National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

FAQs

Why is he called Sparky in Christmas Vacation? ›

In the DVD commentary for this movie, Chevy Chase said that the nickname was Beverly D'Angelo's idea, and she still affectionately calls him Sparky.

What is the Christmas gift that Clark gives his boss? It is a desk organizer. When this movie came out, pen sets came in an L-shaped arrangement. The writing instruments were on the flat part and the raised section held Post-it notes.

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

PG-13

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / MPAA rating

Clark Griswold

If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised."

Clark : [Lisping due to the cold] The most enjoying traditions of the season are best enjoyed in the warm embrace of kith and kin.

No character in the Vacation franchise has given Clark more headaches than Cousin Eddie Johnson (Randy Quaid), who, despite his title, is not related by blood to Clark or Ellen. He is, however, married to Ellen's actual cousin, Catherine (Miriam Flynn).

This sets the stage for the now-legendary line, “Why is the carpet all wet, Todd?” to be delivered by Margo, the neighbor. The scene's humor stems not just from the absurdity of the situation, but also from the tension built up by Todd's impending misstep onto the soaked carpet, where he'll fall.

As one Reddit sleuth explained, factoring in inflation, it's likely Clark was somewhere around $80,000/year for a salary.

Filming. Principal photography began on March 27, 1989, in Summit County, Colorado, with footage shot in Silverthorne, Breckenridge, and Frisco. From there the production moved to Warner Bros. Ranch Facilities in Burbank, California, where the set of the Griswold family's house and street is located.

Is National Lampoon's Vacation inappropriate? ›

Parents need to know that National Lampoon's Vacation is the popular 1983 road comedy that kicked off several National Lampoon movies, including European Vacation, Expect lots of profanity, including a tirade filled with "f--k," plus insults like "retard" and "fat…

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is rated PG-13.

Another thing to note is that, while there's no overt dialogue that says there's no Santa, there are a couple references that might raise questions in believing kiddos.

The Griswold patriarch, Clark Griswold – also known by his wife's pet name, “Sparky” – is played by Chevy Chase (who played the part in every Vacation movie, including the reboot). Clark is Ellen's husband and Audrey and Rusty's dad.

Ellen DeGeneres (Cousin)

Yup, the 63-year-old comedian revealed on her show in 2011 that she's the duch*ess's 15th cousin. The two are related through a man by the name of Sir Thomas Fairfax and his wife, Agnes Gascoigne, who lived in the United Kingdom in the early 1500s.

Frank Shirley is the main antagonist of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. He is portrayed by Brian Doyle Murray. He is Clark Griswold's greedy and pompous boss. He often mistakes Clark's name, calling him "Mark" "Bill" or "Carl".

No character in the Vacation franchise has given Clark more headaches than Cousin Eddie Johnson (Randy Quaid), who, despite his title, is not related by blood to Clark or Ellen. He is, however, married to Ellen's actual cousin, Catherine (Miriam Flynn).