Episode 18: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) cover art

Episode 18: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Episode 18: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

Potentially the most popular of all of Chevy Chase's films, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has become a perennial family favorite despite the Griswolds not actually going on vacation but their extended family visiting them in the suburbs of Chicago during a year where Clark counts too heavily on his Christmas bonus.

With a stand-out performance from Randy Quaid returning as Cousin Eddie, the film layers slapstick chaos with sharp holiday satire. Beverly D’Angelo anchors the madness as Ellen Griswold and new kids Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki provide memorable turns.

Written by John Hughes and directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, the movie captures both the warmth and the frustration of family gatherings, becoming a December staple for generations who can’t help but sympathize with Clark’s doomed quest for the “perfect” Christmas.
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.