National Lampoon’s Vacation is a classic American comedy that has entertained generations of moviegoers since its release in 1983. The film follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip from their home in Chicago to the fictional California amusement park, Walley World. While the movie is mostly a lighthearted comedy, there is one scene in particular that has left audiences wondering for decades: what happened to the dog?
The Scene:
Early on in the film, the Griswold family sets out on their journey with their beloved dog, a cute and friendly little pooch named Dinky. They strap him to the roof of their station wagon inside his kennel and hit the road. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when they accidentally leave Dinky’s leash hanging from the car door and he gets dragged along behind them on the highway.
What Happened Next:
The scene cuts away before we see any real harm come to Dinky, leaving audiences to wonder if he survived or not. Later in the film, when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is speaking with his son Rusty (played by Anthony Michael Hall), Rusty casually mentions that he saw a “doggie” tied up at a gas station they had stopped at earlier. Clark seems relieved but doesn’t really pursue it any further.
Theories:
So what really happened to Dinky? There are several theories that have been floated over the years by fans of the movie:
- The Dog Died: This is probably the most commonly held theory among fans of National Lampoon’s Vacation. After all, it seems unlikely that a small dog could survive being dragged along behind a car at high speeds for very long.
- The Dog Was Replaced: Some fans speculate that the filmmakers simply used a different dog in the later scenes of the film to avoid having to deal with the fallout from killing off Dinky.
This theory seems unlikely, however, as the replacement dog looks very similar to Dinky and there is no obvious break in the continuity of the film.
- The Dog Was Rescued: Another theory is that someone saw Dinky being dragged along behind the car and rescued him before he could come to any harm. This would explain why Rusty saw a “doggie” at the gas station later on.
The Truth:
So what’s the real story behind what happened to Dinky in National Lampoon’s Vacation? Unfortunately, there isn’t really a definitive answer.
The filmmakers have never publicly commented on what happened to the dog, leaving fans to speculate and debate for decades. However, it’s worth noting that animal rights activists have criticized the scene for its apparent cruelty towards animals, which may have contributed to the lack of information about what really happened.
In Conclusion:
National Lampoon’s Vacation is a beloved classic for many reasons, but one of its most enduring mysteries is what really happened to Dinky. While we may never know for sure, it’s clear that this scene has left an indelible mark on audiences and pop culture as a whole. Whether you believe that Dinky met an untimely demise or was rescued by a kindly stranger, it’s hard not to feel a little bit sad for this plucky little pooch who just wanted to go on vacation with his family.