What Was the Tagline for National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

National Lampoon’s Vacation is an American comedy film that was released in 1983. The movie was directed by Harold Ramis and starred Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid.

It tells the story of Clark Griswold, a man who takes his family on a cross-country road trip to a theme park called “Walley World.” The film is widely regarded as a classic comedy and has spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs.

One of the most memorable aspects of National Lampoon’s Vacation is its tagline. A tagline is a short phrase or slogan that is used to promote a product or service. In the case of National Lampoon’s Vacation, the tagline has become almost as iconic as the movie itself.

So what exactly was the tagline for National Lampoon’s Vacation? The answer is: “Every summer Chevy Chase takes his family on a little trip. This year he went too far.”

This tagline perfectly captures the spirit of the movie. It sets up the premise of Clark Griswold taking his family on vacation while also hinting at some of the hijinks that will ensue. The use of Chevy Chase’s name in the tagline also helps to establish him as a comedic force in Hollywood.

But what makes this tagline so effective? Firstly, it uses humor to grab the audience’s attention. By suggesting that Clark Griswold “went too far,” it creates an immediate sense of anticipation for what kind of trouble he will get into.

In addition, the use of repetition in “Every summer” helps to establish a pattern that is then broken by Clark Griswold’s decision to take his family on an epic road trip. This contrast sets up an expectation for adventure and excitement that is fulfilled by the events of the movie.

Finally, by using such a specific and relatable scenario (a family vacation), this tagline is able to connect with audiences on a personal level. It taps into the shared experiences of family vacations and the various challenges that can arise.

In conclusion, the tagline for National Lampoon’s Vacation is a prime example of effective marketing. By using humor, repetition, and relatability, it sets up an expectation for the movie while also establishing Chevy Chase as a comedic force to be reckoned with. Even decades later, this tagline remains a memorable part of pop culture history.