Best Christmas Movies: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

November 16, 2022
, BLOG

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is based on John Hughes’ short tale “Christmas ’59,” which appeared in National Lampoon, it depicts the mayhem that results from the Griswold family spending Christmas vacation at home with their relatives. “Christmas Vacation” has been a classic since its debut and only becomes funnier and better with time. That’s most likely the reason it has grown to be so popular over the holidays and a must-watch for families.

Jeremiah S. Chechik directed the film, which was written and co-produced by John Hughes. Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid starred, with Miriam Flynn, William Hickey, Mae Questel, Diane Ladd, John Randolph, E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, Juliette Lewis, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Johnny Galecki in supporting roles.

image: hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/read-john-hughes-original-national-811591/

Plot

In order to ensure that his family’s Christmas is flawless, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) constantly bothers his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) and kids as the holidays get near. This includes checking that the tree and other holiday decorations are in order. However, things immediately go bad. Eddie (Randy Quaid), his family, and other redneck relatives unexpectedly move into the Griswold property and begin living in a camper. Even worse, Clark’s bosses refuse to provide him the needed Christmas bonus.

Music

Angelo Badalamenti wrote the film’s music. It’s the only movie in the Vacation series that omits Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road.” An alternative song, “Christmas Vacation,” with lyrics and melody by Cynthia Weil and Mavis Staples of The Staple Singers, has taken its place. High School Musical actress Monique Coleman recorded the song for the Disney Channel Holiday Christmas CD in 2007. The Andrews Sisters’ “Mele Kalikimaka,” which has a Hawaiian flavour, and Gene Autry’s “Here Comes Santa Claus” are two well-known Christmas songs that are included in the movie. The later song uses Autry’s re-recording from 1957 for Challenge Records.

Merchandise

There is no shortage of “Christmas Vacation”-related merchandise. From figurines, stickers, coffee cups and board games, there are many products to add to your buying list, whether you know someone who aspires to be a Griswold or you’re a die-hard fan of the movie yourself.

Reception

With an opening weekend total of $11,750,203, the film came in at No. 2, just behind Back to the Future Part II. In the third week of release, the film ultimately reached the top of the box office rankings and stayed there the following weekend. Following its theatrical release in the United States, it went on to earn a total of $71,319,546. Up to the 2015 release of Vacation, it was the series’ most lucrative movie.