Keith Mack
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a 1989 slapstick comedy film and the third installment in National Lampoon magazine's Vacation film series. The film stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, and Brian Doyle-Murray, who plays Clark Griswold's penny-pinching boss. The film tells the story of Clark Griswold's efforts to have a traditional family Christmas, which takes several hilarious turns. It has become a beloved Christmas classic, with many notable actors and actresses in the cast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Movie | National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation |
| Year of Release | 1989 |
| Directed by | Jeremiah S. Chechik |
| Written and co-produced by | John Hughes |
| Starring | Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid |
| Supporting roles by | Miriam Flynn, William Hickey, Mae Questel, Diane Ladd, John Randolph, E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki |
| Plot | Clark Griswold's efforts to have a good old-fashioned family Christmas as they take a hilarious turn for the worse |
| Gross Earnings | $71,319,546 in the United States |
| Brother-in-law | Randy Quaid |
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What You'll Learn
Brian Doyle-Murray played Clark Griswold's boss
Brian Doyle-Murray is an American actor, comedian, and screenwriter. He is known for his role as Clark Griswold's uptight and thrifty boss, Frank Shirley, in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989). In the film, his character's penny-pinching nature leads to his own kidnapping at the hands of Cousin Eddie.
Doyle-Murray is the older brother of actor and comedian Bill Murray, with whom he has appeared in several films, including Caddyshack (1980), Scrooged (1988), and Groundhog Day (1993). He made his film debut in Caddyshack, directed by Harold Ramis and starring his brother Bill. He also appeared in Modern Problems (1981) alongside another comedy stalwart, Chevy Chase, who would go on to star as Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
Prior to his film career, Doyle-Murray worked with The Second City comedic stage troupe in the early 1970s and was a regular on The National Lampoon Radio Hour from 1973 to 1975. He joined the cast of the ABC variety show Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell in 1976, where he worked alongside his brother Bill. When that series was canceled, Doyle-Murray transitioned to a writing role on NBC's Saturday Night Live during its second season in 1977. He continued to write for the show and occasionally appeared as a featured player until 1981.
Outside of his role in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Doyle-Murray has had a prolific career in television and film. He appeared in the film JFK (1991) as Jack Ruby and co-starred in the film version of Wayne's World (1992) as arcade tycoon Noah Vanderhoff. He has had recurring roles in television series such as Between Brothers, Yes Dear, Psych, The Middle, Sullivan & Son, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
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Randy Quaid played Cousin Eddie
The film, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, is a 1989 American Christmas slapstick comedy film and the third installment in National Lampoon magazine's Vacation film series. It is based on a short story by John Hughes called "Christmas '59", published in the December 1980 issue of National Lampoon magazine. The film was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and starred Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid, with supporting roles by Miriam Flynn, William Hickey, and Mae Questel, among others.
The film tells the story of Clark Griswold's efforts to have a good old-fashioned family Christmas, which takes a hilarious turn for the worse. Quaid's character, Cousin Eddie, is a key part of the film's comedy, with his eccentric personality and unpredictable behaviour adding to the chaos of the Griswold family's Christmas. Quaid's performance as Cousin Eddie is considered one of the standout elements of the film, and the character has become a fan favourite.
In addition to Quaid, the film also featured a young Johnny Galecki, who played Rusty Griswold, the young son of Clark Griswold. Galecki has gone on to have a successful TV career, starring in Roseanne and the long-running CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Ellen Latzen, who played Ruby Sue in the film, also recalled fond memories of working on the film, particularly the Christmas dinner scene, where she had marshmallow fights with Galecki.
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Johnny Galecki played Rusty Griswold
In the film, Rusty is a young boy who is less than enthusiastic about his father's shenanigans. Clark Griswold is a father who wants to give his family the perfect Christmas. The film is the third instalment in the National Lampoon's Vacation film series, and in keeping with the previous Vacation movies, the roles of Clark's children, Audrey and Rusty Griswold, were recast with every new release.
Johnny Galecki was cast as Rusty Griswold due to his offbeat sense of humour. At the time, he was a child actor, and the role was one of his earliest in film. He auditioned for the part and was told right away that he had been chosen for the role. Galecki has since gone on to have a successful acting career, starring in popular TV shows such as Roseanne and The Big Bang Theory.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation was one of only two Christmas-themed movies released on the big screen in 1989. The film grossed $71.3 million and has become an annual TV staple during the holidays.
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Chevy Chase played Clark Griswold
Chevy Chase's portrayal of Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is considered a highlight of his career. Chase is a seasoned comedy performer, and his role as the well-intentioned but hapless Clark Griswold has become iconic. The film follows Clark Griswold's efforts to have a good old-fashioned family Christmas, with hilarious results.
Clark Griswold is the patriarch of the Griswold family, who decides to stay home for the holidays after dragging his family through the trials of travelling in the previous two Vacation films. Despite his good intentions, Clark's plans for a perfect Christmas go awry, providing much of the film's comedy.
Chevy Chase's performance as Clark Griswold is a key part of the film's success. His character's antics and mishaps provide a source of laughter and good cheer, making the film a solid seasonal treat. Chase's portrayal of Clark Griswold has helped to make National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation a beloved Christmas classic, with many fans considering it a must-watch during the holiday season.
In addition to Chevy Chase, the film also starred Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, and a young Johnny Galecki, who played Clark Griswold's son, Rusty. The film featured a talented cast of comedy performers, both established and up-and-coming, contributing to its enduring popularity.
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Bill Murray's brother played an unknown role
Bill Murray's older brother, Brian Doyle-Murray, played Clark Griswold's uptight boss, Frank Shirley, in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Brian Doyle-Murray is an actor, comedian, and screenwriter. He has appeared in several films alongside his younger brother, Bill Murray, including Caddyshack, Scrooged, Ghostbusters II, and Groundhog Day.
Brian Doyle-Murray's career began in the early 1970s when he worked at The Second City comedic stage troupe. He was also a regular on The National Lampoon Radio Hour, a comedy program syndicated nationally across 600 stations from 1973 to 1975. In 1974, he appeared as a performer in The National Lampoon Show stage show alongside his brother, Bill, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Harold Ramis.
In addition to his work in film and television, Doyle-Murray has lent his voice to various animated series and video games, including SpongeBob SquarePants, The Angry Beavers, CatDog, Family Guy, King of the Hill, and Ghostbusters.
Brian Doyle-Murray has received three Emmy Award nominations for his writing contributions to Saturday Night Live in 1978, 1979, and 1980.
Bill Murray also has five brothers: Joel, Brian, Andy, Ed, and John.
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Frequently asked questions
Brian Doyle-Murray plays the role of Clark Griswold's penny-pinching boss, who eventually gets kidnapped by Cousin Eddie.
Chevy Chase plays the role of Clark W. Griswold, the well-intentioned walking disaster.
Randy Quaid plays the role of Cousin Eddie, who kidnaps Clark's boss. Quaid earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in The Last Detail.
Ellen Latzen plays the role of Ruby Sue. She is best known for her role as Michael Douglas' daughter in Fatal Attraction.
The film tells the story of Clark Griswold's efforts to have a good old-fashioned family Christmas, which takes hilarious turns for the worse.
