Was European Vacation Really Filmed in Europe?
European Vacation is a classic comedy film that follows the Griswold family as they embark on a European adventure. Released in 1985, this film has become a cult classic among fans of the National Lampoon franchise.
The Film’s Setting
The film’s plot revolves around the Griswolds’ trip to Europe to visit various cities and tourist attractions. Some of the cities featured include London, Paris, and Rome. The film showcases the family’s hilarious misadventures as they try to navigate their way through unfamiliar territory.
Where Was It Filmed?
Despite its title, European Vacation was not actually filmed entirely in Europe. The majority of the movie was actually shot on location in California and Arizona.
The scenes set in London were filmed on sets built at Universal Studios Hollywood. In fact, many of the London landmarks seen in the film were actually just replicas created for the movie.
The Paris scenes were also filmed primarily on sets built at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park in Florida. However, some exterior shots of Paris were filmed on location in France.
The Rome scenes were mostly filmed on location in Italy, including famous landmarks such as the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. However, some shots were also done at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Why Wasn’t It Filmed Entirely in Europe?
The decision to not film entirely on location in Europe was primarily due to budget concerns. Filming overseas can be expensive due to travel costs, accommodations, permits, and other logistical expenses.
In addition, filming on location can also present challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences that can impact production schedules and budgets.
Conclusion
While European Vacation may not have been entirely filmed in Europe, it continues to be a beloved classic that showcases the beauty and humor of traveling abroad. The film’s use of sets and locations creates a seamless blend of European scenery and American humor that has stood the test of time.