National Lampoon's European Vacation

National Lampoon's European Vacation

Year: 1985

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Amy Heckerling

AdventureComedy

Clark Griswold takes his family on a European vacation, hoping for a cultured and relaxing experience. However, his enthusiastic approach and the differing expectations of his wife and children lead to a string of comical mishaps and misunderstandings. From the historical landmarks of London to the vibrant streets of Italy and France, the Griswolds encounter cultural clashes and hilarious situations as their dream trip descends into chaotic disarray.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)

Trace every key event in National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Griswolds Win a Game Show

The Griswold family begins their chaotic adventure through Western Europe after winning the absurd game show 'Pig in a Poke'. This unexpected victory sets the stage for a series of unfortunate events that will hilariously unfold during their travels.

2

Arrival in London

Upon arriving in London, the Griswolds check into a ramshackle hotel run by a disheveled Cockney clerk. This dismal lodging foreshadows the chaos and mishaps that await them during their stay in the city.

London
3

Driving Mishaps

Clark's lack of navigation skills becomes apparent as he drives their yellow Austin Maxi on the wrong side of the road. This misdirection quickly propels the family into a series of comedic misadventures as they navigate through the bustling streets.

London
4

Traffic Jam at Lambeth Bridge

The Griswolds find themselves ensnared in a nerve-wracking traffic jam at the Lambeth Bridge roundabout. The overwhelming chaos surrounding them creates tension and frustration as they struggle to make any headway.

Lambeth Bridge
5

Chaos at Stonehenge

A misguided detour leads the Griswolds to Stonehenge, where Clark's cluelessness results in a comical disaster that topples the ancient stones like dominoes. This incident is a hallmark of their unsuccessful attempts to enjoy sightseeing.

Stonehenge
6

Arrival in Paris

The family arrives in the captivating City of Light, Paris, but Clark's struggles with the French language lead to a multitude of humorous blunders. Their attempts to take in the culture are rapidly dashed by a series of misunderstandings.

Paris
7

Camcorder Theft

At the height of their Parisian escapades, the Griswolds have their camcorder stolen by a sly thief. This event adds to their troubles as they lose precious memories and become more embroiled in the chaos of their trip.

Paris
8

Family Photo Mishap at the Eiffel Tower

While attempting to snap a family photo at the iconic Eiffel Tower, Rusty's attractiveness draws the attention of a group of young women. An unexpected turn of events occurs when a mischievous dachshund mistakes their belongings for a toy, causing more mayhem.

Eiffel Tower, Paris
9

Risqué Adventure in a Can-Can Show

The Griswolds venture into a risqué can-can show, resulting in an awkward and unexpected involvement for Rusty with a lady of the night. This escapade highlights the unpredictable nature of their family trip.

Paris
10

Mistaken Identity in West Germany

Upon arriving in West Germany, the Griswolds mistakenly crash into the home of an elderly couple they believe to be relatives. Surprisingly, the couple welcomes them enthusiastically, offering a lavish feast that adds a cozy twist to their chaotic journey.

West Germany
11

Bavarian Dance Disaster

As the family attempts to immerse themselves in the local Bavarian culture, Clark's enthusiasm turns a lively dance into a chaotic street brawl. His impulsive nature leads to yet another embarrassment as he gets stuck while trying to free their car.

Bavaria
12

Encounter with Thieves in Rome

Upon their arrival in Rome, the Griswolds unwittingly become embroiled in a scheme involving a travel agency run by thieves. They are unaware of the danger, as the cunning leader poses as the manager while holding the real one hostage.

Rome
13

Billboard Embarrassment

Ellen is shocked to discover a billboard showcasing intimate moments captured on their stolen camcorder. This revelation infuriates her, leading to further tensions between her and Clark over the mishaps of their adventure.

Rome
14

Chase Through the Streets

In a bid to recover the family’s stolen items and protect Ellen from danger, Clark chases after the thief through the lively streets of Rome. This thrilling pursuit culminates in a splashdown in a beautiful fountain, adding a splash of humor to the chase.

Rome
15

Chaotic Return Home

As the Griswolds finally return home, their plane ride proves to be a turbulent comedy of errors initiated by Clark's frantic search for a washroom. The chaos peaks when Rusty exclaims, 'Yep, the Griswolds are back!' as they spot the Statue of Liberty's inverted torch, symbolizing their chaotic journey.

Airplane

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:42

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National Lampoon's European Vacation Summary

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National Lampoon's European Vacation Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in National Lampoon's European Vacation

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Characters, Settings & Themes in National Lampoon's European Vacation

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