This year marks a significant milestone for comedy lovers and fans of the Griswold family as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic film National Lampoon’s Vacation with a pair of special screenings.
Directed by Chicago’s Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters I & II, Stripes, Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, Analyze This and That) and written by Chicago’s John Hughes (The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Home Alone, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), this hilarious road trip comedy has become a beloved classic, known for its relatable family dynamics, outrageous mishaps, and timeless humor. As we reflect on four decades of laughter, let’s take a nostalgic journey back to the film that started it all.
Released on July 29, 1983, National Lampoon’s Vacation introduced audiences to the well-meaning but hapless Clark Griswold, brilliantly portrayed by Chevy Chase. The film follows the Griswold family’s misadventures as they embark on a cross-country journey from Chicago to the fictional theme park “Walley World” in California. The film struck a chord with audiences, resonating with the relatable experiences and mishaps that often accompany family vacations.
National Lampoon’s Vacation is filled with a colorful cast of characters who contribute to the film’s comedic brilliance. Chevy Chase’s portrayal of Clark Griswold as the well-intentioned yet accident-prone patriarch remains one of his most memorable roles. Beverly D’Angelo shines as Clark’s supportive yet occasionally exasperated wife, Ellen, while Anthony Michael Hall and Dana Barron portray the Griswold children, Rusty and Audrey, with comedic flair.
The film is packed with hilarious moments that have become legendary in the comedy genre. From the disastrous road trip that includes getting lost, encountering eccentric relatives, and encountering flirtations with Christie Brinkley’s iconic character, to the infamous scene involving a malfunctioning roller coaster ride, National Lampoon’s Vacation delivers one laugh-out-loud moment after another, leaving audiences in stitches.
National Lampoon’s Vacation will return to theaters nationwide on Sunday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 19 in honor of its 40th anniversary, by Fathom Events and Warner Bros Pictures. It will play at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm local time on July 16 and 7:00 pm local time on July 19.
For more information and to purchase tickets VISIT HERE.
National Lampoon’s Vacation not only entertained audiences but also had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film’s success led to the creation of a beloved franchise that includes several sequels, such as European Vacation, Christmas Vacation, and Vegas Vacation, each offering their own unique brand of comedic chaos.
Furthermore, the film solidified the partnership between writer John Hughes and director Harold Ramis, who went on to create numerous comedy classics in the 1980s. National Lampoon’s Vacation paved the way for a new wave of comedy films that blended slapstick humor with relatable family dynamics, influencing future generations of filmmakers and comedians.
As National Lampoon’s Vacation celebrates its 40th anniversary, its enduring popularity is a testament to the film’s timeless appeal. Its universal themes of family, adventure, and the hilarity that often accompanies vacations continue to resonate with audiences of all generations. The film’s memorable characters, quotable lines, and uproarious moments have secured its place in the comedy pantheon, ensuring its enduring popularity for years to come.
The beloved comedy classic, reminds us all to embrace the unexpected and find humor in life’s mishaps, making it a film that will continue to bring laughter to audiences for generations to come.
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