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Beverly D’Angelo Reflects on Iconic Improvised Moment in "Christmas Vacation"
12/25/2025, 9:24:41 PM
The Unscripted Gesture That Made Movie History
Beverly D’Angelo, known for her role as Ellen Griswold in "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation," recently shared insights about a memorable improvised moment from the 1989 film. During a police confrontation scene, D’Angelo decided to add a spontaneous gesture that was not in the script: she grabbed her on-screen husband Clark Griswold's (played by Chevy Chase) crotch. This moment, which she described as her "little touch," was captured in a single take, as it was the last shot of the day. D’Angelo recalled, “I threw that in. That was definitely improvised. That was my little touch. All in one take.”
Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic
The filming of "Christmas Vacation" was not without its challenges. D’Angelo noted that the production faced complications, including issues with a trained squirrel that was meant to leap onto Chase's shoulder. The original squirrel suffered a heart attack, necessitating a last-minute replacement with an untrained wild squirrel. Despite these hurdles, D’Angelo expressed gratitude for the film's enduring popularity, stating, “It seems to be part of our whole culture now. For so many people, it’s part of their Christmas ritual.”
The Chemistry Between D’Angelo and Chase
D’Angelo and Chase developed a strong friendship during filming, which has lasted for decades. She described their connection as akin to that of siblings, stating, “I just had a feeling when we met that we would be a tribe.” This chemistry allowed them to seamlessly transition into their roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold, enhancing the film's comedic impact.
The Legacy of "Christmas Vacation"
"Christmas Vacation" has become a staple of holiday viewing, celebrated for its humor and relatable depiction of family dynamics during the festive season. The film's success was unexpected for D’Angelo, who initially viewed it as a one-off project. She reflected on the film's cultural significance, noting, “I didn’t think that [‘National Lampoon’] was going to turn into a lifelong thing. It’s beautiful.”
Official Statements & Responses
In interviews, D’Angelo emphasized the importance of the film in her career and its impact on audiences. She remarked on the improvisational nature of her character's gesture, asserting that it was subtle enough to go unnoticed initially, but has since gained recognition as viewers have access to larger screens.
Criticism & Opposition
While "Christmas Vacation" is widely regarded as a holiday classic, some critiques focus on its portrayal of family dysfunction and the character of Clark Griswold, who often embodies selfishness despite his intentions. This complexity adds depth to the film, making it resonate with viewers who experience similar holiday challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was not in the script for me to guard the family jewels when the police came to stick us up,” — Beverly D’Angelo, Actress
- “D'Angelo additionally told Forbes that she replied to Chase's doubt about the scene by saying, "I guarantee you no one's going to be looking at my hand.” — Beverly D’Angelo, Actress
- “I was in Italy when a friend of mine called me, and he said, ‘Do you know you’re in the number one movie this week?’ It was the first ‘Vacation.’ It just kept growing. It seems to be part of our whole culture now. For so many people, it’s part of their Christmas ritual. I don’t know what to say, except to quote myself and say, ‘It’s Christmas. We’re all in misery.’” — Beverly D’Angelo, Actress
"Christmas Vacation" continues to be celebrated for its humor and the unique moments that have become iconic, solidifying its place in holiday film history.
