Beverly D’Angelo Reveals Infamous ‘Christmas Vacation’ Gesture Was Unscripted

Key Takeaways

• Beverly D’Angelo improvised a scandalous hand gesture in the 1989 holiday classic Christmas Vacation.
• The move, where Ellen grabs Clark’s crotch, was not in the script and was done in one take.
• D’Angelo recalled that she told Chevy Chase about her idea, and he agreed to it, but thought the director wouldn’t allow it.
• The scene has become a notable moment in the film, and with the advent of big screens, the gesture is more noticeable than ever before.
• Christmas Vacation has become a holiday staple, with annual repeat airings on television and streaming availability on various platforms.

Introduction to the Scene
Beverly D’Angelo, the 74-year-old actress, and recurring Vacation franchise star, recently discussed a memorable moment from the 1989 holiday classic Christmas Vacation. In an interview with Fox News, D’Angelo recalled a specific scene where she improvised a scandalous hand gesture, which has become a notable moment in the film. The scene in question takes place when the police arrive at the Griswold’s home, and Ellen, played by D’Angelo, grabs Clark’s crotch in a subtle, yet humorous moment.

The Improvisation
D’Angelo remembered that the move was not in the script and was something she came up with on the spot. She told Chevy Chase about her idea, and he agreed to it, but reportedly expressed doubt that the director, Jeremiah S. Chechik, would allow it. D’Angelo noted that she replied to Chase’s doubt by saying, "I guarantee you no one’s going to be looking at my hand. Everybody’s going to be looking at your face and Randy’s face and the expressions. I’m going to be way down below your waist. And the director’s not even looking at me. He’s just trying to get you guys good, get this take." The improvisation was done in one take, and D’Angelo stressed that it was a subtle moment that had to stay in the film because it was the only shot left.

The Scene’s Impact
The scene has become a notable moment in the film, and with the advent of big screens, the gesture is more noticeable than ever before. D’Angelo speculated that "now that people have really big screens," they’re noticing the small hand gesture more than ever before. "They can get that cinematic approach and see more details," she continued. The scene is just one of many memorable moments in the film, which has become a holiday staple. Christmas Vacation has gone on to become a time-tested holiday classic, with annual repeat airings on television throughout the season, and streaming availability on HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+.

The Cast and Legacy
Among the large ensemble cast present in the key scene is the late Diane Ladd, who played Clark’s mother, Nora, before she died on November 3 at the age of 89. The film’s cast, including Chevy Chase, Juliette Lewis, and Johnny Galecki, has become iconic in holiday movie history. Christmas Vacation’s legacy continues to grow, with new generations discovering the film and its quotable lines and memorable scenes. The film’s impact on popular culture is undeniable, and it remains a beloved holiday classic, with D’Angelo’s improvised scene being just one of many reasons why.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Beverly D’Angelo’s improvised scene in Christmas Vacation has become a notable moment in the film’s history. The scene, which was not in the script, was done in one take and has become a memorable moment in the film. With the advent of big screens, the gesture is more noticeable than ever before, and the scene continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world. Christmas Vacation’s legacy as a holiday classic continues to grow, and D’Angelo’s improvisation is just one of many reasons why the film remains a beloved staple of the holiday season.