When it comes to Christmas movies, few are as beloved as “Christmas Vacation.” This 1989 classic starring Chevy Chase follows the Griswold family as they attempt to have the perfect holiday season.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie involves a squirrel that wreaks havoc in the Griswold’s home. But was that squirrel real? Let’s take a closer look.
The Scene
In the scene in question, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is attempting to decorate his house with Christmas lights. While up on a ladder, he accidentally cuts through a wire, causing all of the lights to go out. As he attempts to fix them, he falls off the ladder and onto the ground below.
While he’s lying there, his wife Ellen (played by Beverly D’Angelo) spots a squirrel running across their front lawn. The squirrel darts into their home and begins causing chaos. It runs through their Christmas tree, breaks ornaments, and generally wreaks havoc.
Real or Fake?
So was that squirrel real? The answer is yes and no.
During most of the scene, an animatronic squirrel was used. This allowed for precise control over its movements and ensured that it wouldn’t harm any of the actors or crew members.
However, there are a few shots where a real squirrel is visible on screen. For example, there’s a shot where the squirrel jumps from the tree onto Clark’s back. In this shot, it’s clearly a real animal.
How They Did It
Creating this scene required quite a bit of ingenuity from the film’s crew. In addition to using an animatronic squirrel, they also had to use trained squirrels for certain shots.
For example, when Ellen throws a coat over the squirrel and tries to catch it in her living room, a real squirrel was used. Trainers were able to coax the animal into running in a specific direction and jumping onto a bed.
Additionally, the scene where the squirrel is electrocuted required some clever effects work. The filmmakers used a fake squirrel that was rigged to explode when it was hit with an electrical current.
The Legacy of the Squirrel Scene
Despite being a relatively small part of the movie, the squirrel scene has become one of its most iconic moments. Fans love the chaotic energy that the animal brings to the film, and many still laugh at Clark’s attempts to capture it.
Overall, while there are some shots where a real squirrel was used, most of the scene relied on an animatronic or fake animal. Regardless of its origins, though, it’s clear that this scene has stood the test of time as one of “Christmas Vacation’s” most memorable moments.