A homeowner in Texas wanted to pay tribute to the holiday classic “Christmas Vacation,” but he may want to think again after hanging a dummy, dressed as Chevy Chase’s character, Clark Griswold, from the gutter on the front of the house.

Chris Heerlein's display was so realistic that a passerby was taken aback and tried to rescue the fake Clark, KVUE reported.

The “rescue” was caught on a doorbell camera and you can hear the man trying to get help for the “man.”

“Oh mister, please hold on,” the man said as he tried to maneuver a ladder under the dummy. He also called 911.

"I was trying to get him down any way I can. Except when I started talking to hm, he never said nothing! Then I thought, 'Oh my God I hope he's not dead, lemme call 911,'" Alfred, the man who "saved" Clark, told KVUE.

A police officer did show up and spoke to a nanny at the home.

>> Read more trending news

The family has since added a new decoration -- a sign that says “Clark G is part of our Christmas display please do not call 911.”

The family also reached out to Alfred, who had a good laugh once he realized it was all for a Christmas display. The family called and thanked him, and gave him a gift card to apologize for the scare, KVUE reported.

About the Author

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC