Christmas Vacations Infamous Holiday Road Sex Scene Explained

The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and togetherness. However, it's also a time for chaos, stress, and the occasional explosive argument. Clark Griswold, the well-meaning but hapless patriarch of the Griswold family, knows this all too well. In the 1983 comedy classic National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Clark's disastrous holiday season is marked by a series of hilarious mishaps, including the infamous "Holiday Road" sex scene.

The scene in question takes place during the opening credits of the film, as Clark and his wife Ellen embark on a road trip to a Walley World theme park. As they drive down the highway, the upbeat tune "Holiday Road" plays in the background, setting the tone for a fun and carefree vacation. However, things quickly take a turn for the risqué as Clark and Ellen start to get a little too comfortable in the car.

As they drive, Clark starts to get a little too friendly with Ellen, and before long, they're engaging in some, ahem, "extracurricular activities" in the front seat of the car. The scene is played for laughs, with Clark's antics causing Ellen to giggle uncontrollably as they speed down the highway.

So, what's the story behind this infamous scene? According to an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the film's director, Jeremiah Chechik, wanted to create a scene that would set the tone for the rest of the movie. "I wanted to create a sense of freedom and joy, and I thought, 'What's more joyful than a couple having sex in a car?'" Chechik explained.

The scene was also a nod to the classic road trip movies of the 1960s and 1970s, where couples would often engage in romantic trysts in the backseat of a car. However, in this case, the scene is played for comedic effect, rather than romance.

The Making of the Scene

The "Holiday Road" sex scene was filmed over the course of several days, with the cast and crew working to get the tone just right. According to an interview with Chevy Chase, the film's star, the scene was a bit of a challenge to film.

"We had to do a lot of takes, because we had to get the timing just right," Chase explained. "We didn't want it to be too raunchy, but we also didn't want it to be too tame. We wanted it to be funny, but also kind of sweet."

The scene was also a bit of a logistical challenge, as the cast and crew had to work around the confines of the car. "We had to get the camera in there, and we had to get the lighting just right," Chechik explained. "It was a bit of a puzzle, but we made it work."

The Impact of the Scene

The "Holiday Road" sex scene has become one of the most iconic moments in the film, and it's often cited as one of the funniest scenes in the movie. However, it's also had a lasting impact on popular culture.

The scene has been parodied and referenced countless times in other films and TV shows, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, and South Park. It's also become a staple of holiday playlists, with "Holiday Road" becoming a Christmas classic.

The Legacy of Christmas Vacation

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has become a holiday classic, and its influence can still be felt today. The film's blend of slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and relatable characters has made it a staple of holiday viewing.

The film's success also spawned a series of sequels, including European Vacation, Vegas Vacation, and Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure. However, none of these films quite lived up to the original's charm.

Despite its influence, Christmas Vacation remains a bit of an underdog. The film was made on a relatively low budget, and it was released during a crowded holiday season. However, its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of good comedy and the relatability of the holiday season.

Conclusion

The "Holiday Road" sex scene is just one of many memorable moments in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The film's blend of humor, heart, and relatability has made it a holiday classic, and its influence can still be felt today.

Whether you're a fan of Chevy Chase's antics or just looking for a funny holiday film, Christmas Vacation is a must-see. So, grab some eggnog, gather the family, and get ready to laugh your way through the holiday season.