National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 1989
Directed by
Jeremiah S Chechik
Made by
Warner Bros.
Plot Summary
In this heartwarming yet chaotic holiday adventure, Clark Griswold, portrayed by Chevy Chase, is determined to craft an unforgettable Christmas for his beloved family, which includes his wife Ellen and their children Audrey and Rusty. Clark sets off on a picturesque journey into the countryside to find the perfect Christmas tree, ultimately choosing the largest one available. His enthusiasm leads him to uproot the tree, entirely overlooking the challenges of getting it home.
While navigating the bustling mall, Clark finds himself enchanted by a beautiful cashier, compelling him to weave a web of lies in an attempt to charm her. Meanwhile, his festive plans trigger a series of mishaps for their yuppie neighbors, Todd and Margo Chester. The arrival of both Clark’s and Ellen’s parents brings more tension as they start bickering, adding to the family’s stress, but Clark remains resolute in his pursuit to make this Christmas special.
In a dazzling celebration of holiday spirit, Clark decorates the exterior of their home with an eye-popping 25,000 twinkling lights, inadvertently plunging the entire neighborhood into darkness upon their activation. The situation escalates further as Ellen’s cousin Catherine and her husband Eddie unexpectedly arrive with their lively children, Rocky and Ruby Sue, along with their pet Rottweiler, Snots. Eddie’s misfortune leads him to rely on Clark’s generosity, prompting Clark to buy gifts for the children to ensure their Christmas is joyful.
As the evening unfolds, the Griswold household welcomes the quirky antics of Clark’s Aunt Bethany and Uncle Lewis, contributing to the comedic chaos of the holiday celebrations. Clark’s irritation grows as he awaits a promised Christmas bonus from his boss, Frank Shirley. Following a disastrous Christmas Eve dinner, which culminates in Aunt Bethany’s cat meeting an unfortunate end and Uncle Lewis incinerating their beautifully adorned tree, Clark receives a shocking package containing a subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club instead of the much-needed bonus.
In a moment of frustration, Clark wishes for Frank to appear so he can voice his grievances, only for Eddie to take his words literally, leading to a wild encounter that culminates in the reinstatement of the Christmas bonuses. Meanwhile, a SWAT team arrives in response to the escalating chaos, but Frank ultimately opts not to pursue charges, revealing a change of heart regarding the bonuses.
As they gather outdoors, the excitement peaks when Rocky and Ruby Sue believe they’ve spotted Santa Claus. Clark lovingly corrects them, explaining that the glowing light is actually the Christmas Star, igniting a newfound appreciation for the holiday’s true meaning. Uncle Lewis, with his characteristic skepticism, humorously points out that the light is from a sewage treatment plant, which recalls Eddie’s questionable RV activities. The night takes yet another outrageous turn as a careless cigar spark causes a spectacular explosion, launching a Santa decoration skyward.
As the chaos subsides, Clark and Ellen share a heartfelt kiss, satisfied that despite the mayhem, they’ve crafted an undeniably memorable holiday for their family. The night concludes with everyone inside, united in the warmth and joy of their shared experiences, surrounded by love and laughter.
Timeline
Clark's Christmas Dream
Clark Griswold is determined to create a memorable Christmas for his family, including his wife Ellen and their children, Audrey and Rusty. His enthusiasm sets the stage for a series of holiday mishaps that unfold throughout the movie.
Tree Hunting Adventure
Clark embarks on a picturesque journey into the countryside to find the perfect Christmas tree. He gets carried away and chooses the largest tree available, completely overlooking how to transport it back home.
Mall Mishaps
While at the mall, Clark becomes infatuated with a beautiful cashier, which leads him to fabricate a series of elaborate lies to impress her. This not only puts him in awkward situations but also highlights the humor in holiday shopping.
Family Tensions
The arrival of both Clark's and Ellen's parents adds to the chaos, as they begin to bicker and clash, increasing the stress levels within the Griswold household. Despite the tension, Clark remains committed to making Christmas special for his family.
The 25,000 Lights Disaster
In an ambitious attempt to light up the exterior of his home, Clark decorates with an impressive 25,000 twinkling lights. However, when they are activated, the lights cause a power outage that engulfs the entire neighborhood in darkness.
Unexpected Family Guests
Clark's Christmas takes another turn as Ellen's cousin Eddie arrives unexpectedly with his lively children, Rocky and Ruby Sue. This adds a new layer of chaos, especially with Eddie's reliance on Clark's generosity.
Aunt Bethany and Uncle Lewis Arrive
As festivities continue, Clark's quirky Aunt Bethany and Uncle Lewis join the celebration, intensifying the comic chaos of the holiday season. Their eccentric behavior brings a mix of humor and exasperation to Clark's efforts.
The Christmas Bonus Anxiety
Clark anxiously awaits a promised Christmas bonus from his boss, Frank Shirley, which adds to his stress during the holiday preparations. This bonus represents hope and joy, but it quickly turns into a source of disappointment.
Disastrous Christmas Eve Dinner
The Christmas Eve dinner is a disaster marked by several comedic mishaps, including Aunt Bethany's cat accidentally meeting its end. Uncle Lewis also adds to the chaos by incinerating the beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
The Unexpected Gift
Clark receives a package containing a subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club instead of his anticipated Christmas bonus. This shocking revelation pushes Clark to a breaking point and fuels his subsequent frustrations.
Clark's Frustration Leads to a Wild Encounter
In a moment of pure frustration, Clark voices his wish for his boss Frank to come and face him. Eddie misinterprets this, leading to an unexpected confrontation that eventually results in the reinstatement of the Christmas bonuses.
The SWAT Team Arrives
As chaos escalates within the Griswold household, a SWAT team shows up in response to the escalating situation. Fortunately, Clark's boss, Frank, decides not to pursue charges, revealing a softer side after the tumultuous events.
The Christmas Star Revelation
As the excitement reaches its peak, Clark explains to Rocky and Ruby Sue that what they believe is Santa Claus is actually the Christmas Star. This moment leads to a deeper appreciation for the true meaning of Christmas amidst the madness.
The Cigar Incident
The night takes an outrageous turn when a careless cigar spark ignites a decoration, causing a spectacular explosion that sends the Santa decoration soaring into the sky. This adds to the comedic legacy of Clark's holiday misadventures.
A Merry Christmas Conclusion
As the chaotic day draws to a close, Clark and Ellen share a heartfelt kiss, reflecting on the remarkable memories they've created. Despite all the madness, the family comes together, united in joy and love, showcasing the spirit of the holiday.
Characters
Clark Griswold
Clark is an enthusiastic and determined family man, obsessed with creating a picture-perfect Christmas for his loved ones. His over-the-top antics and unwavering optimism highlight both his love for his family and his unrealistic expectations. Despite numerous mishaps, Clark embodies the spirit of perseverance and the importance of family during the holiday season.
Ellen Griswold
Ellen, Clark's supportive wife, balances her husband's wild ambitions with a dose of reality. She often serves as a calming presence amid the chaos, representing the pragmatic side of family life. Ellen's patience and love for her family shine through as she navigates the ups and downs of the holiday season alongside Clark.
Eddie
Eddie is Clark's lovable but bumbling cousin, whose unexpected arrival adds to the holiday chaos. He leaves a trail of mischief and hilarity with his antics, showcasing a carefree spirit that contrasts with Clark's more serious approach. Despite his quirks, Eddie's affection for family resonates, embodying the theme of unconditional love.
Setting
Time period
Christmas Season
The film is set during the Christmas season, a time traditionally associated with family gatherings, festive decorations, and holiday cheer. During this period, many people experience the stress and joy of trying to create perfect memories, highlighting the often chaotic reality of holiday preparations. The movie captures the essence of American holiday traditions, including elaborate lights and family dynamics.
Location
Griswold Household, Neighborhood, Countryside
The Griswold household serves as the chaotic center of the holiday celebrations, filled with love and laughter amidst a series of mishaps. The surrounding neighborhood is drawn into the festive spirit as Clark's extravagant decorations light up their homes. The picturesque countryside offers the perfect backdrop for Clark's quest to find the ideal Christmas tree, representing the idealistic charm of the holiday season.
Themes
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Family
Family is at the heart of Clark Griswold's Christmas adventure, showcasing the importance of togetherness amidst chaos. Despite various mishaps and differences, the Griswold family's love shines through, reinforcing the idea that family bonds are crucial during the holidays. The film humorously illustrates the ups and downs of family life, celebrating imperfections and shared experiences.
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Comedy
Comedy drives the narrative as Clark's well-meaning efforts lead to a series of absurd and hilarious situations. The film uses slapstick humor and witty dialogues to create a lighthearted portrayal of holiday stress. It cleverly examines the contrast between holiday expectations and reality, making the audience laugh at the chaos that ensues.
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Tradition
Tradition underpin the film's storyline, as Clark tries to fulfill iconic holiday rituals like finding the perfect tree and decorating his home. The narrative showcases various holiday customs, emphasizing how these traditions can both bring joy and invite complications. Through Clark's struggles, the film speaks to the often humorous battle between idealized holiday expectations and real-life experiences.
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