Christmas Vacation (1989)

Director:

Jeremiah S. Chechik

Writer (WGA):

John Hughes (written by)

Release Date:

1 December 1989 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Yule crack up!

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

Christmas | Christmas Bonus | Boss | Neighbor | Winter

Cast

Chevy Chase	...	Clark Griswold
Beverly D'Angelo	...	Ellen Griswold
Juliette Lewis	...	Audrey Griswold
Johnny Galecki	...	Russell 'Rusty' Griswold
John Randolph	...	Clark Wilhelm Griswold, Sr.
Diane Ladd	...	Nora Griswold
E.G. Marshall	...	Art Smith
Doris Roberts	...	Frances Smith
Randy Quaid	...	Cousin Eddie Johnson
Miriam Flynn	...	Cousin Catherine Johnson
Cody Burger	...	Cousin Rocky Johnson
Ellen Hamilton Latzen	...	Cousin Ruby Sue Johnson
William Hickey	...	Uncle Lewis
Mae Questel	...	Aunt Bethany
Sam McMurray	...	Bill

Also Known As:

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (UK) (complete title) (USA) (complete title)
National Lampoon's Winter Holiday (UK)

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:L | Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | Finland:K-3 (2003) (DVD) | Finland:K-7 (2007) (DVD) (as part of Vacation Collection) | Finland:S (1990) (VHS) | Netherlands:6 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Spain:7 | Sweden:7 | UK:PG (cut) | USA:PG-13 | West Germany:6 | Singapore:PG | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Manitoba/Ontario)

Filming Locations:

Breckenridge, Colorado, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

The only Vacation movie to not feature the Lindsey Buckingham song "Holiday Road" throughout the entire film.

Goofs:

Continuity: Ellen is looking at the house when the Christmas lights first go on with the light switch. When the switch is turned off she leaves and Clark returns. The extension cord is not plugged in when Clark picks it up. If that was the case the lights would not have turned on with the light switch.

Quotes:

Eddie: [walks in with a bound and gagged Mr. Shirley tied with a big red ribbon] Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas, Clark.
[to Mr. Shirlet]
Eddie: You about ready to do some kissing?

Movie Connections:

References Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Soundtrack:

Mele Kalikimaka

It could happen to you!

The holidays are the hot time for those who love family to gather, and make merry. For the other 90% of the population it's a hassle, a burden, and frankly a pain in the butt. Without a doubt we've all experienced the "worst Christmas ever" but probably not like the Griswolds. This is without a doubt one of my favorite holiday films because even though family gatherings can be a pain, it's always there to (hilariously) remind me to be grateful.

This is without a doubt one of my favorite Chevy Chase movies, and it puts newer "National Lampoon" titles to shame. If you're a "deadpan comedy" fan and haven't seen this movie you owe it to yourself to wait until it gets cold, start a fire, and pop in this movie.