Why Is It Called National Lampoon Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of classic comedy movies, then you’ve probably heard of the National Lampoon Vacation series. This beloved franchise has become a cultural touchstone, but have you ever wondered why it’s called National Lampoon Vacation?

Well, to understand the origins of the National Lampoon Vacation series, we need to go back to the 1970s. National Lampoon was a satirical magazine that specialized in poking fun at all aspects of American culture. The magazine had a loyal following and was known for its irreverent humor and cutting-edge satire.

In 1978, National Lampoon decided to branch out into filmmaking by producing their first movie, Animal House. This raunchy college comedy was a massive success and helped establish National Lampoon as a major player in the entertainment industry.

Encouraged by their success, the team behind Animal House decided to produce another movie – this time focused on the American family vacation experience. The result was 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation.

The film starred Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, an overzealous family man who embarks on a cross-country road trip with his wife and kids. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of mishaps and misadventures that make for some hilarious moments.

So why did they call it National Lampoon’s Vacation? Well, the answer is simple – it was just another way for the magazine to promote its brand. By attaching the National Lampoon name to the movie title, they were able to leverage their existing fanbase and generate buzz around their latest project.

But despite its commercial origins, National Lampoon’s Vacation has become much more than just a marketing gimmick. The film struck a chord with audiences by tapping into our shared experiences of family vacations – from cramped cars and roadside attractions to bickering siblings and overbearing parents.

Over time, the movie has become an enduring classic and spawned several sequels, including National Lampoon’s European Vacation, Christmas Vacation, and Vegas Vacation. Each film follows the Griswold family on a new adventure, but they all share the same irreverent humor and over-the-top situations that made the original so popular.

In conclusion, National Lampoon’s Vacation was named after its parent company in order to promote its brand. However, the movie’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the joys and frustrations of family vacations in a way that still resonates with audiences today. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the series for the first time, National Lampoon’s Vacation is a must-see comedy classic that will leave you laughing from start to finish.