15 Christmas Vacation Movie Facts

Introduction:

Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday movie that has been a favorite among audiences for decades. Filled with hilarious moments, heartwarming scenes, and unforgettable characters, this film has become a staple of the holiday season for many. In this article, we will explore 15 fun and interesting facts about Christmas Vacation that you may not have known before.

Fact 1: Actors improvisation

Did you know that many of the most iconic lines from Christmas Vacation were actually improvised by the actors? Chevy Chase, who played the lead role of Clark Griswold, was known for his improv skills and brought a lot of his own comedic genius to the film.

Fact 2: John Hughes wrote the script in a matter of days

Despite the fact that Christmas Vacation has become a beloved holiday classic, writer John Hughes wrote the entire script in just a few days. Talk about talent!

Fact 3: The Griswold house was actually a set

While the exterior shots of the Griswold house were filmed on location in a real neighborhood, the interior shots were all done on a soundstage. The set designers did an amazing job of making the house feel warm and inviting, just like a real home.

Fact 4: The house was modeled after a real house in Illinois

The design of the Griswold house was actually inspired by a real home in the Chicago suburbs. The production team took great care to replicate every detail of the original house, right down to the color of the siding.

Fact 5: The cast and crew had to deal with a heatwave during filming

Despite the fact that Christmas Vacation is set in the middle of winter, the cast and crew had to deal with record-breaking heat during filming. They had to wear heavy winter clothing and pretend to be cold while the temperatures soared outside.

Fact 6: The squirrel scene was a real challenge to film

One of the most memorable scenes in Christmas Vacation is when a squirrel gets loose in the house. This scene was actually incredibly difficult to film, as the filmmakers had to use a trained squirrel and work around the animal’s unpredictable behavior.

Fact 7: The film’s director makes a cameo appearance

Keep an eye out for a quick cameo from the film’s director, Jeremiah S. Chechik, during the scene where Clark is trapped in the attic. Chechik can be seen briefly as a man stuck in line at the department store.

Fact 8: The film was inspired by a short story

Christmas Vacation was actually inspired by a short story written by John Hughes called “Christmas ’59.” The story focused on a family struggling to make it through the holidays, much like the Griswolds do in the film.

Fact 9: The film’s budget was higher than expected

Despite the fact that Christmas Vacation was originally meant to be a low-budget film, the budget ended up ballooning to over $25 million due to the elaborate sets and special effects. Luckily, the film was a huge success at the box office and more than made up for the cost.

Fact 10: The Griswold family car was a real lemon

In the film, the Griswolds drive a beat-up old station wagon that constantly breaks down. This car was actually a real lemon that the production team found in a junkyard and fixed up for the movie.

Fact 11: The film features a nod to It’s a Wonderful Life

Keep an eye out for a subtle reference to the classic holiday film It’s a Wonderful Life in Christmas Vacation. During a scene at the beginning of the movie, a bell rings on the Christmas tree, just like in the iconic ending of It’s a Wonderful Life.

Fact 12: The film’s title went through several changes

Christmas Vacation was not the original title of the film. In fact, the movie was originally supposed to be called “National Lampoon’s Winter Holiday.” However, the title was changed during production to better reflect the holiday theme.

Fact 13: The film’s soundtrack is a holiday classic

One of the highlights of Christmas Vacation is its iconic soundtrack, featuring classic holiday tunes like “Christmas Vacation” by Mavis Staples and “Mele Kalikimaka” by Bing Crosby. These songs have become a beloved part of the holiday season for many fans.

Fact 14: The film’s final scene was actually shot in the summer

Despite the fact that Christmas Vacation is set in the middle of winter, the final scene of the film was actually shot in the summer. The production team had to use fake snow and winter clothing to create the illusion of a snowy Christmas day.

Fact 15: The film has become a holiday tradition for many families

Since its release in 1989, Christmas Vacation has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families. Each year, fans gather around the TV to watch the antics of the Griswold family and laugh along with their misadventures.

Conclusion

Christmas Vacation is a holiday classic that has stood the test of time. Filled with memorable moments, unforgettable characters, and plenty of laughs, this film has become a favorite among audiences of all ages. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the hundredth, Christmas Vacation is sure to bring a smile to your face and put you in the holiday spirit.