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Here’s a “Christmas” story about what an ass Chevy Chase supposedly was for the director

Here’s a “Christmas” story about what an ass Chevy Chase supposedly was for the director

Director Chris Columbus said actor Chevy Chase was so disrespectful to him that he quit the 1989 film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” after it began filming.

There are many people in the world who deal with the “difficult” chase, but Columbus’ “Christmas Tale” is over the top.

In an interview with Vanity Fair published on Tuesday, Columbus recalled his first meeting with Chase after filming had already begun on the second unit in Chicago.

“Even given the situation I was in at the time, where I really needed to make a movie, I realized I couldn’t work with the guy,” Columbus said. “I was one of many who couldn’t work with him.”

It took two meetings with the former “Saturday Night Live” star to seal his decision.

“He had knowing that I directed the film,” Columbus told the magazine. “I talked about how I saw the film and how I wanted to make it. He didn’t say anything. I talked for about half an hour. He didn’t say A Word. And then he pauses and says – and this doesn’t make sense to anyone on the planet, but I’m telling you. I’ve probably never told this story before. Forty minutes into the meeting he says, ‘Wait a minute.’ You’re the director?’ And I said, “Yeah… I’m directing the movie.” And he said something unreal and bizarre to me. I still couldn’t make sense of it. He said, ‘Oh, I thought you were a drummer.'”

Columbus said he tried to chalk up the strange exchange to a discussion about the movie, but after 30 seconds, Chase explained, “I have to go.”

(Readers noted that the drummer’s remark may have been a reference to jazz percussionist Chris Columbus) amid possible bullying of the director by Chase.

The second encounter resulted in about the same level of communication, Columbus said.

“I thought, ‘There’s no way I can make a movie with this guy.’ First of all, he is not engaged. He treats me like shit. I don’t need that. I’d rather not work again. I’d rather write.’”

Columbus fared quite well after that. John Hughes, who wrote “Christmas Vacation,” sent him his script for “Home Alone” (1990), and Columbus helped turn it into a Christmas classic. He also directed “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993) and some of the “Harry Potter” films.

He is currently promoting the new “Nosferatu,” which he produced.

Chris Columbus (left) never directed Chevy Chase in the 1989s "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." (Chase is depicted in the film.)
Chris Columbus (left) never directed Chevy Chase in 1989’s “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” (Chase is pictured in the film.)

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