If you’re a fan of classic holiday movies, chances are you’ve seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This 1989 comedy follows the Griswold family as they prepare for a chaotic and hilarious Christmas with their extended family. One of the most memorable aspects of the film is the iconic Griswold family home, which is instantly recognizable thanks to its distinctive architecture and festive decorations.
But did you know that the Christmas Vacation house has also made an appearance in another popular film? That’s right – the same house used as the exterior for the Griswold family home was also featured in Lethal Weapon, a 1987 action movie starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.
At first glance, it might be hard to believe that two such different movies could share a filming location. After all, Christmas Vacation is a lighthearted comedy about family togetherness, while Lethal Weapon is a gritty cop thriller with plenty of intense action scenes. But despite their differences in tone and genre, both movies were able to utilize the unique charm of this house to great effect.
So how did this happen? The answer lies in Hollywood’s system of reusing filming locations.
It’s not uncommon for studios to rent out houses or other properties for use in multiple films or TV shows. In fact, many famous landmarks and neighborhoods have served as backdrops for countless productions over the years.
In the case of the Christmas Vacation/Lethal Weapon house, it seems that its distinctive appearance and convenient location made it an attractive choice for filmmakers on multiple occasions. The house is located in Pasadena, California, which is close enough to Hollywood to make it a feasible shooting location without requiring too much travel time or expense.
Of course, just because the same house was used in both films doesn’t mean that they’re directly connected in any way. The Griswold family never crosses paths with Martin Riggs or Roger Murtaugh, and there’s no mention of Christmas or family gatherings in Lethal Weapon. But for movie buffs who appreciate the history and artistry of film, it’s always interesting to spot these kinds of connections and appreciate the versatility of certain filming locations.
In conclusion, while the Christmas Vacation house and the Lethal Weapon house are one and the same, they represent two very different worlds in the realm of cinema. Whether you prefer Chevy Chase’s slapstick humor or Mel Gibson’s gritty action sequences, it’s hard to deny that both movies made excellent use of this iconic location. So next time you watch either one, take a moment to appreciate the unique charm of this Pasadena landmark – and maybe even imagine what other films it might appear in someday.