Cars play important roles in movies. They often set the stage for a scene, provide a glimpse into the life of a character, or even prompt a bit of humor. This holiday season, as you settle in to enjoy a movie, keep in mind how Hollywood treats vehicles as a supporting cast.
For example, here are a couple of quintessential holiday movies that feature cars to make our spirits bright.
A Christmas Story (1983)
The 1937 Oldsmobile Six in A Christmas Story was prominently featured as fodder for a few tirades from Ralphie Paker’s old man, played by Darrin McGavin. The 4-door touring sedan had the uncanny ability to “freeze up in the middle of the summer on the equator!” Despite his outbursts, according to Raphie, “Some men are Baptists, others Catholic. My father was was an Oldsmobile man!” even after blowing out a tire while hauling the Christmas tree home. Check out the famous “oh, fudge” scene stemming from a few dropped lug nuts.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Clark Griswold’s infamous Wagon Queen Family Truckster was updated in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, this time based on a Ford Taurus wagon. While it lacked the original’s, shall we say, charm, Clark’s latest family-friendly ride did perform under pressure.
More impressive, though, is Cousin Eddie’s 1972 Ford Condor II. It was Ford’s only attempt at making a recreational vehicle, and, in the film, probably the only attempt to use an RV as a getaway vehicle for a Christmas bonus surprise.
In Eddie’s words, “It’s a good looking vehicle, ain’t it?” View the full dialogue below.
To see if your car has been featured in any movies lately, check out the Internet Movie Cars Database.
Image by Chad Horwedel via flickr, licensed under CC by 2.0
