Vegas Vacation

Vegas Vacation (1997)

Plot summary

(3 votes)

Clark Griswold, his wife Ellen, and their two teenage children, Rusty and Audrey are planning a family vacation to Las Vegas. Clark is determined to give his family the best time ever, as he believes that success is just around the corner for him.

As the Griswolds arrive in Vegas, they check into their hotel, the Mirage. Clark decides to gamble a small amount of their vacation budget at the blackjack tables, only to lose it all. Meanwhile, Rusty and Audrey are exploring the city on their own. Rusty quickly discovers that he can enter a fake ID contest and win money by pretending to be an adult.

Clark, feeling down about losing their money, overhears a couple at a casino bar discussing their luck at winning a car. Eager to strike it rich, Clark decides to try his luck at the slot machines. Surprisingly, he hits the jackpot and wins a brand new car.

Excitedly, Clark drives the family to a car dealership to claim his prize. To his dismay, instead of the luxurious car he had imagined, he is given a tacky, lime green family wagon. Determined to make the most out of it, he names the car "The Griswold Family Truckster" and they continue on their gambling adventure.

Meanwhile, Ellen encounters Wayne Newton, a famous entertainer, who offers her a job to sing with him. While Ellen initially rejects the proposition, she later reconsiders when she realises the possibilities it could bring for her family. Ellen's rendition of "Big Spender" during one of Wayne Newton's shows becomes a hit, leading to her obtaining her own headline act in Las Vegas.

In the midst of the family chaos, Rusty and Audrey immerse themselves in different activities around the city. Rusty goes to a strip club, where he meets a dancer named Lorraine. They become close and Lorraine ends up helping the Griswolds out of various tricky situations.

Simultaneously, Audrey becomes involved with Jack, a Ferrari-driving, high-roller gambler who showers her with gifts and attention. However, Audrey discovers that Jack is already married and confronts him, ultimately ending their relationship.

Back at the blackjack table, Clark finds himself on a winning streak, earning him a substantial amount of money. However, when he decides to try his luck one more time, he loses everything again, devastating him.

Determined to win back their money, the family devises a plan to cheat the house through various distractions. While the plan initially seems successful, it ultimately fails, and they are kicked out of the casino.

With their dreams of wealth shattered, the Griswolds return to their hotel room feeling defeated. Wanting to cheer up his family, Clark suggests a visit to the Hoover Dam. As they tour the dam, Clark becomes fascinated by the beauty and power of nature, reminding him of what truly matters: his family's happiness.

In a heartwarming moment, the Griswolds rediscover their love for one another, embracing their quirks and imperfections. They decide to make the most of their remaining time in Vegas, enjoying the city's attractions together.

As their vacation comes to an end, the Griswold family bids farewell to Vegas and drive off into the sunset, singing and laughing together, their Vegas vacation forever etched in their memories.

Factual error: After checking-in at the Mirage, Clark is sitting by his hotel room window admiring the northward view of the strip. Based on the view he must actually be sitting at the nearby Treasure Island hotel.

More mistakes in Vegas Vacation

Cousin Eddie: Oh yeah, Yuban Coffee. You know you can sprinkle that stuff on anything? Ice cream, mashed potatoes, or just eat it right out of the can for a quick pick me up.

More quotes from Vegas Vacation

Trivia: In the middle of the Las Vegas Brochure, there is a picture of a family. This is actually a picture of the director Stephen Kessler with his own family.

More trivia for Vegas Vacation

Answer: The sign said $30,000.

Chosen answer: $25,000. Given to the Griswalds by Sid Caesar's character just before he passed away.

More questions & answers from Vegas Vacation

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