But there is something endearing about the Griswold family, and Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo’s infectious enthusiasm manages to sweep you along (as begrudgingly as kids Jason Lively and Dana Hill) on this cliché-ridden package tour – which the Griswolds win on an obnoxious TV quiz show called Pig In A Poke.
As the Griswolds weave their way from London to Rome – destroying Stonehenge, whingeing, eating, and donning silly clothes – two minor subplots are inserted: the family’s unwitting involvement in a kidnapping, and their equally inadvertent appearance in a softcore porn film.
Every conceivable national stereotype is pressed into service, as polite British cyclists, rude French waiters, aggressive Germans in Lederhosen and Mafia hitmen are trotted out with soothing predictability.
One of the funniest parts of the film has the Griswolds constantly – and literally – running into Eric Idle of Monty Python fame who retains his impeccable British manners no matter how horrendous the situation or how painful his injuries.
Nothing could prepare you for the highlight, however, a whistle-stop tour of the Louvre to legendary Belgian pop star Plastic Bertrand‘s seminal song Ça Plâne pour Moi.
Frank Zappa‘s daughter Moon Unit pops in briefly as Rusty’s girlfriend.
Clark W Griswold
Chevy Chase Ellen Griswold
Beverly D’Angelo Audrey Griswold
Dana Hill Rusty Griswold
Jason Lively Quiz host
John Astin Thief
Victor Lanoux Bike rider
Eric Idle Hotel manager
Mel Smith Man in bathroom
Robbie Coltrane Lady in bed
Maureen Lipman Mr Froeger
Paul Bartel Mrs Froeger
Cynthia Szigeti The Froegers’ son
Malcolm Danare The Froegers’ daughter
Kevi Kendall Game show hostesses
Sheila Kennedy
Trisha Long Jack
William Zabka London stewardess
Wendy Goldman Court announcer
Angus MacKay Princess Di
Julie Wooldridge Prince Charles
Peter Hugo Queen Elizabeth
Jeannette Charles Rusty’s California Girl
Moon Unit Zappa
Director
Amy Heckerling
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