We've talked about cool secrets behind National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, but one thing that article didn't explore was what would happen to the Griswolds after they kidnap Frank Shirley. While he says he'll drop the charges, the fact that the police sent in a SWAT team means that Eddie probably won't be getting off that easy.
In fact, according to San Diego criminal lawyer Peter Liss, Eddie is pretty much going to spend Christmas in jail, but at least he can fight the kidnapping charges:
With the help of a San Diego criminal attorney and a series of tests by medical professionals, Eddie would have a very strong defense based on the fact that he does not have the mental facilities to understand his actions. Because Eddie already has a low IQ and has even been part of clinical drug trials that were likely to damage whatever intelligence he already had, charges against him would likely be dropped before the case went to trial and if it did go to court, the jury would likely find him not guilty on grounds of mental impairment.
Well, at least he'd be out in time for Vegas Vacation.
Image from our Family Christmas NeatoShop shirt