Have you ever watched the classic Christmas movie, “Christmas Vacation,” and wondered who says the iconic phrase “Later dudes”? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we will dive into the origins of this famous saying.
The Movie – Christmas Vacation
“Christmas Vacation” is a 1989 American comedy film directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. The movie stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a man determined to have a perfect family Christmas despite numerous setbacks and mishaps.
The Scene
The scene where the famous phrase is uttered takes place towards the end of the movie. Clark’s cousin-in-law, Eddie (played by Randy Quaid), shows up unexpectedly in an RV with his family. In this particular scene, Clark is standing outside his house with Eddie when they say their goodbyes.
The Dialogue
The dialogue in this scene goes like this:
Clark: “Well, I guess that’s about the wrap-up of our day here.”
Eddie: “Oh yeah. I reckon so.”
Clark: “I’m sure glad to see you guys. Merry Christmas.”
Eddie: “Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Kiss my ass.
Kiss his ass. Kiss your ass. Happy Hanukkah.”
Clark: “That’s it! That’s your last toot, Eddie.”
Eddie: “Ah yeah.. Later dudes!”
The Origin
So who came up with this memorable line? According to an interview with Randy Quaid on The Today Show, he improvised the line on set.
It turns out that Quaid was a big fan of surfing culture and would often use phrases like “later dudes” in his personal life. When it came time to film this scene in “Christmas Vacation,” Quaid felt that his character would naturally use language like that and decided to throw it in.
The Legacy
Quaid’s improvised line has since become a pop culture phenomenon. “Later dudes” has been referenced in numerous movies, TV shows, and even music. It has become an iconic catchphrase that will forever be associated with “Christmas Vacation” and Randy Quaid’s character, Eddie.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “later dudes” is a famous phrase from the classic Christmas movie “Christmas Vacation.” It was improvised by Randy Quaid on set and has since become a pop culture phenomenon. Now that you know the origins of this iconic saying, you can impress your friends and family with your knowledge next time you watch the movie!