Dana Barron was an integral part of the Griswold family in the first National Lampoon’s Vacation movie. She played Audrey Griswold, the teenage daughter of Clark and Ellen Griswold. However, when it came time to film the sequel, European Vacation, Dana Barron was nowhere to be found.
So what happened? Why wasn’t she in the movie? Let’s dive into the details.
What was European Vacation?
Before we jump into why Dana Barron wasn’t in European Vacation, let’s quickly discuss what the movie was all about. European Vacation is a 1985 comedy film that follows the Griswold family as they travel across Europe on a vacation they won on a game show. The movie is a sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation and stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold, and Jason Lively as Rusty Griswold.
Dana Barron’s Absence
Now, back to answering the question at hand – why wasn’t Dana Barron in European Vacation? The answer is simple – she was replaced by another actress. In a move that surprised many fans of the original film, actress Dana Hill was cast as Audrey Griswold for European Vacation.
Why Did They Replace Dana Barron?
There are several reasons why producers decided to replace Dana Barron with Dana Hill for European Vacation. One reason is that they wanted someone who looked more like Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo’s on-screen daughter. Another reason is that they felt Dana Hill had more acting experience and would be better suited for some of the more comedic scenes in the movie.
How Did Fans React?
Fans of National Lampoon’s Vacation were disappointed to learn that Dana Barron would not be returning for the sequel. Many felt that she was an integral part of the first movie’s success and that her absence would be felt in European Vacation. However, Dana Hill’s performance was generally well-received, and the movie went on to become a box office success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dana Barron was not in European Vacation because producers decided to replace her with Dana Hill. While fans were disappointed with the decision, the movie went on to become a success with Hill’s portrayal of Audrey Griswold. Regardless of who played Audrey, National Lampoon’s Vacation and its sequels continue to be beloved comedies that have stood the test of time.