home media several different times: VHS and Laserdisc in early 1990, a bare bones DVD in 1997, and a "Special Edition" DVD in 2003. HD DVD as well as Blu-ray editions were released in 2006. In 2009, a second Blu-ray of the film was released as an "Ultimate Collector's Edition". A steelbook Blu-ray was released in 2015 with remastered picture quality.
Reception
The movie debuted at No. 2 at the box-office while grossing $11,750,203 during the opening weekend, behind Back to the Future Part II. The movie eventually topped the box-office charts in its third week of release and remained #1 the following weekend. It went on to gross a total of $71,319,546 in the United States while showing in movie theaters. It was the highest-grossing film in the series, until the release of Vacation in 2015.
Sequels
The fourth film in the series, Vegas Vacation, would follow in 1997, without the involvement of either Hughes or National Lampoon.