If you’re a fan of the classic holiday film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you may have noticed a few characters that met their untimely demise. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who died in the movie and how it happened.
Aunt Bethany
One of the first characters to pass away in the film is Aunt Bethany. She was portrayed by actress Mae Questel, who had a long career as a voice actress for animated characters like Betty Boop and Olive Oyl. In Christmas Vacation, Aunt Bethany is known for her forgetfulness and quirky behavior.
During Christmas dinner at the Griswold house, Aunt Bethany is asked to say grace. Instead, she begins reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Afterward, her husband Uncle Lewis tells her to “say amen,” but she doesn’t respond. It’s then revealed that she has passed away in her chair.
Uncle Lewis
Uncle Lewis, played by actor William Hickey, meets his demise shortly after Aunt Bethany. He too is known for his eccentric behavior and rough personality.
While sitting in the living room with Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase), Uncle Lewis lights up a cigar near a gas leak from a faulty sewage system. The resulting explosion sends him flying through the air and into an adjacent tree lot.
The Cat
While not a human character, the Griswold family cat also meets its end during Christmas Vacation. The cat is introduced early on in the film as belonging to Catherine and Eddie (the latter being Clark’s cousin-in-law).
Later on, it’s revealed that the cat had been electrocuted by chewing through strings of Christmas lights decorating the Griswold house.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation features a few memorable deaths that add to the chaotic and comedic nature of the film. Aunt Bethany’s and Uncle Lewis’s passings are treated with a mix of shock and humor, while the cat’s demise is played for laughs. Regardless, these deaths serve as a reminder to always be careful during the holiday season.