Was That a Real Squirrel in Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie “Christmas Vacation,” you may have noticed a particular scene in which a squirrel wreaks havoc on the Griswold family’s home. But was that squirrel real or just a cleverly crafted prop? Let’s investigate.

The Scene

In the scene in question, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is attempting to set up a Christmas tree when he accidentally knocks over a box of decorations. Among the chaos, he discovers a live squirrel hiding in the tree. The squirrel then proceeds to wreak havoc on the Griswold family’s home, jumping out of the tree and causing chaos throughout the house.

Real or Fake?

So, was that squirrel real? The short answer is yes.

According to director Jeremiah S. Chechik, they did use a real squirrel for the scene. However, they only used it for certain shots and had to rely on a fake squirrel for other parts.

The Real Squirrel

The live squirrel was brought onto set with its trainer and kept safely in its carrier until it was time to shoot. When it was time for filming, they released the squirrel into the set and let it do its thing. However, due to safety concerns for both the cast and crew as well as the animal itself, they could only use it for limited shots.

The Fake Squirrel

For other parts of the scene where they couldn’t use the real squirrel or wanted more control over its movements, they used a fake squirrel created by special effects artist Bob Short. The fake squirrel was made from various materials such as foam and fur and could be controlled by puppeteers off-camera.

The Legacy of the Squirrel Scene

The squirrel scene has become one of the most memorable moments from “Christmas Vacation” and has even spawned its own merchandise such as ornaments and figurines. It’s a testament to the film’s enduring popularity and the talented team behind it that they were able to create such a memorable moment using both real and fake elements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the squirrel in “Christmas Vacation” was indeed real, but only used for limited shots due to safety concerns. The rest of the scene relied on a cleverly crafted fake squirrel. Regardless of how they did it, the scene remains a beloved part of the film and will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.