National Lampoon's European Vacation: Comedy Travel Guide
Introduction: The Griswolds Go to Europe
National Lampoon's European Vacation is a classic comedy film. It came out in 1985. The movie follows the Griswold family. They win a game show trip to Europe. Their vacation turns into a series of funny disasters. Chevy Chase plays Clark Griswold. Beverly D'Angelo plays Ellen Griswold. Their children are Audrey and Rusty.
The film shows their travels through England, France, Germany, and Italy. Each country brings new problems. The family gets lost. They have car troubles. They meet strange people. The movie is both funny and relatable. Many people have had bad travel experiences. The Griswolds' trip is much worse than most.
This film is the second in the Vacation series. The first was National Lampoon's Vacation. That movie came out in 1985. European Vacation was directed by Amy Heckerling. She also directed Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The screenplay was by John Hughes. He wrote many famous 80s movies.
European Vacation captures the spirit of 1980s comedy. It has physical humor. It has silly situations. It has family dynamics. The movie remains popular today. Many people watch it before traveling to Europe. It serves as both entertainment and cautionary tale.
The Story Behind the Film
Development and Production
National Lampoon's European Vacation began development in 1984. The first Vacation film was a big success. Warner Bros wanted a sequel quickly. John Hughes wrote the original story. Robert Klane wrote the screenplay. He changed many of Hughes' ideas.
The film had a budget of $15 million. This was large for a comedy at that time. Shooting took place in 1984. The crew filmed in real European locations. They visited London, Paris, and Rome. Some scenes used studio sets. The famous Roundabout scene was filmed in London.
The production faced several challenges. The European weather was unpredictable. The cast had to adjust to different countries. Chevy Chase had back problems during filming. Despite these issues, the movie finished on schedule.
Cast and Characters
The main cast returned from the first film. Chevy Chase played Clark Griswold. He was the clumsy father. Clark meant well but caused most problems. Beverly D'Angelo played Ellen Griswold. She was the patient mother. She tried to keep the family together.
Dana Barron played Audrey in the first film. She did not return for European Vacation. Dana Hill replaced her as Audrey. Jason Lively played Rusty. He replaced Anthony Michael Hall. Eric Idle had a cameo role. He played the bicycle rider Clark hits.
The supporting cast included many European actors. John Astin played the game show host. Paul Bartel played the rude French waiter. These characters added to the comedy. They represented European stereotypes.
Plot Summary and Key Scenes
The Game Show Beginning
The movie starts with a game show. The Griswolds are contestants. The show is called "Pig in a Poke." They compete against another family. The host is played by John Astin. The Griswolds win the grand prize. The prize is a European vacation.
Their excitement is clear. They jump and shout with joy. The other family is very disappointed. This scene sets the tone for the movie. It shows the Griswolds' luck changing quickly. Their good fortune will soon turn to chaos.
London Adventures
The family arrives in London first. They stay in a fancy hotel. Clark immediately causes problems. He can't understand British customs. He struggles with money exchange. The family visits famous landmarks.
One famous scene involves a roundabout. Clark gets stuck driving in circles. He can't find the exit. This goes on for a long time. The family gets dizzy and sick. This scene is based on real experiences. Many tourists get lost in European roundabouts.
Another scene shows them at Buckingham Palace. They watch the Changing of the Guard. Clark makes inappropriate comments. He doesn't understand the seriousness of the ceremony. The British people around them are offended.
French Misadventures
Next, the family travels to Paris. They drive from England to France. They take a ferry across the English Channel. In France, Clark can't speak French. He tries to use a phrasebook. His pronunciation is terrible.
They visit the Eiffel Tower. Clark tries to be romantic with Ellen. Their plans keep getting interrupted. They meet a rude French waiter. He mocks Clark's poor French. The family eats at a fancy restaurant. They can't understand the menu. They order random items.
One scene shows them at a nude beach. They don't realize it's clothing optional. They are the only dressed people there. They feel very uncomfortable. This scene highlights cultural differences.
German Experiences
Germany brings more problems. The family attends a beer festival. Clark drinks too much beer. He makes a fool of himself. He tries to dance traditional German dances. He falls and breaks things.
They stay with distant relatives. The relatives live on a farm. Clark tries to help with farm work. He causes damage instead. He breaks equipment. He scares the animals. The relatives are not happy.
Rusty meets a German girl. He tries to impress her. His attempts backfire. Audrey also has romantic troubles. She likes a boy who ignores her. These subplots show teenage awkwardness.
Italian Finale
The final stop is Italy. They visit Rome and other cities. Clark wants to see ancient ruins. He gets lost repeatedly. The Italian drivers scare him. The roads are narrow and crowded.
One scene involves the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Clark tries to take a photo. He wants the perfect family picture. He keeps moving them around. Everyone gets frustrated. The tower almost falls in the background.
The movie ends with them returning home. They are tired but happy. They learned about each other. They survived their crazy vacation. The final scene shows them planning their next trip.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Box Office Performance
National Lampoon's European Vacation was financially successful. It earned $49.4 million in the United States. Worldwide earnings were higher. The budget was $15 million. So the film made a good profit.
It opened at number two in the box office. It stayed in theaters for several weeks. Home video sales were also strong. The film found new audiences on VHS and DVD. Later, streaming services added it. This increased its popularity.
Critical Reception
Critics had mixed opinions about the film. Some enjoyed the physical comedy. They praised Chevy Chase's performance. Others thought it was too silly. They missed the heart of the first film.
Roger Ebert gave it two stars. He wrote: "The movie has its moments. But it lacks the charm of the original." The New York Times was more positive. They called it "a fun summer comedy."
Audience reactions were generally positive. Many people found it hilarious. It developed a cult following over time. Fans quote lines from the movie. They rewatch it regularly.
Influence on Travel Comedy
European Vacation influenced many later films. It showed that travel disasters could be funny. Movies like EuroTrip borrowed ideas. The Hangover series continued the tradition.
The film also affected real tourism. Some people avoid certain behaviors. They don't want to be like the Griswolds. Travel guides sometimes reference the movie. They warn about common tourist mistakes.
Real European Travel Tips
Planning Your Trip
Planning prevents many vacation problems. Research your destinations thoroughly. Learn about local customs. Understand currency exchange rates. Book accommodations in advance.
Create a realistic budget. Include extra money for emergencies. European travel can be expensive. Prices vary by country. Northern Europe costs more than Southern Europe.
Check passport and visa requirements. Some countries need visas for Americans. Allow plenty of time for processing. Make copies of important documents. Keep them in separate places.
Packing Smart
Pack light but prepared. European hotels often have small rooms. You might need to carry bags up stairs. Many buildings lack elevators.
Bring comfortable walking shoes. European cities require lots of walking. Cobblestone streets are common. High heels are impractical.
Pack for various weather conditions. European weather changes quickly. Layers work best. Include a rain jacket. Even in summer, rain is possible.
Navigating Transportation
European public transportation is excellent. Trains connect most cities. They are fast and comfortable. Book tickets in advance for better prices.
If you drive, understand local rules. Each country has different traffic laws. Roundabouts confuse many Americans. Study them before your trip.
Consider getting an international driver's permit. Some countries require it. Rental car companies might ask for it. It translates your license into multiple languages.
Cultural Etiquette
Learn basic phrases in local languages. Hello, please, and thank you are most important. Europeans appreciate the effort. Even poor attempts show respect.
Understand dining customs. Meal times vary by country. Tipping rules are different. Research proper behavior before eating out.
Dress appropriately for churches and museums. Many require covered shoulders and knees. Carry a scarf for unexpected visits. It can serve as a cover-up.
Filming Locations Then and Now
London Locations
The movie filmed in real London spots. Buckingham Palace appears in several scenes. The Changing of the Guard happens daily. Tourists still watch this ceremony.
The roundabout scene was filmed at Hyde Park Corner. This is a real traffic circle. It remains confusing for drivers. Many tourists avoid driving there.
Other London locations include Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery appears briefly. These places look similar today. They remain popular tourist attractions.
Paris Settings
Paris scenes feature famous landmarks. The Eiffel Tower appears multiple times. It is now more crowded than in 1985. Security is tighter around the tower.
The restaurant scene was filmed at a real bistro. It has since closed. Many classic Parisian bistros have disappeared. They were replaced by modern restaurants.
The nude beach was actually in St. Tropez. This is south of Paris. The filmmakers combined locations. St. Tropez remains a popular beach destination.
German Sites
German scenes were filmed in Bavaria. This region has traditional architecture. The beer festival was filmed during Oktoberfest. This happens every year in Munich.
The farm scenes used a real Bavarian farm. It still operates today. Some farms offer tourist accommodations. Visitors can experience rural German life.
Italian Landmarks
Rome provided the main Italian locations. The Colosseum appears in background shots. It has undergone restoration since 1985. Visitors can now explore more areas.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa scene was filmed on location. The tower was closed for repairs in 1990. It reopened in 2001 with improved stability. Visitors can still climb it.
Practical European Vacation Tips
Money Matters
Use credit cards when possible. They offer good exchange rates. Notify your bank before traveling. Otherwise, they might block your cards.
Carry some local currency. Small vendors might not accept cards. Have coins for public restrooms. Many European toilets require payment.
Avoid currency exchange at airports. They offer poor rates. Use ATMs instead. They provide better value.
Staying Connected
Get a European SIM card or use roaming. WiFi is widely available. But you might need internet while out.
Download offline maps before leaving hotels. This saves data. It also helps when service is poor.
Learn emergency numbers. 112 works throughout Europe. It connects to police, fire, and medical services.
Health and Safety
Get travel insurance. It covers medical emergencies. European healthcare is excellent but expensive for visitors.
Pack necessary medications. Bring copies of prescriptions. Some medicines need special permits.
Be aware of pickpockets. Tourist areas attract thieves. Use money belts or secure bags. Don't carry all valuables together.
FAQ Section
What countries did the Griswolds visit?
The Griswolds visited four countries. They went to England, France, Germany, and Italy. Each country brought new adventures. They experienced different cultures and problems.
Is European Vacation based on a true story?
No, it is not based on true events. However, many situations are relatable. Travelers often face similar problems. Getting lost and language barriers are common. The movie exaggerates these experiences for comedy.
How accurate are the cultural depictions?
The film uses stereotypes for comedy. Real European cultures are more complex. The movie should not be used as a cultural guide. It plays with American perceptions of Europe.
Can I visit the filming locations?
Yes, most locations are real places. You can visit Buckingham Palace and the Eiffel Tower. Some specific spots have changed. But the major landmarks remain popular tourist destinations.
What is the famous Roundabout scene?
This scene shows Clark driving in circles. He can't exit the roundabout. The family gets dizzy and sick. It represents the frustration of navigating foreign roads. The scene was filmed at Hyde Park Corner in London.
Are there other Vacation movies?
Yes, there are several Vacation films. The series includes Vacation, European Vacation, Christmas Vacation, Vegas Vacation, and the 2015 reboot. Each follows the Griswold family on different adventures.
What lessons can travelers learn from the movie?
The movie teaches important travel lessons. Be flexible when plans change. Laugh at mistakes instead of getting angry. Research destinations before visiting. Keep family connections strong during stress.
Conclusion: Laughter Through Travel Disasters
National Lampoon's European Vacation remains a beloved comedy. It captures the chaos of family travel. The Griswolds' misadventures are exaggerated but familiar. Many viewers see themselves in these situations.
The film offers more than just laughs. It shows the importance of family bonding. Through all their problems, the Griswolds stick together. They support each other during difficult moments. This message resonates with audiences.
European Vacation also serves as a time capsule. It shows 1980s Europe through American eyes. The fashion, technology, and attitudes reflect that era. Comparing then to now is interesting for modern viewers.
For travelers, the movie provides both entertainment and caution. It reminds us to prepare properly for trips. But it also encourages us to embrace unexpected moments. Sometimes the best memories come from unplanned adventures.
Whether you're planning a European trip or staying home, this film delivers joy. Its humor has aged well. New generations continue to discover it. The Griswolds' European vacation will likely remain popular for years to come.