Clark W. Griswold sure likes to sing!

October 10, 2007 8:25 PM

Help me solve a bet regarding the Chevy Chase National Lampoon Vacation series

Does Clark W Griswold ever sing "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore"? It can be in Christmas Vacation, National Lampoon's Vacation, or European Vacation.

Ten dollars worth of goods and services are on the line here, people.

Thanks! :)

posted by paddingtonb to Grab Bag (10 answers total)

I think it's in the first one ("National Lampoon's Vacation") when he's lost in the desert.
posted by mattbucher at 8:39 PM on October 10, 2007

I sure don't remember it if he did, and the Wikpedia page for the song doesn't mention it, either, which, considering that it mentions the song's appearance on "Wings," I would think it would if it had happened.
posted by cerebus19 at 8:40 PM on October 10, 2007

I think he sings "Swing low, sweet chariot," rather than "Michael."
posted by mrmojoflying at 8:44 PM on October 10, 2007

Yes, it is "Swing low..."
posted by routergirl at 8:45 PM on October 10, 2007

Damn. Maybe I'm thinking of Volunteers (and they sing it on the plane?).
posted by mattbucher at 8:47 PM on October 10, 2007

I know he sings "Swing low, sweet chariot" in one of the Fletch movies. Just up to the first "carry me home". It's done when he gets tossed into a jail cell, which happens in both movies, so I'm not sure which one.

(I watched both Fletches only a couple of days ago.)
posted by krisjohn at 9:19 PM on October 10, 2007

Best answer: This transcript from Script-o-rama says he sing "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" in the car in Vacation. In the desert he sings "Over the River and Through the Woods", "99 Bottles of Beer", and "I Love a Parade"

This transcript for European Vacation (appears short because there are no cast names or spacing) has no references to "Michael Rowed."
posted by ALongDecember at 9:52 PM on October 10, 2007

He sings "Old Man River" briefly while crossing the Mississippi. First movie.
posted by zardoz at 3:37 AM on October 11, 2007

Did you and the other bettor forget about Vegas Vacation? I wish I could.
posted by box at 5:13 AM on October 11, 2007

Response by poster:
box, we didn't think of that one! Any chance of a Chevy Chase singalong in that one???

I lost the bet but you still rock, hive mind.

Now I just have to convince my boyfriend to accept his $10 in the form of kisses. Hmm... I can see my next question forming now...
posted by paddingtonb at 7:42 AM on October 11, 2007