<P> Vegas Vacation is a 1997 American comedy film directed by Stephen Kessler . It is the fourth installment in National Lampoon's Vacation film series, and was written by Elisa Bell, based on a story by Bell and Bob Ducsay . The film stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo and Randy Quaid, with Ethan Embry and Marisol Nichols as Griswold children Rusty and Audrey . The film opened at #4 at the box office and grossed over $36.4 million domestically . Vegas Vacation became the first theatrical Vacation film not to carry the National Lampoon label or a screenwriting credit from John Hughes . </P> <P> Clark Griswold has invented a long life food preservative, earning him a large bonus check . He announces to his family that he is taking them on vacation . Part of the reason for the trip is for Clark and Ellen to renew their wedding vows . Excitement wanes, however, when Clark says they are headed to Las Vegas . His wife, Ellen and teenage daughter, Audrey have their doubts, as Las Vegas is not known for its family - friendly atmosphere, while teenage son Rusty appears to be more enthusiastic . Later that night they attend a Siegfried & Roy show . </P> <P> Upon arriving in Vegas, the family embarks upon a series of misadventures . The Griswolds visit Cousin Eddie, the husband of Ellen's cousin Catherine . Eddie and his family now live in the desert just north of Las Vegas, on what used to be a hydrogen bomb test site . While on a group tour of the Hoover Dam led by guide Arty, Clark leaves the group after accidentally creating a leak in the dam's inside walkways, and is forced to climb the scaffolding to the very top of the dam to get out, because his cries for help cannot be heard over the roaring water . The next night, they are surprised to find tickets to a Wayne Newton concert and a dress for Ellen have been delivered to their hotel room . They go to the concert, only to realize that Newton had sent the dress . While singing, he brings Ellen up on stage to sing with him, and visits at their table . </P> <P> The next day, the family agrees to an "alone day" and are left to their own devices . Clark goes to a casino and becomes addicted to gambling, usually losing to a snide blackjack dealer who enjoys Clark's humiliation . Rusty gets a fake ID from a Frank Sinatra look - alike and becomes a winning high roller, taking on the pseudonym Nick Pappagiorgio . Audrey starts hanging out with Eddie's free - spirited and gorgeous exotic dancer daughter Vicki and her friends . And Ellen begins spending time with Wayne Newton, who has feelings for her . </P>

Where did cousin eddie live in vegas vacation