Also see Jim Varney: A Legacy of Laughter
After successfully taking a 30-second commercial pitchman to the big screen, here’s where the lasting charm of Ernest P. Worrell really manifests. Varney’s comedic pallette broadens with the introduction of characters such as CineSchlocker fave "Auntie Nelda" with Jim in drag as an ever-crabby biddy in a neck brace. Also, there’s the under-appreciated pairing of portly Gailard Sartain and beanpole Bill "Bobby" Byrge as sort of a latter-day Laurel & Hardy. This outing, Ernest’s an Orlando cab driver just BUSTING with Christmas spirit who lucks into giving a free ride to jolly Saint Nick (Douglas Seale). The Claus wants to hand over the reigns of his intercontinental sleigh to a down-on-his-luck childrens TV host (Oliver Clark) who’s just inches away from starring in a holiday-themed slasher (a la Silent Night, Deadly Night). Of course, everyone, including Ernest thinks the old guy’s batty. Then there’s a teenage runaway with the very-nearly porno moniker "Harmony Star" (Noelle Parker) who rightly figures Ernest for an easy mark. Together they literally CRASH at Vern’s place. It’s basically nonstop, riotous pandemonium from there, punctuated by some genuinely, gulp, SWEET moments during the final reel. CineSchlockers will remember that same year Mr. Sartain, who has some of the flick’s funniest scenes, brilliantly portrayed the chaw-spitting sheriff by day and Klansman by night who woefully underestimated Gene Hackman and Willem Defoe‘s G-men in the classic Mississippi Burning.
Notables: Four YouKnowWhutIMean?s. Jurassic puppetry. One Catholic school girl outfit. Incarcerated Kringle. Gratuitous John Wayne impression. Senile Santa. Multiple snake bites.
Quotables: While weaving through rush hour traffic, Ernest proclaims, "I have lived my life in the fast lane! I have an almost supernatural feel for the road beneath my tires … reminds me of my old days on the figure-8 track!" Chuck attempts to fathom flying reindeer, "You know what I think that is? I think those are Latvian goats! Wait a minute! It could be ALIENS!"
Time codes: Ernest’s fine rendition of "Oh, Christmas Tree" (3:38). First introduction of "Vern" to the movie franchise (23:28). Ernest in disguise as an uppity aide to the governor (38:10), Auntie Nelda (43:10) and a guy who really, really likes snakes (46:46). The Creature From The Black Lagoon covered in moss (50:24). Clever ode to Bugs Bunny (1:24:00).