National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
“Yule crack up!”
Synopsis & Story Arc
Official Logline
It's Christmastime, and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration. But things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen, and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going, knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.
Complete Cast & Crew Directory
Directing & Screenplay
Cast & Characters
Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase
as Clark Griswold
Beverly D'Angelo
Beverly D'Angelo
as Ellen Griswold
Juliette Lewis
Juliette Lewis
as Audrey Griswold
Johnny Galecki
Johnny Galecki
as Rusty Griswold
John Randolph
John Randolph
as Clark Griswold Sr.
Diane Ladd
Diane Ladd
as Nora
E.G. Marshall
E.G. Marshall
as Art
Doris Roberts
Doris Roberts
as Francis
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
as Margo Chester
Randy Quaid
Randy Quaid
as Cousin Eddie
Miriam Flynn
Miriam Flynn
as Cousin Catherine
Mae Questel
Mae Questel
as Aunt BethanyCinematography & Large-Format Specifications
Cinematographic negative, aspect ratios & laboratory mastering sheet
| Aspect Ratios | 2.39:1 |
|---|---|
| Camera Systems | Arri Alexa LF / Panavision Millennium DXL2 |
| Negative Format | 35mm / 65mm / Digital Master |
| Printed Film Format | 70mm / DCP Master |
| Sound Mix Formats | Dolby AtmosDTS:X5.1 Surround |
| Laboratory / VFX | Technicolor / Double Negative (DNEG) |
| Color Processing | Color (Rec.709 / DCI-P3 Mastering) |
| Official Runtime | 97 min |
Behind The Scenes
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GlobalCineDB Consensus Score
Weighted consensus from 100K+ verified global cinephile ratings
Community Reviews & Discussions (3)
The pipe organ composition from Hans Zimmer at the edge of Gargantua is monumental. Nolan masterfully balances the vast coldness of relativistic astrophysics with the intimate, multidimensional bond of family. A transcendent achievement of cinema.
"Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Michael Caine reciting Dylan Thomas resonates throughout the entire odyssey. Pure cinematic grandeur.