National Lampoon's European Vacation is a 1985 American comedy film directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Heckerling and John Hughes. It is the sequel to the 1983 film National Lampoon's Vacation and the second installment in the National Lampoon's Vacation film series. The film stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Dana Barron, and Eric Idle.
Plot
The film opens with the Griswold family winning a trip to Europe on a game show called Pig in a Poke. They are excited to embark on a whirlwind tour of the continent, but things quickly go wrong.
In London, they get lost and end up driving their car into the River Thames. In Paris, they are chased by a pickpocket. In Germany, they accidentally start a war with a group of lederhosen-clad locals. And in Italy, they are kidnapped by a group of bandits.
Despite all of the setbacks, the Griswolds are determined to have a good time. They see all of the major tourist attractions, eat delicious food, and meet interesting people. They also learn a lot about European culture and history.
Themes
The film European Vacation explores a number of themes, including:
- The importance of family: The Griswolds may not be the perfect family, but they love each other and they are there for each other when it counts.
- The importance of culture and history: The film celebrates European culture and history. The Griswolds learn a lot about different cultures and they visit some of the most famous historical sites in the world.
- The importance of having a good time: they may encounter a lot of misadventures on their trip, but they never give up. They are determined to have a good time and to make the most of their experience.
Critical reception
The film European Vacation was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its humor, its heartwarming story, and its celebration of European culture and history. The film also spawned a number of memorable quotes, such as "Is that a purse? I don't know, you tell me. It goes in your pocket, doesn't it?" and "I'm not sure what's less shocking: that you're a German Elvis or that you're singing 'Jailhouse Rock.'"
Legacy
National Lampoon's European Vacation is a classic comedy film that is still enjoyed by audiences today. It is a funny and heartwarming story about the importance of family and a celebration of European culture and history. The film has also been credited with inspiring a new generation of travelers to explore Europe.
Cast
The Griswolds:
- Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, the patriarch of the Griswald family
- Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold, the wife of Clark
- Dana Hill as Audrey Griswold, the daughter of Clark and Ellen; She was portrayed by Dana Barron in the previous film
- Jason Lively as Russell "Rusty" Griswold, the son of Clark and Ellen; He was portrayed by - Anthony Michael Hall in the previous film
Characters in America:
- John Astin as Kent Winkdale, the host of Pig in a Poke
- Paul Bartel as Mr. Froeger, the patriarch of the Froeger family that competed against the Griswalds on Pig in a Poke
- Cynthia Szigeti as Mrs. Froeger, the wife of Mr. Froeger
- Malcolm Danare as Moe Froeger, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Froeger
- Kevi Kendall as Ruth Froeger, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Froeger
- William Zabka as Jack, Audrey's boyfriend
- Sheila Kennedy as the Game Show Hostess #1.
- Gary Owens as the voice of Johnny (uncredited), the announcer of Pig in a Poke[4]
Characters in England:
- Jeannette Charles as Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom who appears in Ellen's dream sequence.
- Peter Hugo as Prince Charles, the son of Queen Elizabeth II who appears in Ellen's dream sequence.
- Julie Wooldridge as Princess Diana, the wife of Prince Charles who appears in Ellen's dream sequence.
- Mel Smith as a London hotel manager
- Robbie Coltrane as a man in the bathroom
- Maureen Lipman as a lady in the bed
- Paul McDowell as First English motorist
- Ballard Berkeley as Second English motorist
- Eric Idle as The Bike Rider, an unnamed bike rider with whom the Griswalds have several accidental encounters all over Europe
- Derek Deadman as Taxi Driver
Characters in France:
- Jacques Herlin as a French hotel desk clerk
- Sylvie Badalati as Rusty's French girl
Characters in Germany:
- Willy Millowitsch as Fritz Spritz, the supposed relative of Clark
- Erika Wackernagel as Helga Spritz, the wife of Fritz and a supposed relative of Clark
- Claudia Neidig as Claudia, Rusty's German girl
Characters in Italy:
- Victor Lanoux as The Thief, an unnamed criminal who took over a travel office
- Massimo Sarchielli as The Other Thief, the unnamed accomplice of the unnamed thief
- Moon Unit Zappa as Rusty's California girl
Director: Amy Heckerling
Writers: John Hughes | Robert Klane
Box Office Gross:
Distributor: Warner Bros
Release Date: July 26, 1985
Related:
-
Vacation (2015).
General:
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