Holidays

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Holidays
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
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Did you know? Johnny Galecki, who plays Rusty, went on to star in The Big Bang Theory and Roseanne, but he was only 14 when he filmed this movie. elaborate

Fact 1 of 10

10 facts about National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

  1. 1
    The classic glass moose mug seen in the film became so iconic that it is now sold as a popular Christmas kitchen item.
  2. 2
    The company Clark works for, the food preservative manufacturer, is a subtle jab at corporate life in the 1980s.
  3. 3
    The movie was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, marking his feature film directorial debut.
  4. 4
    Some viewers think the movie was the first of the series, but it is actually the third film, following Vacation and European Vacation.
  5. 5
    The interior of the Griswold house was a modular set, meaning the walls could be moved to accommodate the cameras.
  6. 6
    The sled used by Clark when he goes flying down the hill was lubricated with a special kitchen spray to make it go faster.
  7. 7
    The character of Aunt Bethany is 80 years old in the film, and the actress Mae Questel was actually a famous voice actress for Betty Boop.
  8. 8
    Johnny Galecki, who plays Rusty, went on to star in The Big Bang Theory and Roseanne, but he was only 14 when he filmed this movie.
  9. 9
    Chevy Chase actually punched the plastic Santa and reindeer decorations, and he ended up breaking his pinky finger during the take.
  10. 10
    The film was written by John Hughes and is based on his own short story Christmas '59, which was published in National Lampoon magazine.
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