If you’re a fan of classic holiday movies, chances are you’ve watched “Christmas Vacation” at least once during the holiday season. The 1989 comedy, starring Chevy Chase, has become a staple in many households during Christmas time. However, some people have been wondering if the movie is being censored by AMC (American Movie Classics) for television.
What is “Christmas Vacation”?
“Christmas Vacation” follows the story of Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his family as they try to have a perfect Christmas despite various mishaps and disasters. The movie has become a cult classic, with many people quoting lines from the film and referencing scenes in popular culture.
Why would AMC censor “Christmas Vacation”?
AMC is a cable network that specializes in airing classic movies and TV shows. As a cable network, they are subject to FCC regulations when it comes to airing content on television. The FCC has strict rules about what can and cannot be shown on TV during certain times of day.
During prime time hours (7 pm – 10 pm), networks are not allowed to show explicit content such as nudity, graphic violence, or strong language. As “Christmas Vacation” contains some adult language and suggestive scenes, it’s possible that AMC may have to censor certain parts of the movie in order to comply with these regulations.
Is AMC censoring “Christmas Vacation”?
After doing some research, it appears that AMC does indeed censor certain parts of “Christmas Vacation” when airing it on their network. Some fans have noticed that certain scenes have been edited or removed entirely from the broadcast version of the movie.
For example, in one scene where Clark is trying to fix the lights on his house, he accidentally falls off the roof and lands in his neighbor’s yard. In the original version of the movie, he screams out an expletive. However, in the AMC version, the audio has been edited to remove the curse word.
Another scene that has been edited is one where Clark fantasizes about a woman in a department store. In the original version, the woman is wearing lingerie and Clark makes some suggestive comments. In the AMC version, the woman is wearing a more modest outfit and Clark’s comments have been removed entirely.
Why does AMC censor “Christmas Vacation”?
While it may be frustrating for fans to see their favorite movie censored on TV, it’s important to remember that networks like AMC have to abide by FCC regulations in order to avoid fines or other penalties. By censoring certain parts of “Christmas Vacation,” they are able to air the movie during prime time hours without violating these rules.
It’s also worth noting that not all cable networks censor movies in the same way. Some networks may choose to air movies uncensored late at night or during other time slots where FCC regulations are less strict.
Conclusion
So there you have it – while “Christmas Vacation” may be censored on AMC, it’s not because they dislike the movie or want to ruin your holiday viewing experience. Rather, they are simply following FCC regulations in order to stay on the air and avoid any penalties.
If you’re looking to watch “Christmas Vacation” without any edits or censorship, your best bet is probably to rent or purchase a copy of the movie on DVD or Blu-ray. That way, you can enjoy all of the classic scenes and lines that have made this movie such a beloved holiday classic.