It’s been 41 years since Chevy Chase and Christie Brinkley starred in the classic comedy film National Lampoon’s Vacation, and the duo recently reunited to reminisce about their time on set and discuss their favorite memories from the movie.

The Reunion

The reunion took place at the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival, where the two actors were invited to participate in a special screening of the film. During the event, they sat down for an interview with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz to discuss their experiences working on the film.

Favorite Memories

When asked about their favorite memories from the film, both Chase and Brinkley shared stories about the making of the movie. Chase, who played the role of Clark Griswold, the well-meaning but bumbling family man, recalled a memorable scene where he had to drive a station wagon through a desert.

“I remember driving that station wagon through the desert,” Chase said. “It was so hot, and I had to wear a sweater because it was supposed to be winter. I was sweating like crazy, and I had to keep stopping to drink water. But it was worth it because it ended up being one of the funniest scenes in the movie.”

Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Brinkley, who played the role of the “Girl in the Red Ferrari,” shared a story about how she was cast in the film. She revealed that she was initially hesitant to take the role because she was worried about being typecast as a sex symbol.

“I was really worried about being typecast as a sex symbol,” Brinkley said. “But then I read the script and realized that the character was actually very funny and had a lot of depth. So I decided to take the role, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made.”

Impact of the Film

Both Chase and Brinkley discussed the impact that National Lampoon’s Vacation had on their careers and the film industry as a whole. Chase noted that the film helped establish him as a leading comedic actor, while Brinkley said it allowed her to showcase her acting abilities beyond her modeling career.

“National Lampoon’s Vacation really helped establish me as a comedic actor,” Chase said. “It showed that I could carry a film and make people laugh. It was a turning point in my career, and I’m very grateful for that.”

“The film allowed me to show that I could act and wasn’t just a model,” Brinkley added. “It was a great experience for me, and it opened up a lot of doors in my career.”

Legacy of the Film

The duo also discussed the legacy of National Lampoon’s Vacation and how it has become a beloved classic among audiences. They both agreed that the film’s relatability and the chemistry between the cast members contributed to its enduring popularity.

“I think the reason why National Lampoon’s Vacation has stood the test of time is because it’s so relatable,” Chase said. “Everyone can identify with the Griswold family and their misadventures. It’s a universal theme that people can connect with, and that’s why it continues to be popular even today.”

“The chemistry between the cast members was also a big part of the film’s success,” Brinkley added. “We all got along really well, and that chemistry translates onto the screen. It made the film feel more authentic and enjoyable for audiences.”

Conclusion

Overall, the reunion between Chevy Chase and Christie Brinkley was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of National Lampoon’s Vacation. The duo shared behind-the-scenes stories, discussed the impact of the film on their careers, and reflected on its enduring legacy. As they looked back on their time working together, it was clear that the film holds a special place in their hearts.

So if you’re feeling nostalgic for the ’80s or just looking for a good laugh, be sure to check out National Lampoon’s Vacation. And who knows? You might even find yourself quoting some of the film’s most iconic lines, like “I’m Clark Griswold!” or “We’re going to Walley World!”

Don’t forget to share your favorite memories from the film in the comments below. And if you have any questions for Chevy Chase or Christie Brinkley, let us know! We’d love to hear from you.