Part of Weekend Classics

Everything is planned, packed — and about to go hilariously wrong. The Griswolds are going on vacation. In the driver’s seat is Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), an Everyman eager to share the open road and the wonders of family togetherness with his wife (Beverly D’Angelo) and two kids (Anthony Michael Hall and Dana Barron). Myriad mishaps, crude kin (Randy Quaid), encounters with a temptress (Christie Brinkley), financial woes, Aunt Edna (Imogene Coca) on the roof, one security guard (John Candy) — and 2,460 miles later, it’s a wonder the Griswolds make it at all. There’s never been a family vacation like it. Except maybe yours. And that helps explain why NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION remains so popular — and so very funny.

“The funniest, wariest but most affectionate look at charted America in a long time.” —Hollywood Reporter (Jul, 29, 1983)

“How far does the four-square, straight-arrow Clark W. Griswold family travel in NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION? Far enough for some fast, funny satire, and not so far out that the humor turns sloppy.” —Janet Maslin, New York Times (Jul 29, 1983)