
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik
Screenplay: John Hughes based on characters created by John Hughes
Stars: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, John Randolph, Diane Ladd, E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, Randy Quaid, Miriam Flynn, Cody Burger, Ellen Latzen, William Hickey, Mae Questel, Nicholas Guest, Nicolette Scorsese, Brian Doyle-Murray and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Tagline: There’s No Place Like Home For A Holiday!
The Plot…
Clark (Chase) and Ellen (D’Angelo) Griswald have invited their parents to spend Christmas (and the 10 days leading up to it) and their house. Preparing for the holidays (when you’re hosting) can be stressful. Having both sets of in-laws at the same time even more so. Add to that Clark has over-extended to surprise his family with a new swimming pool. The check will bounce if his Christmas bonus doesn’t arrive soon.
Plus his yuppie neighbors are always creating issues. The Christmas lights aren’t working, the tree is too big… Oh, and don’t forget that Uncle Lewis (Hickey) and his senile wife Aunt Bethany (Questel) are coming Christmas Day. With his kids complaining, the in-laws making comments, finishing up at work for the Christmas (still no bonus check?)… how could things get any worse.
That’s when Ellen’s cousin’s family – Catherine (Flynn), her dumb as bricks husband (Quaid), their two kids Rocky (Burger) and Ruby Sue (Latzen), and their aptly named Rottweiler, Snots, show up unannounced.
Let the good times roll!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Mae Questel was the voice of Betty Boop in the 1930s. Christmas Vacation was her last film appearance.
Brian Doyle-Murray, who plays Clark’s boss in this film, appeared in National Lampoon’s Vacation as another character (the clerk at Kamp Komfort).
Snots was Beverly D’Angelo’s real life dog. Aunt Bethany’s cat was Beverly D’Angelo’s real life cat.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a stone cold classic. Every scene is a winner. It’s well written, well cast and well directed. This film is required viewing each year at Christmas time.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) rates 5 of 5 stars.

