How the Griswold family turned a European holiday into a global comedy of errors
In short: In 1985, the Griswolds traded their domestic road trip for an all-expense-paid tour of Europe. From traffic-jammed roundabouts in London to accidental brawls in West Germany, the family’s chaotic journey became a cultural touchstone. But behind the slapstick, the production faced recasting hurdles and mixed critical reception upon its release.
Released on July 26, 1985, National Lampoon's European Vacation was directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Robert Klane. The film follows the Griswold family—Clark, Ellen, Rusty, and Audrey—as they navigate a series of mishaps across England, France, West Germany, and Italy. The production was a financial success, grossing over $49.3 million against a $17 million budget, though it received mixed reviews from critics who felt it lacked the original film's charm.
The film's production was marked by significant changes from its predecessor. John Hughes, who created the characters, received credit for the story but was not directly involved, having declined Warner Bros.' request for a sequel at the time. Furthermore, the roles of the children were recast; producer Matty Simmons initially promised the role of Audrey to Dana Barron, but Heckerling opted for new actors after Anthony Michael Hall declined to return to the franchise.
The film is noted for its reliance on physical comedy and the juxtaposition of American tourists against European backdrops. Critics like Janet Maslin of The New York Times found the film a successful retread of the original's humor, while others, such as Variety, argued that the film felt like a series of travel brochures. Despite the criticism, the film remains a staple of the Vacation series, eventually leading to the 1989 release of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
Technical details reveal the artifice behind the travelogue. While the story takes the family through West Germany, those scenes were actually filmed in the German-speaking region of Brixen, Italy. The film’s iconic theme, Lindsey Buckingham's 'Holiday Road,' returned from the first installment, anchoring the chaotic narrative as the family blunders through landmarks like the Lambeth Bridge roundabout and the Eiffel Tower.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: National Lampoon's European Vacation
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