U.S. filmmaker Bob Clark, who directed the classic , has been killed in a head-on car crash at the age of 67.
Clark and his 22-year-old son were driving along a major highway near Los Angeles Wednesday afternoon when their car was struck head-on by another vehicle. Clark's son was also killed in the crash. Authorities say the driver is facing charges in the case.
Clark's 1982 Christmas classic was based on the writings of humorist Jean Shepherd. The movie was a modest success at the box office, but has become a holiday classic through repeated airings on U.S. cable television. Clark also directed the 1981 hit comedy and its sequel two years later.
He also directed several other films, working with such actors as Sylvester Stallone, Gene Hackman, and Dan Ackroyd.