In the iconic Christmas movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Chevy Chase plays the role of Clark Griswold, a family man who is determined to have the perfect Christmas. As the story unfolds, we see Clark go to great lengths to make sure everything is just right, from selecting the perfect Christmas tree to decorating his house with thousands of lights. However, one question that has been on the minds of many fans is – what was Chevy Chase’s bonus in Christmas Vacation?
The Plot of the Movie
Before we delve into Clark’s bonus, let’s give a brief overview of the movie. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” was released in 1989 and quickly became a holiday classic.
The film follows Clark Griswold and his family as they prepare for their annual Christmas celebration. Along with his wife Ellen, daughter Audrey, and son Rusty, Clark plans an elaborate holiday extravaganza that includes inviting all of their extended family members over for a big Christmas dinner.
However, things don’t go quite as planned. From unexpected visitors to power outages and disastrous Christmas lights displays, chaos ensues throughout the film. Despite all of this, Clark continues to strive for perfection and is determined to give his family a memorable holiday season.
The Bonus Debate
One of the most memorable scenes in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” involves Clark receiving his awaited bonus from work. Throughout the movie, Clark has been eagerly anticipating this bonus so that he can finally be able to afford a swimming pool for his family.
When he finally receives it during a company meeting with his boss Frank Shirley (played by actor Brian Doyle-Murray), he opens up an envelope containing what he thinks will be enough money for him to purchase said pool. However, much to his disappointment, it turns out that instead of receiving a cash bonus like he had expected, he is gifted with a one-year membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.
Clark is understandably upset by this turn of events, and his meltdown has become an iconic moment in movie history. Many fans have debated over the years as to what Clark’s bonus should have been if not for the Jelly of the Month Club membership.
- What The Script Said: According to Randy Quaid, who played Clark’s cousin Eddie in the movie, the original script called for Clark’s bonus to be a check for $250,000. However, this scene was ultimately cut from the final version of the film.
- Speculation: Other fans have speculated that Clark’s bonus could have been a cash amount ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. This would have been enough money for him to purchase a swimming pool without having to worry about any additional expenses.
- The Director’s Opinion: In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, “Christmas Vacation” director Jeremiah S. Chechik suggested that he intentionally left Clark’s bonus amount open-ended so that fans could come up with their own ideas.
He stated, “I didn’t want it to be about how much money he got. I wanted it to be about how people define themselves by their jobs. “
The Impact on Fans
Regardless of what Chevy Chase’s bonus may or may not have been in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” one thing is certain – it has had a lasting impact on fans of the movie. The scene where Clark receives his Jelly of the Month Club membership has become one of the most quoted and referenced moments in holiday movie history.
Clark’s disappointment and subsequent rant about his boss and company policies have resonated with audiences across generations. The scene has also become a symbol for those who feel undervalued and underappreciated in their own jobs.
The Bottom Line
While we may never know the exact amount of Chevy Chase’s bonus in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” it is clear that the scene has left a lasting impact on fans of the movie. From debates over what the bonus should have been to its impact on workplace culture, this moment has become a crucial part of holiday movie history.