20 Behind-The-Scenes Facts From National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 

For years, family movie nights celebrating the holidays have been laughing at the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. While its comedic charm is timeless, there’s a treasure trove of fascinating tidbits behind the making of this film. These little-known stories might surprise you and make you appreciate this holiday gem even more.

Chevy Chase Improvised His Rant Against His Boss

Chevy Chase’s iconic rant about his boss wasn’t entirely scripted. Though he had a loose outline, Chase improvised many of the insults on the spot. His comedic timing and creativity turned a simple scene into one of the movie’s most memorable moments, adding to the hilarity of the cast’s genuine reactions.

Iconic Backlot Played Griswold Household 

The Griswold house is part of a famous backlot at Warner Bros. Studios. That backlot has been used in numerous other productions, with appearances in Bewitched and Lethal Weapon. Those decorations may have been unique to the Griswolds, but the neighborhood has a long Hollywood history.

The Pinup Origins of Aunt Bethany

Mae Questel, who played Aunt Bethany, had a storied career as the original voice of cartoon knockout Betty Boop. Christmas Vacation was her final film appearance. Her endearing portrayal brought warmth and nostalgia to make her scenes especially poignant for fans who recognized her voice.

The Sledding Scene Was Almost Cancelled

That memorable sledding scene almost didn’t happen. Initially deemed too dangerous, the filmmakers considered scrapping the scene altogether. Thanks to meticulous planning and clever special effects, it became one of the funniest and most absurd moments in the iconic movie.

Beverly D’Angelo’s Method Acting

Beverly D’Angelo, who played Ellen Griswold, insisted on bringing authenticity when interacting with the kids on set. She treated them like her real family, even improvising moments to enhance the familial chemistry. Her dedication created a believable family dynamic while also grounding the movie’s over-the-top humor.

The Christmas Light Fiasco

The scene where the Christmas lights finally work required impeccable timing on the part of the props department. Chevy Chase’s frustration during rehearsals wasn’t all acting because continuing technical glitches prolonged the filming of this scene. When everything came together, the crew’s cheers were as genuine as Clark’s triumphant shout.

Cousin Eddy’s Real-Life Inspiration

Randy Quaid’s portrayal of Cousin Eddie was inspired by someone he knew personally. Quaid drew from his real-life quirks and mannerisms and created a character that’s as cringe-worthy as he is lovable. Cousin Eddy’s eccentric wardrobe also received production attention, as it needed to be carefully curated to reflect Eddie’s personality.

The Fresh-Faced Director’s New Approach

Director Jeremiah S. Chechik was relatively new to comedy when he took on this project. Chechik, known for his work in advertising, brought a unique visual style that set Christmas Vacation apart from other holiday films of the time. His fresh perspective added new dimensions to the movie’s humor.

The Brains Behind The Opening Credits

The film’s memorable opening credits sequence, which featured the animated Santa dealing with various mishaps, was created by Kroyer Films. This animation studio later went on to contribute to groundbreaking films like FernGully. Kroyer Films’s playful intro perfectly sets the tone for the chaotic Griswold holiday.

The Snow Was Fake

Real snow was scarce during filming, so most of the wintery scenes relied on fake snow, which was made from foam and other materials. Despite the chilly appearance, many outdoor scenes were shot in relatively warm conditions, which made it challenging for the cast to act appropriately cold.

Clark Griswold’s Decorations Inspired Copycats 

Clark’s over-the-top Christmas decorations inspired real-life copycats throughout the U.S. Since the movie’s release, homeowners across the U.S. have taken their holiday lighting to extreme levels, citing the Griswolds as their muse. The film inadvertently sparked a cultural phenomenon.

The Squirrel Chaos Conundrum

Remember the squirrel chaos scene from the movie? It required extensive planning. Originally, a trained squirrel was set to star, but it tragically expired shortly before filming. The crew had to pivot quickly, using untrained squirrels and clever editing to create the hilarious chaos we see on screen.

D’Angelo’s Iconic Improvisation

Ellen’s classic line, “It’s the holidays, and we’re all in misery,” was an improvised addition that was thought up by Beverly D’Angelo herself. Her dry delivery captured the spirit of holiday stress perfectly and turned what would otherwise have been a throwaway moment into one of the film’s standout quotes.

Rusty Griswold’s Future Stardom

Johnny Galecki, who played young Rusty Griswold, went on to find fame in Roseanne and then secured stardom playing Leonard Hofstadter in The Big Bang Theory. At just 14 years old, he impressed the cast and crew with his professionalism, which set the stage for his successful acting career.

Meticulously-Planned Turkey Disaster

Did you know that the iconic turkey disaster was heavily designed? Special effects artists created a hollow bird that could collapse perfectly on cue. It was necessary because the visual gag required multiple takes to get the comedic timing just right. They eventually succeeded in making it one of the film’s funniest moments.

The Griswold’s Neighbor’s Celebrity Connection 

Clark’s neighbor Todd, played by Nicholas Guest, is the brother of Christopher Guest. Christopher is the filmmaker behind mockumentaries like This Is Spinal Tap. Nicholas brought a subtle comedic flair to his role and made the Griswolds’ yuppie neighbors memorably and delightfully detestable.

The Real Basis Of The Griswold’s Holiday Shenanigans

John Hughes, the film’s writer, is famous in the industry for his ability to find humor in relatable situations. He has written many of Griswold’s antics after getting inspired by his own family’s holiday experiences. So, we can say it was Hughes’ personal touch that gave the movie its enduring appeal. 

Non-Holiday Release

Despite its holiday theme, Christmas Vacation debuted in theaters on December 1, 1989—several weeks before the actual holiday season began. This strategic release date allowed the film to build momentum and become a box-office success before Christmas. As a result, people thronged to see it in theaters when the actual holidays arrived.

The Wonderful Life Connection

Clark’s overcoat and hat in the tree-cutting scene were a nod to It’s a Wonderful Life. This subtle homage to what is widely regarded as ‘the’ classic holiday film reflects the movie’s respect for its festive predecessors while carving out its own niche in Hollywood’s family-oriented comedic legacy.

The Cat Electrocution Was Faked (Thank God!)

The Griswold’s cat electrocution scene rightfully faced scrutiny from animal rights groups. Of course, the makers of the film agreed, and to ensure no animals were harmed, they used a stuffed cat for the shocking moment. Irrespective of the bait-and-switch, that particular dark humor remains one of the most talked-about scenes of the film.