National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday movie that is beloved by many. But have you ever wondered why it’s called National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? In this article, we’ll dive into the history behind the name and explore how it came to be.
The Origins of National Lampoon
To understand why the movie is called National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, we first need to take a look at the publication that inspired it: National Lampoon. National Lampoon was a satirical magazine that was founded in 1970 and quickly gained a cult following for its irreverent humor and biting social commentary.
Over the years, National Lampoon expanded its reach beyond just print media and began producing movies, television shows, and other forms of entertainment. Some of their most famous works include Animal House, Caddyshack, and of course, Christmas Vacation.
The Making of Christmas Vacation
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was released in 1989 and was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. The movie stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a man who is determined to have the perfect family Christmas despite everything going wrong around him.
The movie was a hit with audiences and has since become a holiday classic. But why did they choose to include “National Lampoon” in the title?
The Role of National Lampoon
The inclusion of “National Lampoon” in the title was likely done for two reasons. First, it helped to establish the brand recognition that had been built up over years of successful movies and publications. By including “National Lampoon,” audiences knew they could expect a certain type of humor and irreverence from the movie.
Secondly, it helped to differentiate Christmas Vacation from other holiday movies that were being released at the time. By branding it as a National Lampoon production, they were able to make it stand out and appeal to audiences who were looking for something a little different from their holiday entertainment.
The Legacy of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Today, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is considered a holiday classic and is beloved by fans around the world. The movie’s enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless humor and heartwarming message that it delivers.
So the next time you sit down to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, remember that the name isn’t just a random choice – it’s a nod to the brand that helped make it so iconic.