Holiday flicks at Merced Theatre

While area theaters may be overflowing with “Star Wars” fans trying to catch a glimpse of the latest lightsabers, Merced Theatre is offering classic holiday films for the whole family.

Tickets for the lineup of holiday films with a cult following are $5 each, and are only available at the door of the 301 W. Main St. theater.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’

The Griswolds take to the road at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18. Pratfalls and obnoxious in-laws are aplenty when Clark and Ellen Griswold, played by Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, take children Rusty and Audrey to pick out a Christmas tree.

The John Hughes-penned comedy continues as Clark goes overboard to decorate the house with lights, and Ellen’s cousin Catherine (Miriam Flynn) and her unsophisticated husband, Eddie Johnson (Randy Quaid), come by. The film is the third installment in the “Vacation” series.

‘A Christmas Story’

Ralphie’s adventures circling his wish for a Red Ryder BB gun are set to show at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Of course, his wishes seem unlikely to come true as everyone tells him, “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

Ralphie also has to contend with bullies, his tag-along little brother, Randy, and his cursing father, whom he calls “The Old Man.” The Bob Clark film is based on the short stories of author Jean Shepherd, who is also the movie’s narrator.

‘The Polar Express’

Based on a children’s book, the animated Robert Zemeckis film about a magical train is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. On the express is a young boy, who embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express.

He learns about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas as he encounters the train conductor, elves and Santa Claus, among others. Tom Hanks lends his voice to the conductor.

‘Elf’

Will Ferrell plays Buddy the sort-of-elf at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23. Jon Favreau directs the film about a human raised as an elf at the North Pole.

Innocent Buddy never quite fits into the community built for smaller people. After learning he was adopted, he heads to New York City to find his human father. The cast boasts Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart, James Caan and Peter Dinklage, among others.

More online at www.mercedtheatre.org.

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 2:26 PM with the headline "Holiday flicks at Merced Theatre."