Vacation, a classic comedy film released in 1983, follows the Griswold family on their cross-country road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. Along the way, they encounter a series of mishaps and misadventures that make for a hilarious and unforgettable journey.
One of the most memorable characters in the movie is Aunt Edna, who joins the family on their trip. So, what happened to Aunt Edna in Vacation?
Aunt Edna’s Introduction
Aunt Edna is first introduced in the movie when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) goes to pick her up from her home in rural Missouri. Clark’s wife Ellen (played by Beverly D’Angelo) advises him against bringing Aunt Edna along for the trip, but Clark insists that it’s his duty as a nephew to take care of her.
The Journey Begins
After picking up Aunt Edna, the Griswold family sets out on their journey across America. However, it soon becomes clear that Aunt Edna is a difficult passenger to deal with. She complains constantly and refuses to follow any rules or instructions given by Clark or Ellen.
The Incident at the Hotel
One of the most memorable scenes involving Aunt Edna takes place at a hotel where the family stops for the night. While checking in, Clark discovers that their reservation has been lost and there are no rooms available. In an effort to save money and avoid sleeping in their car, Clark decides to sneak his family into an already occupied room.
Unfortunately, it turns out that this room belongs to another guest who is less than pleased with his unexpected roommates. The situation escalates when Aunt Edna’s dog bites the other guest’s hand, causing him to kick them all out of his room.
The Death of Aunt Edna
After being kicked out of the hotel, the Griswold family continues their journey with Aunt Edna in tow. However, as they drive through the Arizona desert, Aunt Edna suddenly passes away. The family is forced to strap her body to the roof of their car and continue on their journey, much to the horror of other drivers on the road.
The scene where Aunt Edna’s body flies off the roof of the car and onto another vehicle is one of the most iconic moments in Vacation.
The Legacy of Aunt Edna
While Aunt Edna’s role in Vacation was relatively small, she left a lasting impression on audiences. Her stubbornness and cantankerous personality provided plenty of comedic moments throughout the movie, and her unexpected death added a touch of dark humor to an otherwise lighthearted story.
In conclusion, Aunt Edna may not have been a major character in Vacation, but her presence had a significant impact on the plot and audience’s experience. From her difficult behavior to her unforgettable demise, Aunt Edna will always be remembered as one of the most memorable characters from this classic comedy film.