Unveiling the Day Job of Clark Griswold- Christmas Vacation’s Hidden Professional Identity
What was Clark Griswold’s job in Christmas Vacation?
In the classic 1983 Christmas comedy “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is depicted as a seemingly ordinary employee at the fictional Wally World department store. His job as a mail-order sales representative provides the backdrop for much of the film’s humor and serves as a central part of his character’s journey throughout the holiday season.
Clark Griswold’s job as a mail-order sales representative involves handling customer inquiries and orders over the phone. This role requires him to have a strong sales pitch and excellent communication skills, as he must persuade customers to purchase products from the catalog. Throughout the film, Clark’s job becomes a source of both frustration and amusement, as he struggles to maintain his composure while dealing with the eccentricities of his customers and the chaotic environment of the store.
One of the key moments that highlights Clark’s job is when he attempts to sell a mail-order pool to his brother-in-law, Rusty, who is skeptical of the idea. This scene is a perfect example of Clark’s over-the-top enthusiasm for his job, as he goes to great lengths to convince Rusty that the pool is the perfect addition to their backyard. Despite his best efforts, Rusty remains unconvinced, and the scene serves as a humorous commentary on the lengths some people will go to in order to make a sale.
As the film progresses, Clark’s job also becomes intertwined with his family life. He spends much of his time trying to maintain a balance between his work responsibilities and his desire to create the perfect Christmas for his family. This includes dealing with the store’s holiday rush, as well as the challenges of managing his unruly brother-in-law and his over-ambitious father-in-law, Frank. Through these experiences, the audience gets a glimpse into the everyday struggles that many working parents face during the holiday season.
In conclusion, Clark Griswold’s job as a mail-order sales representative in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a pivotal part of his character’s development and the film’s overall plot. It provides both a source of humor and a reflection on the challenges of balancing work and family life, making it an enduring and relatable character for audiences worldwide.