What Was the Original Ending to National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

National Lampoon’s Vacation is a classic comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes. It follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to reach Walley World, a popular amusement park.

The film was released in 1983 and has since become a cult classic, with its hilarious mishaps and relatable characters. However, what many people don’t know is that the original ending of the movie was quite different from what we see today.

The Original Ending

In the original ending of National Lampoon’s Vacation, the Griswold family finally reaches Walley World after their long and arduous journey. However, when they arrive at the park, they find that it is closed for maintenance. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, becomes angry and frustrated with this news and decides to take matters into his own hands.

Clark forces his way into the park with his family in tow and holds security guards at gunpoint. He then demands that they turn on all the rides so that his family can enjoy them. The guards reluctantly comply, and Clark and his family go on every ride in the park while being chased by police helicopters.

The scene ends with Clark getting shot in the leg by a security guard before being arrested along with his whole family. The final shot shows them all sitting together in jail, bruised and battered but happy that they were able to enjoy their time at Walley World.

Why Was It Changed?

The original ending was deemed too dark for audiences and did not test well with test audiences. The film’s producers decided to reshoot the ending to make it more positive and upbeat. In the new ending, Clark redeems himself by repairing his relationship with his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) after a fight earlier in the movie.

Clark surprises Ellen by taking her to a private concert by legendary singer Christie Brinkley. The family then shares a moment of happiness together as they watch the concert and enjoy each other’s company.

The Legacy of National Lampoon’s Vacation

Despite the changes made to the ending, National Lampoon’s Vacation remains a beloved classic and has spawned several sequels and spin-offs. The film is remembered for its hilarious scenes, quotable lines, and relatable characters.

The Griswold family has become an iconic part of American pop culture, with Clark Griswold being seen as the quintessential bumbling dad. The film also launched the careers of several actors, including Chevy Chase and Anthony Michael Hall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the original ending of National Lampoon’s Vacation was much darker than what we see today. While it may have been more true to life in some ways, it did not test well with audiences and was ultimately changed. Regardless of which ending you prefer, there is no denying that National Lampoon’s Vacation is a timeless classic that continues to make audiences laugh decades later.