A National Lampoons Christmas Vacation star has shared insights into what it was really like to work with Chevy Chase on set. The film has been a holiday favorite for over thirty years.
Resuming his role as Clark Sparky Griswold alongside Beverly Dangelo, who played his on-screen wife Ellen Griswold, Chevy enjoyed a raucous holiday season with their closest and dearest in this nostalgic festive film, which was released back in 1989.
Along with Johnny Galecki and Juliette Lewis, who played the Griswold children, the film featured a number of unexpected visitors, including Ellen’s cousin Catherine Johnson and her two children, as the family got ready for Christmas with their extended family.
One of the most iconic scenes is probably when young Ruby Sue Johnson and Clark have a late-night discussion about Santa Claus and end up swearing. Now, the actress who brought such cuteness to the role has shared what it was really like to work with the now 80-year-old Chevy.
Ellen said that Chevy kind of kept to himself but described the actor as a likeable guy
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail. com, Ellen Latzen disclosed that the humorous actor was somewhat reclusive while filming, but he didn’t turn her away when she visited his trailer to play cards with him in between takes.
All of the adults on that movie, as well as pretty much any other movie I worked on as a child, were warm and kind in equal measure. I think that probably from their perspective, working with children. According to Ellen, their goal is to ensure that they are at ease, secure, well-cared for, and in a welcoming atmosphere.
All of the adults on the Christmas Vacation set were incredibly lovely, warm, and funny, and they took the time to spend time with me.
Chevy was a bit of a recluse, but when neither of us was working, I would go to his trailer and play cards with him or just sit and talk because I was this really social kid and liked to form relationships with people I was working with.
Before talking about the hilarious onscreen moment she and Chevy shared, Ellen said, “It was important for me to sort of establish these relationships, and he was very open to that and filming the scene with him, I think it probably was conducive to that moment.”
Approximately halfway through the film, Ruby Sue interrupts Clark while he is daydreaming about a naked female shopping assistant.
The child approaches Clark and asks him if he is Santa Claus before confessing that her brother Rocky bit her thumb out of anxiety since Christmas is quickly approaching.
Ruby Sue delivers the famous line “Sh**tin bricks” in response to Clark’s question, “Are you nervous or excited?” Clark quickly corrects her, saying “Sorry, sh**tin rocks.”
Ellen clarified that their relationship both in front of and behind the camera “sort of lent to the bond that we had in that moment and made it really genuine.”
The scene in which Clark carves open the Christmas turkey with his entire family present is among the most memorable in the film.
When the movie’s filming came to an end, Ellen was a few days away from turning nine years old, but she insisted that it didn’t bother her at all that she used foul language on screen.
Although they would always say, “You shouldn’t use that word,” I learned to swear from my parents, so it’s not like that was frowned upon in my family,” she joked.
Additionally, I believe I picked up the curse when they weren’t around, but I still loved that I could say whatever I wanted and they didn’t mind. They most likely rolled their eyes and said something like, “It’s just a part of the movie,” not giving it much thought.
Ellen continued, expressing her opinion that some of the film’s cultural references might not be appropriate in 2023. She also disclosed how a scene was changed because of concerns that it was too graphic.
Although the film is a classic, it also seems a bit out of date, with certain cultural references that made sense in the 1980s and 1990s but not so much today. But it kind of lends to that time and transports you to that era in a nostalgic way.
She made reference to the graphic scene, saying: “So, the cat gets electrocuted, and the way that it was portrayed in the film was that there is this cat crater underneath the chair, but an alternate take on it was that they had found this plush, white, long-haired cat that they had put these eyes on that were like bugged out of his head and they were gonna maybe use that, but I think that it was made a little bit too graphic.”
Ellen touched on another iconic scene from the film, in which Clark is shown carving meat at the family Christmas dinner. She revealed that, from a logistical standpoint, they thought it was probably not the best idea for the turkey to explode instead of just be extremely dry inside.
Ellen disclosed that the sole co-star she keeps in contact with at the moment is her on-screen brother Rocky, portrayed by actor Cody Burger. She elaborated, saying, “We text; I call him my little brother, and he calls me big sis.”
We still have a really good relationship, and Ive seen him a couple times over the years. We haven’t seen each other in a minute, but he’s the only person I communicate with right now.
In National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Johnny Galecki, Juliette Lewis, and Beverly Dangelo (right) are shown with Chevy in the role of the Griswold family.
Chevy (left) pictured with co-stars Beverly DAngelo, Miriam Flynn, and Randy Quaid at Christmas Con 2023
Ellen pictured with Randy and Miriam, who portrayed her parents in the film, as well as Chevy and her on-screen brother, Cody Burger.
Ellen confirmed that she will show the movie to her daughter Charlotte when she is older
The brunette further discussed whether or not it’s strange to see her former co-stars aging, saying: “I’ve watched people like Johnny Galecki and Juliette Lewis grow over the years, so it’s not as odd for me to see them where they are now.”
But Chevy Chase, its harder to see him old, just because. and even for me. Ellen went on, “I was in that movie, and it’s still an odd thing to see, kind of like it is to watch a parent getting old,” before complimenting the actor.
He was a genius himself at his physical comedy, his comedic timing. She revealed that he excelled at ad libbing, which was prevalent both on the set and in the film.
And hes a likeable guy. His persona, his expressions, the way he delivers lines, and, as I mentioned earlier, his physical humor are all incredibly entertaining to watch. He built his career on his ability to do all of those things well, which is what made him likable. And still to this day, thats why people love him.
Ah, Christmas Vacation A holiday classic filled with laughter, family, and of course, culinary chaos. But amidst the tangled Christmas lights and Cousin Eddie’s questionable fashion choices, one question lingers: what happened to the turkey?
In the film, Clark Griswold, our well-intentioned but perpetually hapless patriarch, proudly presents his pièce de résistance – a perfectly browned turkey. But as he slices into its golden skin, disaster strikes. The bird explodes, revealing a desiccated mess of meat and bone. What went wrong?
Science Friday, in its infinite wisdom, enlisted the help of Meathead Goldwyn, founder of AmazingRibs.com and a veritable BBQ guru, to analyze the culinary catastrophe Meathead explains that the turkey’s demise can be attributed to two key factors: overcooking and improper temperature control.
The Overcooked Turkey:
Meathead points out that turkey, like most meats, cooks from the outside in. As the outer layer reaches the desired temperature, it begins to shrink and wrinkle, becoming a “deflated football.” However, in the Griswolds’ case, the turkey’s exterior appeared perfectly golden, indicating that it had been cooked too long. This excessive heat dried out the meat, leaving it unappetizingly dry and tough.
The Temperature Trap:
Meathead emphasizes the importance of using a digital thermometer to gauge the internal temperature of the turkey. This is crucial, as relying solely on cooking time can lead to disastrous results. For a juicy and flavorful bird, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F. However, Meathead suggests taking the turkey out at 160°F, as the residual heat will continue cooking it to the desired temperature.
The Reddit Analysis:
Reddit, ever the font of knowledge, also weighed in on the Christmas Vacation turkey fiasco. One user, citing a detailed analysis, concluded that the turkey had been in the oven for a whopping two hours and forty minutes, far exceeding the recommended cooking time. This excessive heat, combined with the oven’s likely high temperature, would have undoubtedly led to the turkey’s demise.
Lessons Learned:
So, what can we learn from the Griswolds’ turkey tragedy? First, always use a digital thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your turkey. Second, don’t rely solely on cooking times, as they can vary depending on the size and type of bird. Third, avoid overcooking, as this will result in a dry and unappetizing meal. And finally, remember that even the best-laid plans can go awry, especially when it comes to holiday cooking.
Bonus Tip:
For those looking for a foolproof turkey recipe, Meathead recommends his own tried-and-tested method, which involves cooking the turkey at a low temperature (325°F) and basting it regularly. This ensures a juicy and flavorful bird that will be the star of your holiday table.
So, there you have it. The science behind the Christmas Vacation turkey disaster. May your own holiday feasts be filled with delicious food, good company, and a healthy dose of laughter, without any Griswoldian culinary mishaps.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | Turkey Cutting | Warner Bros. Entertainment
FAQ
What does Clark say about the turkey?
Why did they replace the kids in Christmas Vacation?
What happened to the cat in Christmas Vacation?
What happened to the little girl in Christmas Vacation?
Why did Chevy Chase throw a Turkey on Christmas vacation?
Chevy Chase had to carefully time his throw so that the turkey would land on the roof. The other actors had to react quickly to the unexpected arrival of the turkey. All of these elements combined to create the classic comedic moment. What Really Happened to the Turkey in Christmas Vacation?
What happens to Clark in Christmas vacation?
Many awful things happen to Clark in Christmas Vacation. All he wants is to celebrate the holidays with his family and it feels like he keeps getting obstacles and problems in return. In an unforgettable scene, Clark is upset that his Christmas lights aren’t working.
Why does Clark throw a Turkey in the air?
By throwing the turkey into the air, Clark is expressing his feelings in a comical way. The turkey has become an important symbol in the film. It serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the joy of the holiday season. It’s also a reminder that, even in the midst of chaos and frustration, there can still be moments of levity.
What happens when Clark eats a frozen turkey?
The scene begins with Clark trying to cook a frozen turkey for dinner. After multiple failed attempts, he finally throws the turkey up into the sky in frustration. The next thing we see is the turkey coming back down, landing on the roof of the Griswold family home. It’s a hilarious moment that has become an iconic part of the film.