If you’re a fan of the popular 80s movie ‘European Vacation’, you might be wondering if it was actually filmed in Europe. The answer is both yes and no. Let’s take a closer look at the filming locations and how the movie was made.
Background of European Vacation
European Vacation is a comedy film released in 1985, directed by Amy Heckerling and written by John Hughes. It’s the second installment in the National Lampoon’s Vacation film series, following the success of ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’ released in 1983.
The movie follows the Griswold family as they embark on a trip to Europe after winning a game show. The family travels through various European cities, encountering hilarious mishaps and adventures along the way.
Filming Locations
While some scenes were indeed filmed in Europe, most of the movie was actually shot on sets and locations within Hollywood studios. The European destinations that were featured in the movie included London, Paris, Monte Carlo, Rome, Bavaria, and Austria.
London
The opening scene featuring Buckingham Palace was actually filmed outside Arundel Castle near London. In addition, some scenes were also filmed at Heathrow Airport.
Paris
The Griswolds’ visit to Paris was mostly filmed on sets constructed at MGM Studios in California. However, some exterior shots of famous Parisian landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and Arc de Triomphe were included to create an authentic feel.
Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo casino scene was filmed at Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. This famous hotel has been used as a filming location for many other movies as well.
Rome
Some scenes were filmed in Rome itself, such as when Clark Griswold crashes the car into the famous Spanish Steps. The Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica were also featured in the movie.
Bavaria and Austria
The scenes featuring Bavarian and Austrian villages were actually filmed in California at a place called Big Bear Lake. The famous scene where Clark accidentally drives off a cliff was also filmed here.
Conclusion
In summary, while European Vacation did feature some real European locations, most of the movie was actually shot within sets and locations in Hollywood studios. This is not uncommon for movies, as it can be more efficient and cost-effective to film on sets rather than traveling to multiple countries. Nonetheless, the movie remains a classic comedy that has entertained audiences for decades.