So, you know that film ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’? The one with Chevy Chase and Walley World yeah? Well apparently it was based on an article written by John Hughes (yes, that John Hughes) for the Sept ’79 issue of National Lampoon Magazine. Now I happen to be something of a fan of the Vacation films (well the first three anyway) so, through the wonders of the internet, I managed to locate and purchase a copy of this very magazine, which arrived earlier this week. See photographic proof here –
National Lampoon Magazine Sept ’79
The article is entitled Vacation ’58 and many of the events described appear in the film. The Dad is already called Clark W. Griswold. It’s not a good film if you’re a dog. Or a great aunt.
Vacation must be in my top ten favourite comedy films and well worth a look if you haven’t seen it. Equally European Vacation is a decent sequel, notable for several cameos of British comedy stars (Mel Smith, Ballard Berkley, Maureen Lipman) as well as the ever-excellent Eric Idle. Christmas Vacation gets a regular annual run-out in our house as well, it’s practically a tradition now. For that matter our dog, Sparky, was named after Ellen’s nickname for Clark.
It’s a long way down the holiday road…
