National Lampoon's Vacation

As Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) sets out on an ambitious journey to reconnect with his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) and their children, Rusty and Audrey, he decides to swap the ease of flying for an adventurous road trip across the country to Walley World, famously dubbed “America’s Favorite Family Fun Park.” While Ellen is focused on reaching their destination as quickly as possible, Clark believes that taking the scenic route will provide invaluable bonding time with his family. However, a delay in receiving their shiny new vehicle leads Clark to reluctantly settle on a clunky, oversized station wagon nicknamed the “Wagon Queen Family Truckster.”

Their journey quickly devolves into a string of chaotic misadventures, beginning with a wrong turn in St. Louis, Missouri, where they face off against local vandals, and later a fiery confrontation with a bartender in Dodge City, Kansas. Amidst the turmoil, Clark finds himself distracted by a stunning young woman zipping by in a sleek Ferrari 308 GTS.

As they traverse the country, the Griswolds make a pit stop to visit Ellen’s cousin Catherine and her husband Eddie, who unexpectedly drop their cantankerous Aunt Edna along with her spirited dog Dinky into Clark’s lap. This couple also begs Clark to drop them off at their son Norman’s house in Phoenix, Arizona, while asking for a financial handout as they struggle to find work.

After spending a fairly dreary night at a rundown campsite in South Fork, Colorado, misfortune strikes when Clark accidentally kills Aunt Edna’s dog by forgetting to detach its leash from the car’s rear bumper. A motorcycle cop pulls them over, delivering a stern lecture on animal rights, but Clark employs an emotional appeal about his own pet, earning a begrudging measure of sympathy.

The situation worsens when Ellen loses her purse containing all their credit cards, forcing Clark to report it lost while they continue their trip. As they push further into the desolate landscapes of Utah, their vehicle’s sound system, once a source of joy, becomes fraught with the tension of their arguments. The turmoil reaches a peak when they lose control of the car, landing in the sandy dunes of Monument Valley. After hours of despairing on foot, Clark wonders if he’ll find his family again, only to discover they’ve been rescued by local authorities—unfortunately, a sheriff-turned-mechanic, who steals what’s left of their cash, leaving their vehicle in dire straits.

Feeling defeated and demoralized, the Griswolds press on to the Grand Canyon, where Clark’s dwindling finances become critical. With no credit cards and desperation setting in, he resorts to stealing from a cash register behind the hotel clerk’s back.

Tragedy soon strikes with Aunt Edna’s death. Instead of confronting this harsh truth, the family chooses an absurd form of denial – they strap her body to the car roof, wrapped in tarpaulin, as they continue their journey to Norman’s home, leaving a cryptic note behind.

Upon reaching Norman’s residence, Ellen and the children are overwhelmed with exhaustion and frustration, while Clark remains steadfast in his quest for Walley World. In a moment of weakness, he seeks comfort in the arms of an attractive stranger, spinning a web of lies to impress her before taking a dip in the hotel pool late at night. However, this fleeting escape is swiftly discovered by Ellen and the kids.

As the Griswold family’s misfortunes accumulate, they eventually arrive at Walley World only to find it closed. A cruel twist of fate threatens to unravel Clark completely as he becomes fixated on a realistic BB gun, demanding park security allow them entry into the deserted amusement park. Just as things appear grim, Roy Walley himself intervenes, recognizing Clark’s plight, and grants them an unexpected treat—entry into the park as the unlikeliest of guests.

As the adventures draw to a close, the Griswolds enjoy a surreal and magical day at Walley World. The film concludes with a nostalgic montage of their rollercoaster experiences, ultimately showcasing a family that has weathered the storm and found joy once more, flying back to Chicago together.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:33