Beverly D’Angelo is recalling the hand scene from the 1989 slapstick National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. In a recent interview, the 74-year-old shared how that scene with Chevy Chase was actually improvised.
Beverly D’Angelo improvised hand scene with Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation
In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Beverly D’Angelo delved into the details of the hand scene with Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation. It showcases a cop asking everyone at the Christmas celebration to freeze. In a hilarious moment, Ellen, played by D’Angelo, grabs Clark, played by Chase, by the crotch out of shock.
The actor stated, “It was not in the script for me to guard the family jewels when the police came to stick us up.” The mom of two revealed, “I threw that in.” She added, “That was definitely improvised. That was my little touch. All in one take.” D’Angelo said, “We had one take left, and it was the end of the day.” She added, “I said, ‘I bet nobody catches this.’ We did the shot, freeze, and I put my hand there.”
D’Angelo explained, “It was like, ‘OK, that’s a wrap. Everybody go home.’ It was subtle.” She continued, “And it had to stay in the film because it was the only shot left! What are they going to do? They didn’t have a choice.”
As per her Forbes interview, Beverly D’Angelo shared the idea with Chevy Chase. While he agreed, he exclaimed, “Well, you can’t do that.” Meanwhile, she told him, “I guarantee you no one’s going to be looking at my hand.”
D’Angelo shared, “Everybody’s going to be looking at your face and Randy’s [Quaid] face and the expressions.” She added, “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 Golden Globe nominee continued, “And so we did it. That’s a wrap for the day.” D’Angelo hilariously said, “When you first look at it, you aren’t looking at what I’m doing down there.”
Originally reported by Ritika Singh on ComingSoon.
