National Lampoon’s Vacation is a classic comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes. It follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to reach Walley World, a popular amusement park.
The film was released in 1983 and has since become a cult classic, with its hilarious mishaps and relatable characters. However, what many people don’t know is that the original ending of the movie was quite different from what we see today.
The Original Ending
In the original ending of National Lampoon’s Vacation, the Griswold family finally reaches Walley World after their long and arduous journey. However, when they arrive at the park, they find that it is closed for maintenance. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, becomes angry and frustrated with this news and decides to take matters into his own hands.
Clark forces his way into the park with his family in tow and holds security guards at gunpoint. He then demands that they turn on all the rides so that his family can enjoy them. The guards reluctantly comply, and Clark and his family go on every ride in the park while being chased by police helicopters.
The scene ends with Clark getting shot in the leg by a security guard before being arrested along with his whole family. The final shot shows them all sitting together in jail, bruised and battered but happy that they were able to enjoy their time at Walley World.
Why Was It Changed?
The original ending was deemed too dark for audiences and did not test well with test audiences. The film’s producers decided to reshoot the ending to make it more positive and upbeat. In the new ending, Clark redeems himself by repairing his relationship with his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) after a fight earlier in the movie.
Clark surprises Ellen by taking her to a private concert by legendary singer Christie Brinkley. The family then shares a moment of happiness together as they watch the concert and enjoy each other’s company.
The Legacy of National Lampoon’s Vacation
Despite the changes made to the ending, National Lampoon’s Vacation remains a beloved classic and has spawned several sequels and spin-offs. The film is remembered for its hilarious scenes, quotable lines, and relatable characters.
The Griswold family has become an iconic part of American pop culture, with Clark Griswold being seen as the quintessential bumbling dad. The film also launched the careers of several actors, including Chevy Chase and Anthony Michael Hall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original ending of National Lampoon’s Vacation was much darker than what we see today. While it may have been more true to life in some ways, it did not test well with audiences and was ultimately changed. Regardless of which ending you prefer, there is no denying that National Lampoon’s Vacation is a timeless classic that continues to make audiences laugh decades later.
10 Related Question Answers Found
National Lampoon’s Vacation is a classic comedy film franchise that follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on various road trips and vacations. With over five movies in the franchise, it can be hard to determine which one stands out as the best. In this article, we’ll explore each movie in the series and determine which one truly reigns supreme.
National Lampoon’s Vacation is a classic comedy film that has entertained audiences for decades. The movie stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a well-meaning but hapless father who takes his family on a disastrous road trip to Walley World amusement park. But what was the tagline for National Lampoon’s Vacation?
Have you ever wondered why the classic 1983 comedy film “Vacation” starring Chevy Chase is called “National Lampoon’s Vacation”? In this article, we’ll dive into the history behind the title and how it became a part of pop culture. The Origins of National Lampoon
To understand the significance of “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” we must first go back to the beginnings of National Lampoon.
National Lampoon’s Vacation is a classic comedy movie that has been entertaining audiences for decades. The film follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on a road trip across America. While the movie is filled with laughs and memorable moments, one question that often arises is, who died in National Lampoon’s Vacation?
Are you a fan of National Lampoon’s Vacation and wondering which streaming service has this classic comedy movie? Look no further! We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the major streaming services that offer this film.
Are you a big fan of National Lampoon’s Vacation and looking to stream it online? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore if the movie is available on any streaming service.
If you’re a fan of classic comedies, then National Lampoon’s Vacation series is a must-watch. But with so many movies in the franchise, it can be confusing to know what order to watch them in. In this article, we’ll break down the correct order to watch National Lampoon’s Vacation movies.
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If you’re a fan of Chevy Chase and the National Lampoon’s series, then you must be wondering where to watch National Lampoon’s Vacation. The good news is that there are several platforms where you can stream or buy this classic comedy movie. Amazon Prime Video
If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can stream National Lampoon’s Vacation for free on Amazon Prime Video.
If you are a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, then you might have wondered about the fate of the characters in the series. The Vacation movies have been a favorite among comedy lovers for decades and have featured an ensemble of quirky characters. However, some of them have sadly passed away in real life.
If you’re a fan of classic comedies, you’ve probably heard of National Lampoon’s Vacation. This 1983 film, directed by Harold Ramis, follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on a road trip to Walley World. If you’re wondering what channel National Lampoon’s Vacation is on, you have a few options.