"NATIONAL LAMPOON'S EUROPEAN VACATION" (1985)

STATS137pages169scenes21,187words36%dialogue89characters

Words

  • dialogue7,54936%
  • action12,42759%
  • other1,2115.7%

Scenes

location
  • INT 70
  • EXT 88
  • UNKNOWN 11
time
  • DAY 3
  • UNKNOWN 166
2

INT. PIG IN A PO.KE GAME SHOW SET - DAY 2

EXTREME CLOSE-OP - CLARK W. GRISWALD'S FACE I

We HEAR an AUDIENCE CHANTING in the b.g. as we gaze on Clark's countenance flashing a phoney smile.

CAMERA POLLS BACR revealing Clark wearing a pig costume. CAMERA CONTINUES PULLBACK:

Clark is standing in a stylized pig pen along with his wife, ELLEN, and his two children, seventeen-year-old RUSTY, and sixteen-year-old AUDREY. All of them are in full-length• pig costumes. The Audience continues their chanting:

AUDIENCE
(o.s.J Be a pig! Be a pig!

NEW ANGLE 3

The Show's host, .KENT CARTER, a jovial, cynical, wise- cracking sort in a tacky three-piece suit roams the midground area of the set between the pig pen the Griswald's inhabit and another empty pig pen opposite it. A garish electronic scoreboard takes up the space between the two pig pens •

3

KENT

(holding up hands for silence) Well, then, Clark, it's time for your big decision. Are you going to keep what's in the poke ••• or are you going to ris~ everything and go for the big prize? Johnny, remind the good folks what they already have won.

We HEAR JOHNNY'S oily, announcer's voice list the prizes. As he does so, we cut to CLOSE-OPS of Ellen, Rusty, and Audrey to see how much they love the prizes they've already won.

Cont.

JOHNNY'S VOICE (O.S.) 3 Cont.
Right, Kent, each member of the Griswald clan has a fabulous prize in their poke. For Rusty it's a teen-age dream machine. The super charged Honda 750 motorcycle. for Audrey it's a shopping spree at the clothing store of her choice. That's right, a gift certificate worth over five thousand dollars. Ellen Griswald gets a fantasy come true. A dream kitchen with hrand new major appliances. Ana for Clark, the King of the family, a ten year's supply of regal car polish, the car wax of royalty.

CENT Thanks Johnny. Well Clark, you've won some fantastic prizes.,.do you want to keep them all, or do you want to risk everything and be a pig?

SHOT OF CLARX . 4 thinking it over.

SHOT OF ELLEN RUSTY- AND AUDREY 5

pleading with Clark.

ELLEN
Clark, let's keep what we have. I love the Mr. Coffee.
AUDREY
Don't push it Dad ••• Nobody ever wins the big prize.
RUSTY
She's right, Dad. Tell him ••• no way are we going for it.

SHOT OF AUDIENCE 6

Frenzied, chanting:

AUDIENCE
Be a pig! Be a pig!

BACK TO WIDE SHOT 7

Kent silences the Audience again. Clark leans in to the microphone. The Family is relaxed and happy to have what they've seen. They even begin to cross to the prizes.

KENT
Well, Griswalds? Cont.

7 Cont

CLARK
(making pig noises)
Oink, oink, oink. We've decided to be pigs, Kent.

The family stop dead in their tracks. We can see their disappoint and shock. They are ready to kill him.

ALL
(struck)
What?!
AUDREY
Thanks alot Dad.
RUSTY
So long motorcycle.
KENT
That's very brave ••• I want to wish you luck.

Kent crosses to Ellen to offer her his trademark "good luck" kiss. Ellen offers him her cheek. Kent takes her mouth. All of it. Ellen is shocked as Kent traces her jawline with his finger as he kisses her. Clark watches with a puzzled smile. Kent moves on to Audrey a.~d gives her nearly the same. Finally:

KENT
And now, a fantastic surprise. Back by popular demand, the all-time highest scoring family in the history of "Pig In A Poke", The FROEGERS!

The Audience goes beserk. The Griswalds, including Clark, go pale.

NEW ANGLE 8

The FROEGER FAMILY, Father, Mother, Son and Daughter, trots out from the wings. They, too, are in pig costumes. Two· pretty HOSTESSES, dresses as farmer's daughters, lock the Froegers into their pig pen. They look like the drab, egg- heads they are. Kent crosses to the Pig pen to meet them. Mrs. Froeger puckers, Kent shakes her hand. The Daughter puckers, Kent shakes her hand too. He also shakes hands with the Father and Son.

Cont.

8 Cont. KENT O.K. now Audience, you remember that last year the Froegers, possessors of two Nobel Prizes, and sixteen degrees between them, had a perfect score for twenty- nine consecutive weeks. so, it's them against tonights winners, the Griswalds.

DELETE SCENES 9 - II Inc.

SHOT OF GRISWALDS I2

Ready to kill themselves ••• or Clark.

MR. FROEGER
(softly} Eighteen degrees.

NEW ANGLE I3

KENT
Swell!!! Remember, it's sudden death. The first family to answer a question correctly, wins this! Tell 'em, Johnny.
JOHNNY
(o.s.} Tonights champion wins an exciting, fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Europe.

,- '-- The Audience goes bananas. Clark is thrilled. The rest of the family is not.

SHOT OF ELECTRONIC BOARD I4

Four categories flash across the board: CHRONOLOGY OF THE PHAROHS, HISTORY OF EARLY HUNGARIAN CABINET MAKING, PHARMOCOLOGY, THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE BRAIN.

SHOT OF GRISWALDS IS

They look at the board with dread.

ELLEN
I can't believe you passed up all those 1·1onderful .,rizes. Clark, we're CJOinCJ to lose.
CLARK
Honey, America does not need to see a Griswald family argument.

DELETE SCENES I6 - 20 inc.'

DELETE SCENE 2I
NEW ANGLE 22

Kent points to the board.

KENT
All right, those are our categories. Froegers, since the Gri~·1alns are tonights champions, they get to answer first, but you choose the category.
MR. FROEGER
Kent, we'll select pha=acology.

SHOT O~ GRISWALDS 23

Dying again. The tension is too great. Sweat is running off Clark's forehead.

WIDE SHOT - STAGE 24

KENT
For the big prize Griswalds,
(a beat) what is Cinnamedrine Hydrochloride? Ten seconds!

Cont.

24 Cont.

The MUSIC starts. The Audience is hushed. The clock ticks against total silence.

SHOT OF FROEGER FAMILY 25

They are smiling. They know the answer.

SHOT OF GRISWALDS 26

Tense. Nervous. 'Clark and Ellen look at each other helplessly, Rusty is blank. Audrey is thinking. The clock ticks out. No one has a clue, until suddenly we HEAR Audrey's barely audible voice.

AUDREY
It's an analgesic!

WIDE SHOT - STAGE 27

Kent is dumbfounded. He looks at the card in his hand.

KENT
That's right! That's right!!!

The scoreboard explodes with lights and buzzers. Music comes up. Rusty and Audrey scream and jump up and down. Ellen embraces Clark. Kent signals for the Hostesses

4

TO LET THE GRISWALDS OUT OF THE PIG PEN SO THEY CAN JOIN

him while the audience cheers. Kent grabs Ellen, who spontaneously throws her a:rms around hi.~. Kent plants his hands on her ass as she jumps up and down in his a:rms. Clark and Audrey grab hands and jump up and down, too.

CLARK
How did you know that?
ATJDREY
I read it on a box of Midol.
CLARK
{Screams to Audience) That's ny little girl!
KENT
Johnny ••• tell the Griswalds all about their fabulous European vacation!

THE CAMERA MOVES IN on Clark who i's smiling like an idiot, As the description is given we CUT to various SLIDES which illustrate the locations and the accommodations. In the slides, everything is first rate and very nice.

Cont.

27 Cont JOHNNY'S VOICE {o.s.) That's right ••• we'll fly the whole family on Boeing jets to London England, where you'll start off on a two week vacation extravaganza you'll never forget. While in London, you'll stay in deluxe accommodations at the sumptuous Royal Imperial Windsor Lancaster, Stratford Arms Court Hotel and Inn, only steps from Picadilly Circus ••• and then it's on to France ••• where you'll stay at the newly renovated •••

{FADE UNDER SCENE IN BACK YARD - SC. 28)

Marie Antoinette Hotel, a favorite ~topping place of E=ope's elite ••• Then it's l\ctung! On to Germany, where you'll stop and enjoy a fine mean at Oskars on the Ruher ••• and dance to the gay music of Esther and the Black Forest Girls ••• then it's aufweidersehn and on to •••

OVER VOICE TO:
5

EXT. GRISWALD BACKYARD - DAY

The Griswalds are having a barbeque. Clark is at the outdoor grill with Ellen, putting the last of the coals into the pit. The kids are seated at the table. Rusty is talking into a phone. Audrey is in. the arms of her boyfriend, Jack, a good-looking kind of smarmy kid. They are entwined in a hot kiss. A table cloth lays in a heap on the table, along with a pile of knives, forks and cups.

Clark i~ applying the lighter flu+d on to the coals.

CLARK
O.K., now we just add the lighter fluid.

Cont.

28 Cont.

Clark squeeze~ in a huge squirt of fluid. Ellen is looking ·at Audrey and Jack. Clark looks up too.

CLARK
I think Audrey and Jack are getting too physical.
ELLEN
Oh, come on. He's a nice kid. It's nice Audrey has someone to •••

He glances over to Audrey and Jack. They've entwined again, gazing soulfully into each other's eyes.

CLARK
No touching kids. Too much touching.
CLARK (to Ellen)
I'll get the burgers.

He walks to the house.

ELLEN
She walks closer to the grill, squeezes the can and hits it with a lot of lighter fluid.

Cont.

IO
28 Cont.I

Rusty is off the phone. He walks by the fire, picks up the can and squeezes in an extra-large dose of fluid, then another. Clark comes in from the kitchen with the burgers. He squeezes on more fluid, then puts on the burgers.

CLARK
This should be great!

Clark strikes a match.

CLARK
(to kids)
Burgers coming right up.
ELLEN
Did you put on enough fluid?

He nods and puts in some more, and drops the match onto the coals, immediately an eight foot flame roars into the sky, engulfing the hamburgers.

FADE TO:
6

EXT. GRISWALD BACKYARD - LATER THAT NIGHT 28 A

The family and Jack are seated around the backyard table. A package of American sheese is on the table and they're eating the cheese on hamburger buns, except Audrey who is just munching on a piece of cheese. Clark's face is black from the fire. His hair is singed.

cont.

II 28 A Cont.

CLARK
Not bad. Not bad at all. Now, let's talk about the trip.

Audrey stands up. Still holding Jack's hand.

AUDREY
I'm not going. I can't leave Jack. I can't live without him. I'll die! And anyway, the food in Europe is fattening. Jack likes me thin.
CLARX
Audrey, I don't believe this!
RUSTY
Will we be together all the time?
CLARX
We don't have to hold hands, if that's what you mean. But, we'll be together.

Cont.

I2
28 A Cont.I
ELLEN
Clark, the kids obviously don't want to go.
CLARK
Of course they mmt to ~o. We're a family. We're going to Europe as a family.
AUDREY
Why can't we ever have a say in things?
ROSTY
Yeah, we should have a vote on this.
CLARK
(thinks)
Okay, I can be big about this ••• Why not? We'll all have a vote. From now on this family is a demo=acy. Fair enough?

Everyone vocally agrees.

CLARK
(continuing)
Fine.

He hands everyone a slip of paper.

CLARK
(continuing)
From now on the Griswalds are a countrf made up of four independent states. By the means of a ballot we will elect the President of the Griswald family. Write in the name of your choice on the slip of paper ••• ready and vote.

Everyone, save Jack, writes a name on the ballo~. They fold it and hand it back to Clark.

Cont.

I3
28 A Cont.2
CLARK
(continuing)
Ellen, why don't you call out the names and I'll tally them.

Ellen opens each ballot and reads. Clark writes as she reads.

ELLEN
One vote for Rusty. One vote for Clark. One vote for Ellen. And ••• one vote for Jack.

They all turn to Audrey.

AUDREY
He'd make a great president.
CLARK
No one came out with a majority.
ROSTY
What do we do now?
CLARK
Just like in any democracy. The Speaker of the House will assume the'duties of the president.
ELLEN
Who's the Speaker of the House?
CLARK
Me.
ELLEN
Clark •••
CLARK
It's settled. We're going to Europe. Jack, you wait here.

I4

7

INT. GRISWALD HOME - NIGHT 29

Clark enters SHOT carrying a video-tape camera on his shoulder as he maneuvers down the hallway. He stops in front of Rusty's room and opens the door.

8

INT. RUSTY'S ROOM - NIGHT 30

Rusty is at his desk looking at a book on European culture. He is startled to see his father coming into the room with the video-pack. Rusty closes the book quickly.

RUSTY
Dad!

CLARl< Wave, Rusty. I'm just trying out this new video camera I got for the trip. Pretty neat, huh?

Rusty reluctantly waves at the camera.

CLARX
When we get back we can watch all the great times we had together •••• father and son ••• parent and sibling •••• I'm pleased to see that you're reading ·up on European culture.

Clark backs out of the roorni Rusty quickly opens the book again. CAMERA MOVES IN to reveal a sex magazine article titles "Weird Sex•, between the pages of the book.

IS

9

INT. AODREY I S ROOM - NIGHT 3I

There are pictures of Jack everywhere. The lights are off. Audrey is under the covers, talking.

AODREY' S VOICE
Me, too ••• I'm going to miss you more than anything •••

The door opens as Clark ENTERS with the video camera and points it at the lump in the bed.

AODREY'S VOICE
••• I don't think I'll be able to live through it •••

C'mon, Audrey ••• off the ~hone.,. you've said your goodbyes to Jack ••• big trip tomorrow.

Audrey sticks her head out from under the blankets.

AODREY
Isn't there any privacy?
CLARK
Wave, honey.

(,

CLARK
Thanks, Sweetie.

Clark exits the room, always keeping his eye in the camera. Audrey sighs. She lifts the covers and looks under them.

AUDREY
I guess you better go, Jack.
10

INT. GRISWALD I S BATHROOM - NIGHT 32

Ellen is stepping out of the shower asClark enters with the video camera. She is embarrassed. She trys to cover herself, then grabs a towel.

Cont.

I6
32 Cont.
ELLEN
Clark,, •• stop it.
CLARK
C'mon, Ellen ••• you look great.
ELLEN
It's embarrassing.
CLARK
Don't worry. Nobody'll ever see it. I'll erase it.
(he gives her directions)
Turn a little to the left ••• wrap the shower curtain around you •••
ELLEN
Clark •••
CLARK
C'mon, tease the camera. That'. s it ••• tease ••• start to wipe yourglistening body off with the towel.

Ellen decides what the hell. She st.arts to improvise a- "lady in the shower" scene with a towel.

ELLEN
You sure no one will see this?
CLARK
I promise, honey. Maybe just the guys down at the garage.
ELLEN
Be serious.
(a beat)
Clark ••• do I still excite ~cu?
CLARK
What do you mean? Of course you do, sweetheart. I'm excited right. now;
ELLEN
Really?
CLARK
Sure I am. Honey, give me more action. Hey! Sing that great song you used to sing in college. Cont.
I7
32 Cont.I ELLEN
(coyly)
Clark •••
CLARK
C'mon
ELLEN
(shrugs)
O.K.

She sings song, and dances sexily. Clark keeps shooting with the camera while beckoning with his finger for Ellen to follow him into the bedroom. Ellen, still singing and· being provocative, follows Clark into their bedroom. Clark keeps shooting Ellen as she crosses to the bed and reclines on it, striking a sexy pose as she sings.

SHOT THROUGH VIDEOCAMERA LENS 33

as Clark would see it looking through the lens. The CAMERA moves into an ECU of Ellen's face. She looks incredibly sexy. we BEAR a gutteral response from Clark. he's into it.

CLARK'S VOICE
(o. s.)
Just let me set the camera down for a second.

BACK TO SHOT 34

Clark, now standing next to the bed, puts the videocarnera on. the nightabl e so it is aiming at Ellen, ~:ho slowl!' stops singing, then he leans over and gives her a very tender kiss. She grabs him.

CLOSE UP - VIDEOCAMERA 35

The tape is running.

I3
BACK TO SHOT 36

They're still kissing; and then some.

CLARK
We'll have a great time in Europe, won't we, Ellen? We'll get to see all the famous sights •••
ELLEN
Not now Clark!

They continue making love as CAMERA pans over to the running videocamera.

11

EXT. AIRLINE TERMINAL - DAY 37

An establishing SHOT of O'Hare.

12

EXT • AIRPLANE - DAY 38

As it takes off.

CLARK'S VOICE
(o. s.)
This is going to be the greatest trip in Griswald family history.
AUDREY' S VO ICE
(o.s.)
There isn't much competition, Dad.
13

INT. PLANE - DAY 39

The Griswalds are crammed into four seats across. Clark

is at the window. Next to him is Ellen, then Audrey and Rusty on the aisle. Clark is fiddling with a pocket

translator.

CLARK
This is· gonna be a great help on the trip. I just plug in a module for the language of the country we're in, tap in the work er phrase I want and it's instantly translated.
ELLEN
That's nice.

Cont.

I9
CLARK 39 Cont Let me demonstrate. For instance, here's the Italian module ••• now, I punch in, Oh, let's say, 'would you please bring our luggage to the room.' Then I push this button and it gives the translation.

Clark pushes the button. The computer repeats what Clark said, but with an Italian accent.

COMPUTER
Eh, waulda somebody p+ease-a take a da bags uppa da roam.

Ellen gives Clark a look. He examines the computer more closely.

CLARK
Must be a bad circuit or something.

He puts away the computer and takes out some printed itinerary and schedules. He hands them out to the Family.

CLARK
The Pig In A Poke itinerary is great! They've planned it out to the exact minute so that we won't miss a thing.
ELLEN
Couldn't we forget the Pig In A Poke itinerary and play it by ear like norman people?
CLARK
Ellen, we're not normal people, we're the Griswalds.

Cont.

39 Cont.I

CLARK
Oh and kids, I've been saving the big surprise for last.
AUDREY
(hopefully)
we're turning around and going heme?
CLARK
No, no, Audrey ••• we're going to visit my relatives in Ge.rmany. Talk about exciting!
ROSTY
Not if we don't vote on it •••
CLARK
You'll vote for it, Russ.
ROSTY
Why should I?
CLARK
I'~ goin'j to give ~ou ten dollars.

RO~Y I 'rn 'jOin<'! to l.:!.1':e this c:enocracy stuff.

A stewardess pushing the refreshment cart stops at their row.

cont.

2I 39 Cont. 2

STEWARDESS
Would you care for anything?

Everyone but Clark shakes his head.

CLARK
I' 11 have a coke.
STEWARDESS
You wa:nt that in the can?
CLARK
No, I'll drink it here.

The stewardess hands Clark the drink and moves on.

SHOT OF ELLEN 40

She is smiling, relaxed. She snuggles up to Clark and puts her head on his shoulder. (She is having a reverie) A smile plays across her face.

RIPPLE DISSOLVE TO:
14

INT. PALACE RECEPTION AREA - NIGHT 4I

A grand and elegant reception is being given at the Queen's Palace. CAMERA PANS a reception line stretching up to a point where the QUEEN herself is standing alongside LADY DI. (NOTE: We will use celebrity look-a-likes where we can.) A CONSUL announces the names of the guests to a very bored Queen Elizabeth.

CONSUL
(calls out)
The Duke and Duchess of MAYHAVEN

The DUKE bows and the DUCHESS curtseys in front of the Queen who is stifling a yawn. Ladi Di looks just as bored. Only Prince Charles smiles throughout.

CONSUL
The Earl of Canterbury •••

Again, the ritual bow is delivered. This brings a big yawn from the Queen and Lady Di. Finally, the Queen spots Ellen and Clark as the next couple in line. Her face lights up.

Cont.

4I Cont.

CONSUL
Mr. and Mrs. Clark w. Griswald •••

The Queen throws open her axms and embraces Clark. Lady Di is giving Clark the once over.

QUEEN
I'm so glad you could make it. You know, Ladi Di, Prince Charles. PRINCE CHARLES How ja do. Lady Di'is being openly coy with Clark LADY DI I hope I can have the fir:.t danc'e Hr. Griswald,
CLARK
I'd love to Di, but there':. only one Princess in my life and that's my •·1ife. She gets the first dance.

Ellen is pleased with Clark's response. He dances away with Ellen. Lady Di grabs his leg and hangs on, crying hy~terically. Charles keeps smiling.

BACK SHOT OF ELLEN 42

sleeping. She moves closer to Clark. CAMERA PANS over to Rusty,also asleep, wearing headphones as he listens to stereoon his seat console.

RIPPLE DISSOLVE TO:
RUSTY'S DREAM ( TO COME ) 43
Musical number to be choreographed by Jillian Lynn. "Rusty enters a punk nightclub, where he is beseiged by beautiful girls. Dancin~.

BACK TO RUSTY 44

A huge, satisified smile on his face. CAMERA PANS to Audrey, her eyes also closed.

RIPPLE DISSOLVE TO:
15

INT. GRAND DINING ROOM - DAY 45

MUSIC UP: Scarey, ominous.

Audrey is seated at tile end of a long table, eating pasta. Her arms grow fatter. She keeps eating. Waiters continue to carry fattening European food. She looks ho=ified but keeps eating. Her cheeks blow up, her thighs grow fatter. They start to bring on the deserts. She can't stop herself from eating. Buttons on her blouse pop open.

RIPPLE DISSOLVE TO:

SHOT OF AODREY 46

tossing her head wildly as she sleeps. CAMERA PANS TO Clark.

SHOT OF CLARK 47

dreaming some wonderful thi_ng that has brought a smile to his face.

RIPPLE DISSOLVE TO:
16

EXT. GREEN MOONTAIN FIELD IN EOROPE - DAY 48

MUSIC OP: "The Sound of Music"

through filtered sunlight comes dancing and singing over a hill and into CAMERA, the Trapp Family? No, it's the Griswalds and they are having the best time any family ever had in Europe. They are all wearing lederhosen and dirndles as they prance hand in hand across the screen. CAMERA MOVES into a close up of Clark's smiling face-.

RIPPLE DISSOLVE TO:

Cont.

:.!5

17

EXT. LONDON AIRPORT - NIGHT 49

The plane lands and taxis up to the te:rminal.

18

EXT. LONDON - NIGHT 50

A taxi cruises down a narrow lane.

TAXI DRIVER
What was that address again?
CLARK
Eight Pennychip Lane. The Royal Imperial Windsor Lancaster, Stratford A:rms Court Hotel and Inn.

SHOT OF ADDRESS SIGN SI

It reads 8 Pennychip Lane. The taxi stops.

TAXI DRIVER
'Ere we are.

SHOT OF CLARK 52

The Royal Imperial Windsor Lancaster, Stratford A:rms Court Hotel and Inn is not quite the beauty as described in the pamphlet. It might have been, but obviously that was was at least a hundred and fifty years ago.

19

EXT. LONDON STREET NIGHT 53

The Driver hops out and opens the back door. Clark hops out and accidentally raps the cab driver in the groin with his bag. Among the many items they are carrying, are "Pig in A Poke" tote bags.

TAXI IllRIVER Oof!

He is followed in rapid order by Ellen, Audrey and Rusty. Each of them, slams into the driver with another piece of luggage, each hitting him in exactly the same place. The driver is doubled over as Clark opens his hand and gives him a shilling.

CLARK
This is for your trouble.
TAXI DRIVER
(in pain)
Oh .•. ah • •• whoo.

Cont.

2b 53 Cont.

They all head into the hotel.

20

INT. ROYAL IMPERIAL WINDSOR ETC. HOTEL - NIGHT 54

A sloppy middle aged man, MR. HJU,SEY, is. engrossed in a T.V. Show on rna.kin<J cheese. The Griswalds tramp in and drop their luggage.

CLARK
Hello. Mr. Halsey rises and goes to the desk.
MR. HALSEY
'ello, guv.
CLARK
How do you do. I'm Clark w. Griswald from America. I'm supposed to have a reservation for four.

In a vecy strong·Cockney accent, Mr. Halsey explains that they're all booked up but he has a mate who has another hotel, unless they'd like to pay a little more for the Royal Suite. Clark (and any other American} doesn't know what he's talking about. He pulls out his pocket translator

21

AND STARTS TO PUNCH IN WHAT HE WANTS TO SAY.

RUSTY
Dad, we're in England.
CLARK
Oh right, of course.

Ellen fishes through her purse and pulls out some paper.

ELLEN
They gave us this from the "Pig In A Poke" show. Tiley said there'd be rooms for four and a rental car waiting for us. We're the grand prize winners.

Cont.

54 Cont. Mr. Halsey looks inquisitively at them. Clark and the kids try to help by making pig's faces and going "oink, oink" for Mr. Halsey. Elie.~ is embarrassed.

MR. HALSEY
Ooh ••• so, you're the blokes, All right, follow me.
CLARK
Is there anyone to carry the luggage?
MR. HALSEY
Sure •• •Mlllll?

His tiny, elderly Mother starts to carry the luggage.

CLARK
That's okay ••• we'll manage.

They follow Mr. Halsey out of the lobby.

22

INT. HOTEL ROOM AT ROYAL L'!PERIAL ETC. - MIGHT 55

It's a tiny room with barely enough space for Ellen and Clark to tu= around. What little space theJ:e is, is now taken up by all the luggage. Ellen reads the.hotel brochure.

ELLEN-
::lelwce accOllll:lodation at the SUIJlptuous Roy'al Imperial Windsor Arms, combine old world charm and modern convenience. (She shows him the pamphlet) Doesn't look · much like thf room in the brochure.
CLARK
They must have taken the picture from a different angle.
ELLEN
Well, I'n sura it'll look better after I take a hot bath •••

Cl1'1:-:k lie'! c~m nn the bed Md sinks do~m in the mattress so that only his nose is showing. CLARK The bed is nice and soft.

Cont.

55 Cont.

Ellen opens a door. It's a shallow closet. Clark struggles up frcm the bed.

ELLEN
CLark ••• there's no bathroom.
CLARK
There has to be a bathroom ••• I'm sure they go to the bathroom in Europe, don't they?

Be opens a door and a murphy bed falls on his head.

CLARl< Hmmm ••• maybe not.

23

INT. RUSTY AND AUDREY I S ROOM - NIGHT 56

Audrey is taping a picture of Jack to the wall. PULL BACK to reveal that the whole wall is covered with photos of Jack. Rusty is fiddling with the T.V.

RUSTY
Say, what is this, a shrine to Jack?
AUDREY
I only brought a few pictures •••
(sadly)
I left the naked ones at home.
RUSTY
Yeah, I know, in the second drawer, next to your diary.
AUDREY
You read my diary? Then I don't have to tell you what I think of j'OU.

28A

56 Cont.

RUSTY
I better call the front desk, there's something wrong with the T.V., ther's only three channels and no M.T.V.
AUDREY
I think that's all there are Russ.

He looks at the T.V. with dread and disbelief.

24

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT 57

As small as the restof the rooms. Clark, in pajamas is brushing his teeth. Ellen is relaxing with a bubble bath. She has a wash clothover her eyes.

ELLEN
This feels so wonderful •••
CLARK
I told you it'd be great. It's just a matter of making little adjustments.
ELLEN
I can tell England is going to be great. Shopping on Bond Street, fish and chips, Bobbies, Big Ben, shopping on Carnaby Street. Oh Sparky it's going to be so romantic.

Cont.

Clark finishes brusing his teeth. He whistles 57 Cont a SONG as he gathers his belongings. As he leaves a MALE GUEST enters and starts to whistle the same song. He looks in the bathtub and is delighted to see E1len. He starts to wash up while whistling.

25

INT. HALLWAY 58

Clark cheerfully walks down the hall. He gets confused by the doors without numbers and opens a few in to wrong rooms.

CLARK
Oh excuse me.
(slam)
Sorry, wrong room.
(slam)
Whoops, my fault.

Then he tries a door which is stuck. He pushes harder. Still nothing. He backs off a few steps, lowers his shoulder and runs at the door. It opens as he hits it.

26

INT. LOBBY - NIGHT 59

The Halseys are still watching TV as Clark comes crashing through the door, which opens on to the lobby. Clark tries to be nonchalant, even though he's standing there in his pajamas.

MR. HALSEY
Can we help you, mate?
CLARK
I just wanted to leave a wake-up call. Seven A.M. Goodnight.

Clark EXITS. The Halseys look at each other and shrug.

27

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT 60

Clark enters the dark bedroom.

CLARK
I left a wake-up call. We'll get an early start.

He climbs in to bed.

SHOT OF WOMAN IN BED 6I It isn't Ellen. It's another HOTEL GUEST. Clark snuggles up to the Woman, who is turned away_ from him. The Woman is alai:med but silent.

CLARK
Ellen? Remember that time at your folks house just after we were married? We had that tiny little room.

Clark nibbles on the woman's ear.

28

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT 62

ELLEN
I've real.ly-been looking forward to us having some time alone.

The= stares at her.

ELLEN
You know, ever since I got to the hotel, I've been so horny for you.

He is happily surprised.

SHOT OF CLARK AND THE WOMAN 63 He snuggles her.

CLARK
We were so horny, but your parents were just down the hall.
(chuckles)
This is .just like that. Only it's •••

Something isn't right.

CLARK
Honey. When did ·you stop shaving your legs?
29

INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT 64

The Male Guest finishes with his teeth.

ELLEN
Why don't yoq get in here wit!\ me?

The man starts to peel off his pajama top.

MALE GUEST
If you like.

Ellen peels the wash cloth off her eyes. She sinks down in the tub, trying to cover herself. The confused man hurriedly exits.

30

INT. BEDROOM WITH CLARK AND WOMAN GUEST - NIGHT 65

Clark and the Woman are frozen in their positions.

CLARK
I think I 've made a mistake. Is my wife in here?

Cont.

3I WOMAN GUEST 65 Cont. No.

CLARK
(forces a chuckle)
I got a little confused with all the numerous doors in the hotel. I'll bet this happens all the ti.me, huh?
WOMAN GUEST
No.
CLARK
Well, I apologise. I'm deeply embarrassed and ashamed. And •••

He tries to move away. She won't let him go.

CLARK
Could you unlock your legs from mine,
WOMAN GUEST
No.
ELLEN'S VOICE
(o .s., hysterical)' Clark! Clark!
CLARK
Uh oh •••

He fights his way out of the bed and runs out.

31

INT. LOBBY - NIGHT 65 A

( Clark crashes in. \..

MR. HALSEY
Yes? CLARK Any ::ail for me? Mr. Halsey shakes his head "no". Clark goes back through the door.
32

INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT 66

As Clark comes back in Ellen rushes down t."le hall to him. They hug each other.

ELLEN
You're not going to believe what happened. CLARK Wanna bet?
ELLEN
I guess Europeans don't have the same regard for privacy that we have. Cont.

66 Cont.

Still in a slight panic, Clark and Ellen enter what they believe to be their room.

33

INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT 67

It's pitch dark. We HEAR the springs of the bed as Clark and Ellen get into it. A moment's silence, then:

ELLEN
'Night, Clark.
CLARK
Goodnight, honey.
MAN'S VOICE
Goodnight, mates.
WOMAN I S VOICE
Goodnight.
34

EXT. ROYAL IMPERIAL WINDSOR ETC. - DAY 68

A yellow, four door English-type Sedan is right in front of the hotel.

CLARK
There it is. Our English transportation.

He waves key.

35

EXT. CAR LOT - DAY 69

Clark and the Family jump in. Clark is in what he thinks is the driver's seat, but, of course, it being Great Britain, the steering wheel's on the other side.

CLARK
Okay, let's hit the road!Now things are really going to pick up.

He sticks the key into the ignition that's not there and grabs the empty air where the steering wheel's supposed to be.

36

EXT. CAR - DAY 70

Clark and Ellen get out of the car and trade places.

37

INT • CAR - DAY 7I

As clark and Ellen settle into their seats. Clark starts up the little beauty and automatically uses his left hand to signal that he's pulling out, but since Ellen is on his left, she gets a light smack in the face.

CLARK
Ooops ••. sorry .••

Clark now sticks out his right hand as he steps on the gas and pulls into the street.

38

EXT • LONDON STREET - DAY 72,

The Griswalds are on the road for a few yards when it becomes very apparent that something is amiss.

ELLEN'S VOICE
(o.s.)
Clark, you're on the wrong side of the street.
CLARK I S VOICE
I realize that, ·Ellen, but I'm also on the wren~ side of the car.

I

Another car coming at them swerves to get out of the way, but Clark is also swerving, which causes Clark to hit the other car. He rips the fender completely off. Both cars come to a halt.

NEW ANGLE 73

As Clark and the other DRIVER roll down their windows to talk to each other. In the b.g. we HEAR CARS HONKING, etc. Unlike an American driver, the Englishman is very understanding and polite.

CLARK
Jesus, I'M sorry!

ENGLISH !"l!".IVE~ Oh no trouble. Please don't mention it. It's fine. I had a scratch on that fender anyway. Now I'll have a reason to get it fixed.

Clark and the English Driver exchange licens~s.

CLARK
I'm fully covered for this. Cont.

73 Cont. ENGLISH DRIVER Please, don't worry. In fact I should thank you •••

Licenses re-exchanged, the English Driver drives off as Clark puts the car in gear again.

CLARK
Well, the English are cer •••

CRASH! Clark has gone about two feet before managing a not- ver-serious "head-on" with yet another ENGLISH DRIVER.

NEW ANGLE 7 4 . Steam rises from the other car's radiator. The bumper falls off.

ELLEN
Clark!
CLARK
I'm just trying to get us back to the hotel.
39

EXT. STREET IN LONDON - DAY 75

Clark gets out of his car, license in hand as the Second English Driver gets out of his car as well. This guy makes the First Driver seem rude.

SECOND ENGLISH DRIVER
(He picks up the bumper and puts it under one arm)

• Tsk tsk ••• looks like we' Vii! had a bit of a run in. Rotten iuck.

CLARK
I'm terribly sorry. I'm just trying to get to my hotel.
SECOND ENGLISH DRIVER
Ah, an American ••• well, I hope you're enjoying our country ••• no problem, forget it old chap. Dreadfully sorry I was on the correct side of the street!
40

INT. CAR - DAY 76

Ellen and the Kids watch as Clark and the Driver exchange licenses, laugh good naturedly at some remark, and the Second Driver gives Clark a pat on the back as he sends him back to his car.

CLARK (entering)
These are the nicest people •••

Clark drives off.

JS

41

EXT. LONDON STREET - DAY 77

The same street as Clark steers the car towards a corner. Approaching the intersection, Clark puts his hand out to signal and happens to knock a BIKE RIDER flat off his BICYCLE.

CLARK
Gee, I'm terribly sorry •••

The Biker slowly gets to his feet, a wan smile on his face, but also some blood; His clothes are also badly torn, his knee scraped and bloodied, but still he's very polite. Clark and Ellen rush out of the car.

ELLE~! Oh my god let me help you!

She tries to dress his wounds with a "wash and dri".

BIKE RIDER
Don't give it a thought. No harm ••• not too much blood.
CLARK
Let me pay you for the damage •••

Clark trys to give the Biker money. He refuses it.

BIKE RIDER
Oh, no, wouldn't hear of it.
CLARK
Can we get you some help.
BIKE RIDER
No ••• no, no ••• I'm fine. Fine. I'll be perfectly all right.

E~"N Clark, ask him how to get to the hotel.

cont.

77 Cont.

CLARK
Oh ••• could you tell me how to get to the Royal Imperial Windsor Lancaster, Stratford Arms Court Hotel and Inn?
BIKE RIDER
Royal Imperial Windsor ••• yes ••• it's very near by ••• go down to the corner, turn left at Picadilly Circus and you'll see the hotel from there.

He raises his a:rm to point and globs of blood roll down his body.

CLARK
Oh, my God! Let me take you to a hospital!
BIKE RIDER
No, no. wouldn't think of it. It's nothin~ really.

He limps off, dragging one leg.

CLARK
Your leg! ! I think your leg is broken.
BIKE RIDER
Nothing. It's nothing. I '11 stop at the che.'llists and pick up some iodine, be right as rain tomorrow. Cl.Aro{ Thanks ••• thanks a lot. Are - you - sure?

The Bike Rider waves off Clark's offer. He slowly picks up the bike which is bent almost in half.

NEW ANGLE 78

Clark drives down to the corner and makes a left turn into a heavily congested traffic circle.

42

EXT. LONDON TRAFFIC CIRCLE - DAY 79

CAMERA FOLLOWS the Yellow Rental as Clark gets caught up in the flow of the fast-moving traffic.

CLARK'S VOICE
(o.s.)
Anybody see the hotel?
ELLEN'S VOICE
(o. s. l I think that's it over there. You'll have to get over to the right.
CLARK'S VOICE
(o. s. l The traffic's too heavy.

The Yellow Car makes a complete circle,.

RUSTY'S VOICE
(o. s. l There's the hotel again.
CLARK'S VOICE
Maybe I can sneak over •••

We see that the Car is completely blocked by the heavy traffic. Again it has to go around the circle.

DISSOLVE TO:
43

EXT. TRAFFIC CIRCLE - NIGHT 80

The Yellow car is still going around in circles. Traf!ic is still very heavy.

RUSTY'S VOICE
(b. s.)
Great! We didn't get ta see anything today. CLARK'S VOICE
(o. s.)
Don't worry, tomorrow we'll get an early start. The car makes a sudden move, nearly has a collision. The car veers out of danger and continues around the circle again.

,. Cont.

44

EXT. ROYAL IMPERIAL WINDSOR ARMS - DAY SI

It is pouringon the hotel sign. Nobody is on the streets.

45

INT. ROYAL IMPERIAL WINDSOR ARMS - DAY 82

We find the Griswalds standing in the lobby looking out the window as rain pours down. They are all dressed in rain gear.

CLARK
C'mon, it's just a little rain. You're not going to melt. It's nothing ••• a.drizzle.
ELLEN
It looks pretty bad, Clark. Clark ushers the family towards the door.
CLARK
But we're missing England. Let's vote on it.

Clark gets tham all out the door. · CAMERA HOLDS on door a beat. The door opens and the completely soaked Griswalds 'trudge back inside. CLARK ••• so it's unanimous, then. We wait for the rain to stop.

46

INT. ROYAL IMPERIAL WINDSOR ARMS. RUSTY AND AUDREY'S

ROOM - DAY 82 A

There is snow on the T.V. and Rusty and Audrey sing T.V. commercial jingles to cheer themselves up. Audrey is lying in bed with a head shot of Jack and pillows stuffed under the covers.

RUSTY
••• we're American Airlines doing what we do best.
AUDREY
Reach out, reach out, and touch someone •••

She starts to cry.

RUSTY
Hey, what's wrong?
AUDREY
I can't stand it Russ, I'll never make it through a whole two weeks.
RUSTY
Two weeks is nothing.
AUDREY
It's fourteen times as long as yesterday, and yesterday lasted an eternity. cont.

RUSTY 82 A Cont. Well why don't you call him?

AUDREY
Are you crazy?
RUSTY
Why, what could happen?
AUDREY
Daddy could rip my tongue out, that's what.

She looks through the phone pamphlet.

RUSTY
Nor if you keep it quick. I'll bet he wouldn't even notice it on the bill.

She punches a number on the phone.

AUDREY
I'll just say hello and goodbye.

She finishes dialing and waits. He answers.

JACK
(v. o. J Hello.
AUDREY
Oh God Jack, I miss you so much. Do you miss, me? Really? ••• Oh Jack, I love you so much it hurts ••• What? your Mom's calling you? O.K., I'll wait.

Rusty reacts like a guy who hates mushy stuff. He puts his

wallanan on so that he won't have to listen.

DELETE SCENES 83 and 84

47

INT. GRISWALD'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY 85

The window. The rain is thick; The fog thicker. A distraught Clark and Ellen stare vacantly out the window.

CLARK
It'll stop.
ELLEN
It's so typically English. Rain, slickers, fog, Harrods •••
CLARK
This is really throwing my schedule off.

Cont.

85 Cont.

ELLEN
(coy)
There is one thing that's fun to do when it rains.
CLARK
What's that? ••. oh ••• yeah •••
(he leers)

Ellen is delighted she's finally got him excited.

ELLEN
Come on over here on the bed.

Clark joins her. They start to disrobe when Clark senses something. He sits up and points to the window. The rain has stopped and the sun is starting to peek through.

CLARK
Look. The sun!

Clark gets up and starts dressing. He's all excited. Ellen is left hanging.

DELETE SCENES 86 - 88

4I

* P A G E * * D E L E T E D *

SCENES 89 - 9I - DRIVE-BYS WITH V.O.

48

EXT. WESTMINSTER ABBEY - DAY 89

RUSTY What's that old building over there Dad?

CLARK
(no idea)
That one, Russ, the one made of bricks?
AUDREY
I know, that's Westminster Abbey ••• A lot of famous statesmen and sovereigns are buried in vaults there.
RUSTY
I was asking Dad.
49

EXT. ALBERT HALL - DAY 90

ELLEN
Isn't that Albert Hall, Clark?
CLARK
Where? I didn't see him.
AUDREY
Yes it is, Mom. one of the country's most famous halls of music.
CLARK
Oh, that Albert Hall.
50

EXT. TOWER OF LONDON - DAY 9I

ELLEN
Look~ the Tower of London •••
CLARK
That's where Henry VIII beheaded one of his wives ••• I think it was Anne Bancroft.
AUDREY
Anne Boleyn, Dad.
51

EXT.TOWER BRIDGE - DAY 9I A

They drive by.

52

EXT.KINGS ROAD - DAY 9I B

They pass some people with very punk hairdos.

53

EXT.HYDE PARK - DAY 9I C

Theygo by the Speaker's Corner.

54

EXT. HOUSE OF HORRORS WAX MUSEUM - DAY 92

An establishing shot as the Griswalds ENTER FRAME and head for the entrance.

55

INT. BOUSE OF HORRORS WAX MUSEUM •· DAY 93

Clark approaches a TICKET SELLER sitting on a bench.

CLARK
Here you go.

Rusty and Audrey exchange an embarrassed look.

RUSTY
Dad. Be's made of wax.
CLARK
Of course, he's wax. It's a wax museum. I know it. I was just having fun.

Audrey and Rusty look at each other •.

CLARK (continues)
There's probably a guy inside who takes them.

NEW ANGLE 94

The Griswalds wander among the various wax exhibits. Each one portraying some te=ible crime. Rusty and Audrey are laughing and enjoying the place. They pass an exhibit depicting a man being boiled in oil.

ELLEN
Clark, I've just had the most terrible feeling that I left the bathtub water running at our house.
56

INT. HOOSE OF HORRORS WAX MUSEUM - DAY 95

A skeleton is hanging in a body sized cage. The family approaches.

CLARK
You see Audrey, that guy went on the same crazy diet you're on.

She gives him a look. They move on.

57

INT. HOUSE OF HORRORS WAX MUSEUM - DAY 96

An ELDERLY COOPLE walk through the museum and stop at a scene depicting the guillotine. There is no wax model i.'l the guillotine at the moment. The Elderly Man suddenly clutches his chest and collapses to the floor next to the guillotine. The Elderly Woman bends over and beats on his chest trying to revive him. Unable to do so, she removes a cape from one of the wax models, and covers the man to keep him warm while she i:ushes out of the scene in search of help.

NEW ANGLE
The Griswalds are now approaching the guillotine tableaux. They see the Elderly Gent on the floor.
CLARK
It must've fallen over.

Clark bends over and grabs the Elderly Man under the shoulders ~inking it's a wax dummy.

ELLEN
Oh, Clark, just leave it. Someone from the museum will fix it.

Cont.

96 Cont.

No, no, Ellen. We're American tourists. We don't want people to think we have no respect for art. (he gives a tug) Heavy son of a bitch.

Rusty notices that the guillotine is empty,

Rtl'STY It must've ~lipped out of the guillotine, Dad.

I believe you're right, Russ.

After much difficulty, Clark manages to drag the Old Man into the tableau and lay him over the guillotine so his head rests in the notch,

RUSTY
That's good enough, Dad.
CLARK
Not for a perfectionist, Russ. Bis expression isn't quite right.

Clark starts to •mold' the Old Man's face into a more agreeable expression. Finally satisfied, Clark steps back to admire his work.

CLARK
There. Much better.

The Griswalds admire Clark's work. Clark begins to check our how the guillotine works. He handles the control that releases the blade. Nothing happens. Be pulls on it; still nothing. It's stuck. In the meantime, the Elderly Lady returns with several Mtl'SEUM OFFICIALS. She points to the spot on the floor where she last left her husband. The Officials exchange a look. The Old Lady is confused. Finally she sees her husband in the Guillotine and points him out to the dismay of the Museum Officials just as Clark and the Family move off. The Woman and the Officials remcve the ma.n·from the guillotine just as the blade falls from Clark's playing with the controls. It strikes the base with a loud frightening and ominous thud.

,._

DELETE SCENES 97 - IO4

58

INT. ROYAL IMPERIAL WINDSOR ARMS HOTEL - DAY IOS

Clark and the Family drag their luggage down the stairs to the lobby, as a new GUEST checks in and goes upstairs.

CLARK
Uh, Mr. Halsey ••• we'll be checki.'lg out.
HALSEY
(rising)
Oh, yes, Mr, Greaseball. I'll tally up your bill.
ELLEN
Do you think we' 11 have enough time to see Stonehenge?
CLARK
No problem, Ellen. I've calculated the distance and driving time and, if we don't stop for lunch, we'll make the . plane to Paris in plenty of time.

AtrDREY Thank God I don't have to eat any more English food. I feel like a blimp. · Jack won 't look at me.

CLARK
Audrey, as near as I can tell, you've had approximately eighty- seven calories since we got here.

cont.

IOS Cont.

Clark is getting annoyed at Mr. Halsey who is still adding up the bill.

CLARK
I thought all I had to do was sign and the Pig In A Poke folks take care of it.
MR. HALSEY
They do, mate, but that doesn't include the phone bill.
ELLEN
Well, that can't be too much. We only made a few local calls.

Audrey starts to look scared and anxious. In the background Mr. Halsey's Mum, struggling• as she carries a steamer trunk on her back up the stairs.

MR. HALSEY
(shows the bill)
There you are ••• two hundred and. fifty-three in American dollars.
CLARK
(aghast)
TWO hun ••• two ••• doilars?! There must be some mistake. Who the hell called Chicago?
(a beat)
Audrey!!!
59

EXT. ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE - DAY I06

The yellow rental car speeds along the road.

EU....~ Audrey, your father didn't mean what he said.

Cont.

I06 Cont. AUDREY (sobbing) Yes he did.

ELLEN
No, really honey. He has nothing against Jack and he's not really going to cut off his balls, are you Clark?
(a beat)
Clark!
CLARK
(reluctantly)
Okay ••• I won't.
(to himself)
I'll just shave them this time.
60

INT. YELLOW CAR - DAY I07

ELLEN
Let's just forget it and enjoy the countryside. Isn't it beautiful?
CLARX
You know kids, this land is eons old. Isn't it cha=ing? ·

Rusty is listening to his walkman so he yells when he speaks. 1

RUSTY
It looks like Massachusetts.
CLARK
That almost stands to reason Russ. You see the English settled in Massachusettes ••• the old Pilgrims •••

He continues his dialogue on American history, confusing the family.

CLARK
••• and it all started at Plymouth Rock ••• and speaking of rocks •••

Cont.

P.o.v. SHOT - STONEHENGE IOS

BACK TO CAR INT. I09

CLARK
(v. o.)
That's Stonehenge kids,pretty fantastic isn't it?
61

EXT. STONEHENGE - DAY IIO

A LONG SHOT establishes the famous structure. The yellow car is parked near one of the supports. Clark and the' family are walking through Stonehenge, Clark shooting some video-tape. He also holds a little book which obviously he has looked at in reference to Stonehenge.

RUSTY
What is this?
CLARK
No one's really sure. Some think it's a calendar ••• or an astronomer's tool. Some say it was built by people from outer space.
RUSTY
Far out.
ELLEN
I think everyone agrees it's a time piece built by the Druids.
CLARK
Whatever it is, it's been here a long time.
AUDREY
Three thousand years before Christ.

Cont.

49 (A)

IIO Cont.

CLARX
Yes ••• and will undoubtedly be here for thousands more.
(directing)
Rusty, stand over there.

Rusty poses.

RUSTY
What should I do?
CLARK
Act like you're setting · you're watch.

Rusty does. Audrey looks at a horizontal slab.

AUDREY
This must be where· they sacrificed virgins ••• God I miss Jack. ·

Ellen goes to c.lark.

ELLEN
Clark, according to Stonehenge time, we have to hurry. We've got a flight to Paris.
CLARK
No problem hon ••• Russ, let's go.
RUSTY
(playing with his watch)
Wait, I got to get the date.

so

IIO Cont.I

Everyone piles back in the car. Clark starts it up.

CLARK
Take a last look kids, at one of man's curious creations ••• built to stand the test of time and the elements ••• war ••• climate ••• you name it. A monument to the power and majesty of history: a thing of glory for a million future generations to see.
62

EXT. STONEHENGE - DAY III

Clark backs the yellow car up.

SHOT II2

The back bumper barely nicks one of the stone columns.

BACK TO SHOT II3

The yellow car pulls away and drives off. Th~ bump causes the column to start to totter, then it falls onto the next column, creating a domino effect until the entire Stonehenge is laying in a•pile of rubble and dust.

63

EXT. PARIS SKIES - DAY II3A

( \. STOCK SHOT OF PARIS FROM THE SKY

CLARK
(V. o.)
There she is. Paris, France, "Gay Paree" The city of lights, the birthplace of the croissant and pasturized milk.
ELLEN
(v. o. J Oh Clark, it's so beautiful.
64

EXT. CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT - DAY II4

STOCK SHOT OF PLANE landin~.

DELETE SCENE IIS

65

EXT. SIENE RIVER - DAY II6

OVERHEAD SHOT follows the Griswalds now driving a blue rental car crossing a bridge.

Cont.

SI
II6 Cont.
CLARK
That's the famous Siene River ••• We're on the Right Banlt and gue-s what's across the way.
RUSTY
(V .O.)
The Bank of America?
66

EXT. PLAZA WITH FOUNTAIN IN PARIS - DAY II7

The blue car is parked nearby. Clark is posing the family at the base of the fountain, taking -ictures again with the video camera. A small CROWD is watching the production. Ellen, Rusty and Audrey are embarrassed by Clark's insistence on posing them.

CLARK
All right, everyone get closer to the fountain.
AUDREY
I'll get all wet.
CLARK
C'mon, it'll be a great shot ••• something you'll always remember.
RUSTY
Yeah ••• the Griswalds in front of a fountain. Major entertainment.
CLARK
Ellen, move in a little closer.

Cont.

117 Cont.

ELLEN
Let me take one of you and the kids Clark. You're not in any of th em.'
CLARK
Wait, I have a better idea. Clark finds a well-dressed, middle-aged MAN in the crowd who has been watching. Clark consults with his language translator.
CLARK
(in bad French)
Uh, monsieur ••• would you please take our picture.
MAN
Jene comprends pas. Repetez, s'il vous plait.

Clark this time accompanies his request with gestures showing the Man how to use the camera. The Man nods in understanding and takes the video camera from Clark, who now joins the Family in front of the fountain. The Man with the camera gestures for Clark and the Family to remove their shoes and stand in the water. Clark thinks it's a great idea and convinces the rest. They reluctantly remove their shoes and step into the fountain, Clark and Rusty rolling up their pants to their knees. The Man with the camera nods his approval, then grabs all their shces and takes off down the street with the camera. Clark is in no position to give chase. Ellen, Rusty and Audrey stand open mouthed.

ELLEN
Clark, there wasn't anything on that tape that shouldn't be, was there?

She does. a brief pantomime of her towel and shower bit to get her point across.

CLARK
(obviously lying)
No ••• uh uh ••• of course not •••
ELLEN
You did erase it?
CLARK
(lying)
Sure ••• uh huh •.• of course •••

...

67

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY IIS

At the front desk an affectionate, YOUNG, AMERICAN COUPLE is checking in.

MR. GARLAND
We have a reservation for the honey- moon suite ••• Mr. and "Mrs." Garland.

They smile at each other and start to make out as the DESK CLERK looks for t_heir reservation.

The Griswalds enter, schlepping their own luggage. Ellen notices the couple.

ELLEN
Look Clark, isn't that sweet? I'll bet they're honeymooners.
CLARK
Either that or they're siamese twins.
AUDREY
That's how Jack kisses.
RUSTY
(bored)
Jack, Jack, Jack •••

The Garlands glance over at the Griswald~.

ELLEN
Hi.
GARLANDS
Hello.
MRS. GARLAND
Are you guys from America?
ELLEN
Chicago.
MR. GARLAND
We're from Akron.
CLARK
We're the Griswalds. I'm Clark, this is my wife, Ellen, and -our children, Rusty and Audrey.

Rusty and Audrey look disgusted at being called "children". Rusty makes a negative snorting sound.

ELLEN
Rusty!

Cont.

· The Garlands start to make out again. Pg. 54 DESK CLERK Mr. Garland. II8 Cont. No reply from lovers. DESK CLERK Mr. Garland! They break for a moment. DESK CLERK You're in room four eighteen, and please hurry.

The Garlands take their key and rush to.the elevator.

ELLEN
I guess it's true that "Paris is for lovers• •
AUDREY
Yeah, but it's hollow and empty when you're torn away from your lover. Rusty sticks his finger down his throat.
DESK CLERK (to Clark)
May I help you?

Bonjour.

He consults his pocket computer. He speaks with an American accent.

CLARK
Nous sommes Les Griswalds et nous avons un reservation ••• Grand Prix de "Pig In A Poke." I

Clark and the kids make their "Pig" faces and "oink, Oink". In the b.g. the Garlands cannot wait another moment for the elevator so they run up the stairs. '

DESK CLERK
May I see your passports?

Clark gives him the passports. C.C. PASSPORTS - Clark looks unintelligent, Ellen looks slutty, Audrey looks heavy, and Rusty looks like he's on heroin. The Desk Clerk looks at the pictures and starts chuckling to himself. Eventually, he can't help himself and he laughs out loud. He shows the pictures to ANOTHER CLER.TC and they talk about them in French. In their excitement to share the joke, they also show the passports to the CASHIER, and some PEOPLE IN THE ,LOBBY. Everyone has a good laugh at.the Griswald's expense.

CLARK
Can we have a bellhop please?
DESK CLERK
Certainly.
(he rings)
Bellhop!

nrr. PARIS HOTEL ROOM - DAY II9

The Bellhop opens the door and enters the room. The Griswalds follow, carrying all their luggage. The Bellhop points.

BELLHOP
(French accent)
Right over there is fine.

They put down the luggage. The Bellhop holds out his hand for a tip.

ELLEN
Clark, I think he wants a tip.

Clark hands the Bellhop a franc. The Bellhop gives him a look of disdain and leaves.

II9 Cont.

It's another room the size of a closet. Clark eyes the bed.

CLARK
Tell the truth hon, c'est ~a<j?lifique, n'est pas?

He opens the curtains to see Paris. His P.O.V. of a very close, ugly building.

CLA.~ It's quaint. Isn't it? Europe is quaint.

ELEEN
I'm going to check on the kids.

She EXITS the room. Clark removes his shoes and gives the bed a light tap. He leaps onto the bed, expecting to sink into tl:!e same sort of soft mattress he experienced in London. No such luck. The mattress doesn't give an inch as Clark lands with a dull thud and then rolls off thebed in pain. Ellen returns with Rusty. They do not see Clark because he's lying on the floor on the far side of the bed.

RUSTY
Where's Dad?

The Family cross the room to where Clark is still lying on the on the floor.

CLARK
(on floor)
Everybody ready? We've got a schedule to keep to. Show some spirit. Travel is educational ••• Life is great and we're the Griswalds.
(a cheer)
Who are we?!
RUSTY AND AODREY
(unenthusiastic)
We're the Griswalds.

Cont.

II9 Cont.I CLARK Louder! Who are we?

Clark remains on the floor.

RUSTY AND AUDREY
(still unenthusiastic)
The Griswalds.
CLARK
Do I detect a note of unhappiness?

·RUSTY Yeah, Paris sucks. They steal your cam.er a..c; •••

AUDREY
And everyone is so rude.
RUSTY
Parisians must be the New Yorkers of Europe.
CLARK
We're visitors here; We shouldn't expect these people to amuse us. This isn't Wallyworld, This is a country and we're American Ambassadors. And if we want to be accepted here, we hav, to try to fit in ••• speak the language ••• dress like French people •••
(a beat)
Which is why I got us •all berets!
(another beat)
Somebody mind helping me up?,

Rusty does. Clark opens a suitcase and pulls out four berets.

RUSTY
Aw, geez, Dad, give us a break.
CLARK
We don't want to look like tourists. All French people wear berets. It's the national hat.

Clark pulls his on. His name is stitched across the front of the beret. So are the rest of the Family's names on theirs.

Cont.

II9 Cont.2

RUSTY
I'm not wearing it, it'll look dumb. No girl will talk to me.

Audrey tries her's on and sees that she looks good in it.

CLARK
Let's vote on it.
AUDREY
Why not? I vote for berets.
CLARK
Me, too. Ellen?°

Ellen knows how much this will mean to Clark. She picks up the beret with her name on it and puts it on. She then picks up Rusty's beret and puts it on his head, pulling _it down over his eyes, affectionately.

68

EXT. SIDEWALK CAFE NEAR THE EIFFEL TOWER - DAY I20

A typical outdoor cafe; small tables, rude waiters. CAMERA FINDS the Griswalds crowded around a table suitable for one small perspn. They are all wearing the berets with their names· sewn across the front. Rusty is embarrassed.

CLARK
France is -world famous for it's cuisine, so I imagine anything on the menu will be great.
AUDREY
Daddy, how do you say "hold the dressing, hold the oil, and hold the sauce", in French?
ELLEN
I don't think you have to worry about your weight, Audrey.

A WAITER passes by in the b.g. bringing a bottle of wine to a table with a COUPLE and their TEN-YEAR-OLD-SON.

Cont.

AUDREY
But Jack hates fat women. 59 I20 Cont.
CLARK
Audrey, you're just this side of anorexia. Have something.
AUDREY
Okay ••• lettuce ••• no dressing.
CLARK
Ellen, your daughter eats like a rabbit •••
RUSTY
That's not all she does like a rabbit! !

Clark and Ellen exchange a •look" •

CLARK
Russ, what do you want to drink?
RUSTY
I'll have what that kid is having.

Clark and Ellen look at what Rusty is referring to, the Young Boy drinking wine at his table.

ELLEN
Be's drinking wine, Clark.
CLARK
It's all right, hon. It's perfectly acceptable here. Kids drink it in the cradle.
(to Waiter)
Garcon!

The Waiter comes over to the table. Clark fiddles with his pocket translator.

CLARK
I'm going to order in French kids. Listen carefully.

Clark and the Waiter's French is translated in SUBTITLES. Clark's accent leaves much to be desired.

Cont.

120 Cont,l CLARK (We would like to order lunch,)

The Waiter makes a face at Clark's attempt at French,

WAITER
(You obviously had a lousy teacher because you have no understanding of the French Language,).

(The kids will have hamburgers and fries.)

WAITER
(Interesting accent - Chicago? Maybe Cleveland, CLARK (Coca Cola for the young ~eo~le)
WAITER
(Two American champagne)
CLARK
(Your best .house wine,)
WAITER
(I'll bring you some dishwater. You won't know the 'difference,)
CLARK
'(My wife would like the cheese scuffle, and I will have the veal,)
WAITER
(Your wife has big, wonderful breasts.)
CLARK
(Some Brie.)
WAITER Your daughter has a nice little ass, too,
CLARK
(Thank you,)
WAITER
(Fuck you.)

The Waiter walks away. Clark is unaware of what's been said to him.

'- CLARK Nice guy, huh? You see, kids, people appreciate tourists making an effort to speak their language.

6I

69

INT. CAFE KITCHEN - DAY I2I

The Waiter enters the kitchen. THREE CHEFS are at work preparing the "haute cuisine• from frozen dinners cooked in microwave ovens. The Waiter yells out his order in French. A chef prepares a plate, emptying a frozen dinner from it's tray and sticking a paper French flag in it.

DISSOLVE TO:
70

EXT. CAFE - LATER I22

The food and wine have been served and Clark is relaxing with a glass of wine. He has his eye on the Young Boy at the other table with his parents. The Young Eoy pickz u~ his glass of wine and drains it. Clark gives him a look, then drains his glass. The Young Boy fills his glass again and drains it. Clark does the same.

NEW ANGLE I23 The Boy, looking at Clark, once more fills his glass and drinks it in one gulp. Clark, not to be out-done, does the same. Rusty notices the Two girls with.the dog about to go up the Eiffel Tower. The Grandmother has swept the dog up and is carrying him. He snaps and growls at people as they leave.

CLARK
Some meal huh, kids? You can't get that in America. RUSTY . Lets go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. CLARK (drunk) Great idea, Russ. Where is it?
RUSTY I
It's right in front of you, Dad?

Clark looks up at the tOP, of the Tower. He grows pale.

71

EXT. EIFFEL TOWER BASE - DAY I24

The Symbol of France rises above the city. We see Cla~k's P.o.v. (after his wine contest with the Young Boy) of the Eiffel Tower. It's wobbly and curvy and then there are two of them.

CLARK (slurred)
There they are kids, the Eiffel Towers ••• nine hundred and twenty-one feet of historic landmarks.

TWO CUTE FRENCH GIRLS are nearby. They are with a fat, vicious looking old lady, obviously their Grandmother and a dog just as ugly and vicious. The girls are throwing a frisbee and urging the little dog to go after it but he won't budge. Instead he sits and snarls and yaps. The Girls occasionally look at Rusty in a flirty way. Rusty gives them his coolest smile, forgetting the "Rusty• beret on his head.

RUSTY
Lets go up, Dad.

The Griswalds join the other tourists.

DELETE SCENES I25 - I27 Inc.

72

EXT. EIFFEL TOWER OBSERVATION DECX - DAY I28

Ellen and Audrey get off the elevator and rush to the railing. Rusty is more casual, the better to impress the young girls. Clark walks out, still tipsy. He turns and faces the tower instead of the view.

ELLEN
Look at Paris. It's magnificent
AUDREY
I can see everything.

Ellen turns from the railing.

, ELLEN

( Clark?

NEW ANGLE I29

Clark is holding onto the framework for dear life, edging slowly on rubbery legs to the railing. Still woozy, he's facing away from the city view.

CLARX
I'm okay ••• no problem. This is fabulous. I've never been more thrilled.

Clark reaches the railing, grips tight and pulls himself up. His back is still to the citv.

ELLE?. Clark, what are you looking at?

CLARK
I'm looking at the Eiffel Tower. We came here to see the·Eiffel Tower ••• I'm looking at the Eiffel Tower.
AUDREY
Dad, you're missing the view. You can see the whole city if you turn around.

Clark slowly turns until he is facing the view out towards the city. He smiles.

Cont.

I29 Cont.

AUDREY
Isn't it fabulous?
CLARK
(still woozy, shakes his head to clear it)
Oh yeah! The best ••• don't you agree Russ·

NEW ANGLE I29 A

Russ has folloued the ::>pwager and the TEENAGE Girls to another -~art of the Tower.

As_"Last Tango In Paris" music plays,

Rusty leans on the railing and looks at the girls cooly.

The Girls look at him and smile.

The dog looks at him and growls.

Rusty smiles at the girls 'and raises his eyebrows questionably.

One Girl winks at Rusty, then they both look at each other and giggle.

The dog barks. One of the girls tries to quiet him, but he tries -to bite her. The Dowager tries to calm him, but he is even nasty to her.

The Girl looks back at Rusty and suppresses a laugh.

He smiles cockily and tries to brush his hair back with his hand. He ~ecomes sick with embarrassment as he feels the beret on his head and remembers, all too clearly, that it says "Rusty• on it.

The Girls wh~sper and burst out laughing together.

The dog yaps annoyingly.

Clark sees by the look on Rusty's face that all is not well with him. Clark puts an a= around Rusty's shoulder.

CLARK
Is something bothering you Rusty? Cont.

I29 A Cont.

Rusty indicates the two cute French Girls standing nearby. The dog is in the old lady's arms still nipping and barking at everyone. The girls are still giggling at the embarrassed Rusty.

RUSTY

73

YES ••• TR.IS STUPID HAT YOU

mad me wear is making me look like an idiot.

Clark immediately sympathizes with Rusty.

CLARK
Fine ••• you don't like the beret?

Clark plucks it off Rusty's head and sails it ove~ the railing like a frisbee.

NEW ANGLE I30

i

The dog leaps out of the woman's arms over the railing after the beret. CUT TO shocked reactions on everyone's faces. The Old Lady faints.

BACK UP SHOT I30 A Some people are picnicing near a lake. The dog plummets through the air and lands in the water. He swims to shore and runs'away, still clutching the "Rusty" beret between his teeth.

74

INT. PARIS HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT I3I

Ellen, in a bathrobe, stands in front of a mirror and shyly sneaks looks at what she's got on underneath. Clark yells from the shower. 1

CLARK
I'm feeling alot better hon. Did you and Audrey have fun shopping?
ELLEN
Yes, and wait'll you see what I bought.

Cont.

NEW ANGLE I32 ·Clark comes out in a bathrobe.

ELLEN
O,K. now, I only got this cause it's one of a kind and .:the saleslady says no one else makes it and even though I know it's silly, it's just that, I mean •••

She opens her robe revealing very sexy lingerie.

ELLEN
An!,way, I bought it for you.
CLARK
, (chuckles) I don't think I'd like the kids to see me in any of that, Ellen. We have to set an example.
ELLEN
Honey, it's our first night in Paris ••• Can't we do something special?
CLARK
We are. We're going out tonight without the kids.
ELLEN
Just the two of us ••• alone?
CLARK
That's right, so hurry up and get dressed or we'll be late.
ELLEN
Clark ••• why don't we just stay iln? We could order some champagne and get sloppy together.

She kisses his neck.

CLARK
Oh no, Ellen. I promised you a night out, and you're going to get it. We're going to a place that offers an insight into the French culture. You'll love it!
DELETE SCENE I32A
DELETE I33 - I34
75

INT. FRENCH NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT I35

A big, raucous nightclub along the lines of a Follies or Le Crazy Horse. There is a floor show going on featuring a line of half-naked women al_l dressed in articles exactly like the lingerie Ellen was trying to turn Clark on with. Clark is enjoying the show, clapping enthusiastically. Ellen throws him angry looks, fuming. She glances at her watch impatiently.

ELLEN
Clark •••

The girls complete their number with a flourish. Clark explodes with applause.

CLARK
Bravo. Encore en fois!
ELLEN
(embarrassed)
Clark, sit down!

He sits. As time marches on, Clark relishes and Ellen suffers through a "Women Behind Bars" number.

CLARK
I wonder what time the next show starts. (he reads program) Les Erotic Aerobics ••• hmmm •••

The girls trot.,out again in topless gym outfits and do sexual aerobics.

CLARK
(enjoying the girls)
How do you like that Ellen? The?'ve been doing this in Paris for eons, years, well, they do it here every night. Ellen gathers her things and gets up.
ELLEN
I don't know about you, but I've had enough French "culture" for one night.

He finally notices she's angry.

CLARK
Oh, sure honey .•• Garcon, L'addition s'il vous plait.

Cont.

I35 Cont. As Ellen puts on her wrap she notices something and stops dead in her tracks.

ELLEN
Clark, look!

Clark looks. From his P.O.V. we see a sexy hooker at a table.

CLARK
She's O.K •••• probably a hooker.
ELLEN
Clark! Look who she's with!

Clark's P.o.v. pans over to reveal Rusty. Clark's face changes from the sophisticated French culture buff to the puritanical American Father. He marches over to Rusty's table. Rusty is lighting two cigarettes at once. His Bic lighter flame is too big and he adjusts it as he chuckles.

RUSTY
No Pl:Oblem.

He hands the cigarette to the Hooker, and is about to propose a toast when the heavy hand of his Father .lands on his shoulder. A tipsy Rusty looks up, still in character.

RUSTY
Oink, oink, my good man.

Th~n suddenly and horribly, Rusty realizes that he is in deep shit. The cigarette falls from his lip.

76

INT. LOBBY - HOTEL - NIGHT I36

The-Griswalds walk through to the elevator.

CLARK
How did you get in there?
RUSTY
I paid and I got in.
ELLEN
Where did you get the money?

Cont.

I36 Cont.

CLARK
I'm surprised at you.
ROSTY
I'm surprised at you.
ELLEN
Don't talk back to your Father.
CLARX
Who was that cheap slut?
ROSTY
Don't call Cherie a slut.
CLARK
What gave you the idea to go to a place like that?

· ROSTY Same thing that gave you the same idea.

CLARK
Rusty, I must say I'm disappointed in you.
ROSTY
Hey, who keeps saying,! "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"?
CLARK
That's Rome. This is Paris.
ELLEN
I've never been so humiliated in my life.
ROSTY
Yeah, like it was the high point of my life to see you two st~ding there.
77

INT. ROSTY ANO AODREY'S HOTEL ROOM. I37

They enter the room and Rusty puts awayhis key. CLARK You still didn't say whereyou got the money, Rusty squirms. ROSTY I sold my electric train set.

Cont.

This sets Clark off. He grabs him by the collar.

I37 Cont. CLARK You sold your electric train set to get a hooker!

ELLEN
Clark, let go of him.
CLARK
Those were classic miniature trains.
RUSTY
They were mine, I could do what I want with them.

Obviously Clark liked them.,

CLARK
What about the station house and the little drawbridge?
ELLEN
Rusty, where's your sister?
RUSTY
How should I know
CLARK
You didn't sell the little man with the lantern?
ELLEN
Audrey!

Clark sits on the bed on a letter

CLARK
What's this? (He picks it up)
(reading)
"Dear Mommy & Daddy, I don't suppose anyone cares but I guess it's my duty to tell you that I've left. There is just so much pain and heartbreak a person can stand before they totally flip out. I have reached such a point, and I must return to Jack. My love for him is stronger than all the prizes in all the game shows in the universe·. I knew that he needs me. I can feel his agony across the ocean. So goodbye.

Your daughter, Audrey Griswald."

Cont.

ELLEN I37 Cont.I Clark, she doesn't know Paris. We.'ve got to find her.

CLARK
She'll be back. How far can she get with a guitar and a couple of.Francs.
ELLEN
(looks through his Pig In A Poke bag)
Clark, she also took her passport and plane ticket.
CLARK
Damn it.
ELLEN
Don't panic. You go to the airport and I'll wait here in case she comes back. Call me if you don't see her.
O.K.
He rushes out.
78

INT. AIRPORT. NEAR .BAGGAGE AREA I38

Audrey is shlepping her belongings through the airport. She is trying to figure out signs in French and getting scared and frustrated. Then she looks at one of her 'Jack' pictures.

AUDREY
Don't worry Jack, I'm coming home to you.
79

EXT. AIRPORT - NIGHT (SECOND UNIT) I39

Clark's car drives up to Air France (or whatever) he (double) sets out and runs in.

80

INT. AIRPORT. BAGGAGE AREA I40

Audrey looks at her ticket and looks around.

AUDREY
This isn't right •••

She starts to leave. Clark spots her and runs over.

CLARK
Audrey, I've been looking all over for you.
AUDREY
Stay away, Daddy.

Cont.

7I I40 Cont.

CLARK
What are you doing in the baggage area?
AUDREY
I'm going home ••• as soon as I find the ticket place. And don ' t try to drag me back, cause I'll only escape again.
CLARK
Escape? Audrey, we're on vacation.
AUDREY
Sure, for you it's a vacation. For me it's a prison sentence.
CLARK
Prison sentence! I had no idea you felt that way.
AUDREY
You never kno~ how anyone feels. All you know about are your stupid plans and schedules. For all you care, I could die of a broken heart.
CLARK
Audrey honey, I'm sorry. But believe me, you won't die of a broken heart. Come over here for a second.

C

He sits on the baggage carousel (which is still). She puts her bags and guitar down on it and stand:: next to him.

CLARK
I guess I didn't realise how strongly you felt about Jack. But if you two are really in love, you'll have your whole lives to be together. Try to understand my side of this .••

Cont.

CLARK
You see Audrey, this is my 72 last chance to go away with you I40 Cont.I and ~sty. Soon you'l! start co!lege, go away, get married.

The carousel slowly starts to move. Clark is looking down and doesn't notice. He has moved away from her and is essentially talking to himself. She watches him and the absurdity of his situation and his sincerity touches her. She smiles.

CLARK
And I really want to be able to spend more time with you before that happens. Besides, a trip through Eu.rope is a very expensive thing. Who knows when you 'and Jack will be able to afford it. So even though it doesn't seem like it now, I know that you'll be glad you came. Trust me on this Audrey, I'm you.r Father and I love you.

As he sa:.,..; "I love you" he. looks upand sees a bun looking at him. He's embarrassed. He quickly hops off the carousel.

CLARK
Audrey!
AUDREY
Over here, Daddy. He hops off.
AUDREY
Come on, Dad, lets go back.

He helps her carry ~er bags out.

CLARK
Maybe we can work out this phone thing. Say, once a week for two minutes if you promise no more escapes.
AUDREY
Make it five minutes and you got yourself a deal.

They leave. As they exit, we hear Clark say

CLARK
Three.

2.7 .9. 84- MONTAGE SEQOENCE n I4r As. a: great new SONG plays we SEE •.••

EX'l'. NOTI!E DAME DAI I42

The Griswalds rush. oat of their r.ented car and pose for

·· ·· ·· ..·;·k~!i~~i~5i:~.,s: ,;,:;~;;:.:,~;;_;~~ · ·-,-:;They•,h=r.f :to·'.,a:_:·spot..where ..Ciark .takes ·another p.iature. > ·.. ~·.,,;;;.;:;.

'?~~;r~;~i~;~~~~~1~f~1~~~-~;~{:~~~;.._~;~:c·;:,~;~::~·~:~:~::·::.. ;.' ·,:::~;,~~~; t~'t!.~\~t:';::ii} ·:"•.,t.En':.. ~.DE' LA.CONCORDE' - DAY-·:,·:-..:·,.•.,:.,:; ,..,_ --:;'"'.'";~'- :I:44· : ..... cc_-;-~:!:. -~!.: _.. :. ..::. ~ · - ~~~:;?;!:~-: ~~i--( ~-:~.:-~~5-;~,-~f~_':q~~·-#~\~·::7~7.u.~~~<--.; -~- :~-~i:/. · i<;~_-·?~::-z:·-~;:£t~-..:·:'-r;~~:!~>!~~;- ••' · ... ·..;•,.:·.:·._:-..,As.'.the- Family poses. iti'_front of ·a £ountain, the. Temp1e ·. ~~:;.:/JF· ,,-_;,· · · .. :· ~ _~,~Made.l.aine.. an Odelesque,· anothel:. fountain with- the-. Eif£d :,.' >·:;.'Ji!

I · ,;•' .. ·,~•.Tower behind it.:anci a. gold .fence··.nth a· Ge"da:crne ·in front,-.:-·:::i-'.½' ·· -.- · --._. ...... -. · · - · · - · - ""~ rd ~,.:,:->''-· i•':weuiotice·.that- their: poltinc;r be=es- less. inspued and. they: · ~:/:~~-~

,:-?1~1ftlfl~!!if~;~:1~~lfg74\ll _(·· .. .: .,, .: ·."·,,,·~poses with:a,_naked.. lady statuer but: ~en:,_ and Audrey_ ,,., ~·"-'·

:fftirfil&r~t&l~J~if~l.rt •.-,':'.,:c;::-;-.·:0j'", \,Jt.'.\TT:!'!??'.)'iq::tas_ her:)1:igh; h~ ~ h~ f;!et- are 1i:fit1ng:- hi=-.... :~;'.!~μ.,,

~~~,~JRf«~S~~i~:Q~~~?~~~1~. ~., ..· · ,,...:;:-,:-::. -:~".Clark:;cuns. up.' ana:·.sets·:his. shot;:.'waving them over. •.ltudrey;:· ·:,;,:"_.::;·~ · .¥.:,-_.:,~: ....~~,.\;-•:§'~~"'Rlisty.·· an:&-E::μen. drag. ·thems,.l.ves over like the ·walla.ng: dead~-~"i;;f::;'.·

,,..•.;.;;-·· ·::":~...,~-::,c;:c:t~~-'<"'',....,. ·-·-·~- .....-t•, ~- =k· r_.........,,,. ...,...,..en ...,~·-.,..--...u.. th.e · ~a.--.r.·~- ~.... .-.~-~~ -ont cf the... :•-ld,....,..., 1·p·,_._ · .. :·:-;;;,,;..... , __ . ,_ • :~~~ ,:,:;_:,·~i':i~~;~~~-foremost museitm~ ·: ClaJ:k· u:. a.:.brmdle of energy&. Ellen and· ~~·.:: '·

;;_~t ··,·1t7tt -..;__.;--?=1:

_,

MONTAGE SEQUENCE 73 I4I As a great new SONG plays we SEE •••

81

EXT. NOTRE DAME - DAY I42

The Griswalds rush out of their rented car and pose for Clark to take a !'Olaroid picture.

82

EXT. ARC DE TRIOMPHE - DAY I43

They hurry to a spot where Clark takes another picture.

83

EXT. PLACE OE LA CONCORDE - DAY I44

As the Family poses in front of a fountain, the Temple Madelaine an Odelesque, another fountain with the Eiffel Tower behind it and a gold fence with a Genda=e in front, we notice that their posing becomes less inspired and they are not as enthusiastic.

84

EXT. TROCADERO - DAY I44A

• Rusty poses with a naked lady statue, but Ellen and Audrey sit it out.

85

EXT. METRO ENTRANCE - DAY I44B

Clark is still energetic but the family is definitely tired.

Ellen holds her high heels and her feet are killing her.

86

EXT. POMPIDEAU CENTER - DAY I44C

C

Clark runs up and sets his shot, waving them over. Audrey, Rusty and Ellen drag themselves over like the walking dearl.

87

EXT. LOUVRE - DAY I45

Clark, Ellen and the Kids are in front of the world's foremost museum. Clark is a bundle of energy, Ellen and the kids are dragging.

Cont.

I45 Cont.

ELLEN
Clark, can I ask you a favor? Could we slow down a little?
CLARK
I'm afraid not, hon, we have a hundred thousand works of art to see in fifteen minutes.

Clark takes off in a rush for the entrance. The Family exchange weary looks.

88

INT. LOOVRE - DAY I46

In a STOP-MOTION SEQUENCE we will see the Griswalds tour the Louvre. As our foursome continues we CUT to pictures on the wall which start to bombard them until we only see very QOICX CUTS of pictures.

NEW ANGLE I47

Clark hurries down a seemingly endless gallery. The Family struggles to keep up with him. He comments at high speed.

89

CLARK

Fabulous, incredible, beautiful pallette, fantastic brushstrokes, vibrant colors, stupendous lighting.

90

INT. HOTEL DINING ROOM - DAY I48

The Garlands are trying to eat breakfast while holding hands and kissing. ·

The Griswalds limp into the dining room and sit. Audrey is missing.

CLARK
I'm mighty proud of you guys. We can leave Paris now knowing that we saw atisolutely everything. We' re right on schedule again!
ELLEN
But Clark, we're exhausted. I can hardly walk.
CLARK
Well we'll have a nice relaxing time with my relatives in Germany.
(see the Garlands)
Hey, fellow Americans! How are you two enjoying Paris?
THE GARLANDS
Great! Love it!
CLARK
Have you see the Louvre yet?
MR. GARLAND
No, not yet •••

ELLEN

\

The Left Ejank is charming.

MRS. GARU.ND
Yeah, we plan to go there.
CLARK
Have you been up the Eiffel Tower?
MR. GARLAND
It's on our list.
CLARK
Well, have fun.

He turns back to his family.

Cont.

CLARK I48 Cont. Boy, what a waste. We've seen ten times as much as they have.

Ellen raises an eyebrow.

The Garlands are into some heavy making out. A WAITER comes over to the Griswalds.

CLARK
Two coffees, a basket of croissa.~ts, and three orange juices.

Audrey comes over and sits down.

CLARK
What do you want for breakfast, Audrey?
AUDREY
I'm not hungry.

The Waiter leaves. Audrey opens a letter.

RUSTY
Hey, lookit the Garlands! He's got his hand on her tits right at the table.
ELLEN
Stop staring Rusty.
CLARK
In Europe they have different standards on public affection.
RUSTY
Yeah, but they're from Akron.

Audrey reads her letter. We HEAR Jack's voice over.

JACK'S VOICE
Dear Audrey, I've missed the shit out of you. You've only been gone two days, but it feels l.ike a semester. Luckily Debbie came by to cheer me up and we went to a movie ••• a real weird one. I could hardly keep Debbie off my lap she was so scared.

Cont.

I48 Cont. AUDREY THAT BITCH!

NEW ANGLE I49

Audrey's outburst draws looks from everyone in the room.

ELLEN
Something the matter Audrey?
AUDREY
Huh? Oh, no •••

She continues reading.

JACK I S VOICE
What I wanted to say, Audrey was that since you're going to be gone for a while I think we should re- examine our relationship.

Audrey looks suspicious.

JACK'S VOICE
Is it strong enough for us to consider seeing other people? I think it is •••
AUDREY.
Could you pass the croissants please? And the butter and the jelly.

Clark and Ellen exchange a look.

CLARK
Hell I'm glad to see you got your appetite back.
AUDREY
Sure, who've I got to be thin for?

In the b.g. the Garlands have disappeared under the table.

RUSTY
Hey, I think the Gar lands are making it over there!

Audrey bursts into tears and ieaves the room.

RUSTY
What'd I say?

DELETE SCENES ISO -ISS inc. 78

91

EXT. FRENCH COONTRYSIOE - OAY IS6

Out in Wine Country; huge expanses of grape fields and stately mansions. The blue rental car with the Griswalds ba=els along.

RUSTY
How far is it to Germany, Oad?
CLARK
It's ISO kilometers ••• that's about a thousand acres to you Russ. We should be crossing the border any time now.
AUDREY
I'm starting to get nauseous.
ELLEN
(Mother like)
Geer I wonder why? Maybe it was the pate de foie gras ••• or the smoked trout ••• or the three scuffles you inhaled at lunch.

Audrey nods weakly.

92

EXT. SMALL TOWN STREET - OAY IS7

The car drives past a sign that says "BATTENBERG" and enters a quaint village.

DELETE SCENES ISB - I69 inc.

Pg. 78 (Al

93

EXT. SMALL GERMAN VILLAGE - DAY I7O

The car travels down the streets.

94

INT. CA.~ - DAY I7I

CLARK
What's the address we're looking for?
ELLEN
Number Si¥, Dipplestrasse.
95

EXT. STREET SIGN - DAY I72

It reads: DIPPLESTRASSE

BACK TO SHOT I73

CLARK
Russ, what's GeII11an for six?
RUSTY
Sechs.
CLARK
Don't be a smart ass.
AUDREY
Sechs, Daddy. s ... E ••• c ... H••• s.
CLARK
I knew that. Just testing you kids.

•s- .,. ___ - , __ ··- ·····~-- -- -------~-- -~- ,.,. -~- ____ ,, ___ "'"

* ~AGES 79 - 83 INCLUSIVE DELETED *

(

NEW ANGLE 17 4

They continue down the street. Some of the homes have 111mbars. Others are unmarked. Clark stops in front of a small house and gets out of the car. The Family also get out and follow him to the front door.

96

INT. HOOSE - SAY 175

The door chimes sound and a hefty GERMAN COOPLE cross to the front door and open it. Clark is standing on their doorstep.

CLARK
Guten evening, folks, my family and I are looking for sechs.

CLOSE OP ON COOPLE 176

They look at each other with alarm. ~hey slam the door in Clark's face.

NEW ANGLE 177

CLARK
Not a very friendly place, i3 ±t?
ROSTY
There it is, Dad! Number six.

They all cross to thehouse next door. The Number Six is on the side of thedoor.,ay. V,ines are growing around the doorway as well. Clark gets a smile,

CLARK
You're right, Russ.

He knocks on the door.

97

INT. TH£ SPRITZ' HOOSE - DAY 178

A Couple in their 60's, JOACHIM and HELGA SPRITZ waddle to the front door. Joachim pulls open the heaven wooden door and sees the Griswalds on the porch.

CLARK
Guten &bend!

Helga and Joachim look at each other with bewilderment,

RUSTY
AUDREY Hello.

Cont,

I78 Cont. Clark enters and slaps Joachim on the back.

CLARK
Here we are, your cousins from America. I'm Clark and this is Ellen. Our boy Rusty and our daughter Audrey. We want to thank you for the invitation.
ELLEN
It was so nice of you to write and ask us to stay.
CLARK
So, how the hell are you? Lon~ time, never seen.

He chuckles at his own joke.

\

98

EXT.I SPRITZ HOOSE - DAY I79

As the door closes, a vine falls down, revealing a •ene• in front of the •six".

99

INT. SPRITZ HOOSE - DAY .ISO

~e Spritzs' talk amongst themselves in German, trying to find the icgical solution to who these people are.

Cont.

ISO Cont.

CLARK
What a nice place • Isn ! t .it nice hon?

EU.:.:.""N Just like in Grandma's pictures. It's so quaint.

ACJDREY
Yeah, maximum quaintness.
ELLEN
Let me give you a hand in the k.itchen.

,- \

CLARK
C'mon kids, let's all chip in. We don't want to be rude.
100

INT. SPRITZ DINING ROOM - NIGHT ISI

Everyone is eating dinner. Joach.im and Helga are speaking in German, each accusing the other of being connected to the Griswalds. Clark and Ellen are showing Joach.im snapshots. Audrey is confiding in Helga, and Rusty eats and listens to his walkman, every now and then singing out a phrase from a song.

CLARK
••• and this is your cousin.Al •••

Joachim looks at it blankly. He picks up his pipe and Rusty lights it for h.im.

CLARK
••• he's a big shot lawyer, they'll probably get him on tax evasion.

Cont.

86 CA) I8I Cont

ELLEN
And here's cousin Matty's wedding.
CLARK
And there's his new baby ••• Say, do you believe that cock and bull story of being premature? •

Joachim shrugs with confusion. Uark translates this as agreement.

CLARK
Yeah, that's what I say.

ANGLE ON ACDREY AND HELGA

ACDREY
••• I mean, when me and Jack got . together, we had both, like, been seeing other people, but that was different cause, like, Debbie's my best friend and all, don't you think?

Helga shakes her head w:i,th bafflement.

I

ACDREY
God, it's so great to be able to talk to someone about it. I mean, my parents mean well and all, but when I tell them stuff, they just don't seem to know what I '.m talking about.

·c~ Audrey, what are you talking about?

101

INT. SPRITZS' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT IBI A

Elelga puts ablanket and pillow on the couch for Audrey to sleep on. Audrey reaches out and gives her a goodnight kiss.

102

INT. SPRITZS' BEDROOM - NIGHT J:82

Clark has been watching them with pride. He picks a basin up off the floor, fills it with water, and uses it to brush his teeth.

CLARK
Isn't it amazing, Ellen, the way family ties break through the language barrier?
ELLEN
This has been my favorite part of our vacation.

Rusty walks in with a basin identical to the one Clark is brushing his teeth in.

RUSTY
Hey Dad, look, bedpans!

Clark reacts to the bedpan, then violently spits out all the toothpaste •

103

EXT. SPRITZ BOOSE - NEXT DAY IB3

Clark, Ellen and the kids kiss and hug the S?ritz's as they sadly take their leave.

ELLEN
You've been so sweet. If you ever get to Chicago, please come stay with us.

They climb into the car.

Cont.

I83 Cont. CLARK Bye! we had a great time. We'll be sure to write.

104

EXT. SPRITZ HOOSE - OAY I84

'l'hey drive off. Joachim and Helga look at each other. Finally we see SUBTITLES of what they're saying.

JOACHIM
(in German)
Who the hell were they?
HELGA
Fuck if I know.
105

EXT • FURTHER OOWN THE STREET - DAY 1:85

An ELDERLY COUPLE walk by.

WOMAN
(in German)
I wonder when our relatives from Chicago will arrive.
MAN
Never, I hope.
106

EXT. GERMAN VILLAGE - OAY . I86

The car cruises down the narrow streets until it arrives at an area festively decorated for an Oktoberfest celebration. The square is filled with people dressed in native costumes for the

'· occasion.

RUSTY
What's going on?
CLARK
I think we're in luck, this is ·some.kind of Festival.

Cont.

I86 Cont.

ELLEN
Everyone's in native costumes ••• it's so colorful.

Rusty happens to spot an incredibly pretty young GERMAN GIRL walking past the car. She smiles at Rusty.

RUSTY
I vote for stopping.
CLARK
Do I hear any objections?

There are none. Clark pulls the car over to the side of the road and they all get out.

107

EXT. LOCAL FESTIVAL - DAY I87

Audrey and Clark are eating local delicacies. Ellen is buying handicrafts. An "oom pah pah•I band is playing, very Ge:cnan looking characters, young and old are having fun. A stage is set up where some men are doing traditional dances of the area.

·--- ---- ---- -- ------ --- --- _______.,---~-

108

EXT. LOCAL FESTIVAL - DAY I88

Meanwhile, Ru.sty walks around with his walkman, looking for the Ge=an Girl. We hear the rock music in his head, and it provides a contrast to the old world visuals around him.

He finally spots the girl behind the counter of a booth that sells some sort of food. He stops dead in his tracks, shuts off his tape deck, and goes over. She sees him and is pleasantly surprised.

GIRL
Guten tag •
109

RUSTY

Hi.

She will speak h~oken English with a very heavy German accent,

GIRL
You speak English, right?
RUSTY
What?
GIRL
What?
RCSTY
Do you speak English?
GIRL
I'm speaking English.
RUSTY
What?
GIRL
Would you like some ••.•
(sort of food she's selling).

What?

She smiles and gives him a piece. He looks at it with trepidation.

GIRL
Try it.

She gestures "go ahead". He takes a cautious bite, then realizes he likes it. She laughs knowingly. RUSTY It's good.

GIRL
Yes, it's good.
RUSTY
Can·you take a walk?

She looks confused. He mimes •you• and •me" and "walking.". She l'!nnf',:ar~ wi +-h ;ii wnm::an ; " +-h.e. 'J,,,l'V'l+-h r.; .... ,....,..._,._, •\.,,-- ...... 1.-- -.1:~ \..--

Pg. 90 (A)

EXT, SOUVENIR STAND - DAY I88 A

Audrey and Ellen are buying typical souvenirs. Clark comes over in tyrolean shorts, leederhosen, funny hat with feather etc.

CLARK
Well? What do you think?

Ellen and Audrey are speechless. Then they burst out laughing.

CLARK
What's so funny? I think they look good.

They walk towards the booths with games.

90 (Bl

BOOTH WITH GAME - DAY I89

Clark is teasing er sheeting things to get a prize.Ellen sees Rusty walking with the girl. She signals to him toget going before Clark sees them. Rusty signals "thanks" a.,dhe leaves the festival area with the girl. ·

110

EXT. TABLES NEAR THE STAGE - LATER THAT DAY I89 A

The three Griswalds sit near the stage, watching the dancers. Ellen leeks at her new souvenirs as Clark eats a huge sausage and a mug of beer. He can't surpress a burp.

ELLEN
Cl.ark, don't you think you've had enough? You haven't stopped eating since we got here.

(

CLARK
(feeling full)
Yeah, I guess ••• say, where's Rusty?
ELLEN
He's around somewhere.
111

CLARK

Shouldn't we find him. He'll get lest. He can't speak German. I ELLEN Clark, I'm sure he'll make himself understocd.

C

CLARK
Are you kidding? You're talking about the kid who's been going to summer schccl for the same French class the past three years.
ELLEN
Clark, I'm sure he's f.ine.
112

EXT. ANOTHER PART OF TOWN - DAY I90

The German girl leads Rusty towards a barn. She opens the door and pulls Rusty in after her.

90 (Cl

113

INT. BARN - DAY I90 A

The Girl leads Rusty up a ladder to a platform covered with straw.

GIRL
I have something great to show you.

"RUSTY Excellent.

She digs through some straw and finds a few cassette tapes. She shows them to him with pride. He looks at them.

RUSTY
Cheap Trick, The Knack, Joe Jackson ••• Oh man, this stuff is neolithic!

No good?

RUSTY
Let me show you something •••
(digging through his pockets)
Stray Cats, Cindy Lauper, New Bruce, new Elvis, Wang Chung, Prince and ••• With a great deal of fanfare he reveals his Michael Jackson tape. She looks at him with extreme admiration. He puts the tape in the walkman and magnanimously places it on her head. Her starving ears lap up the new music. He leans near the headphone to listen with her. They look at each other and smile.
114

EXT. OKTOBERFEST - DAY I9I

The local dancers are about to start another traditional dance. An ELDERLY MAN selects SEVEN huge, strong MEN to

C participate in the dance. As Clark, Ellen and Rusty watch,

it becomes evident that the Elder needs one more man for the dance. He asks several locals who turn him down. The Elder spots Clark and coaxes him j:o join the other mez:i in the dance. With a •yes• vote from Ellen and Audrey, Clark good-naturedly joins the male dancers.

CLARK
I'm not sure I know how to do this.
ELDER
Just follow the lead. Show him.

Cont.

9I I9I Cont.

The band begins to play. Clark watches as these huge men take

little dainty steps to the left ••• then to the right ••• then they

square off as one of the men dances into the square and then dances up to one of the other men forming the square. All the

time keeping their feet moving, the men in the square move

around the man in the middle and GENTLY SLAP HIS FACE. This continues until all the dancers have slapped the man :!,.n the middle. Then the man in the middle does a bow and backpedals back to his place with the other men. The Elder asks with a shrug if Clark understands. Clark assures him that he does and takes his pace alongside the other dancers.

NEW ANGLE I92

Again the music starts. This time Clark imitates the huge men taking their dainty clog steps as the same procedure is repeated. The dancer to the rightof Clark goes into the middle and does a few steP.S. Then he presents himself to the first dancer who slaps his 'face. The square of dancers, including Clark, circle around the man in the middle and GENTLY slap his face, except Clark who unknowingly slaps the man harder than is necessary. This draws a serious look from the other dancers. The music conti.nues as the first part is repeated. This time it is Clark's turn to step into the middle of the square. He dances in, presents himself to the first man, who lays back and SLAPS CLARK'S EARS OFF. The next dancer does the same, as do the rest. Clark is slapped so hard so-. many times he can barely find his way back to his spot in the square. The Townspeople love it. They cheer for more. The dance continues. Once again Clark finds himself as the guy who has to dance into the middle. Reluctantly he staggers in, only to receive the same treatment as before. This time, Clark retaliates and in a blink of the eye the dance turns into a full-fledged riot.

115

INT. SARN - DAY I93

Rusty and the German Girl are lying in the hay together. They finish singing along with a tape.· They look at each other for a few beats, then lean in and kiss. Rusty starts to move his hand slowly towards her breast. Suddenly CHURCH SELLS RING OtJT. The Girl gets up, worried.

RtJSTY What's the matter?

GIRL
'!'hose bells haven't rung in years.

RtJSTY What do they mean?

Cont.

I93 Cont.

GIRL
They're going to hang s0111eone.
RUSTY
He runs out of the barn.
116

EXT. STREET OF VILLAGE - DAY I94

Clark, Ellen, and Audrey run for their lives, being chased by some slap dancers on a horse drawn beer wagon. Rusty catches up to them.

RUSTY
I don't even want to know what happened.
CLARK
Good, just head for the car.
117

EXT. ANOTHER STREET OF VILLAGE - DAY I95

The Griswalds race to the car and pile in, still being chased.

118

INT. CAR - DAY I96

Clark is fumbling with the keys as Rusty sees the men gaining on them through the back window.

ALTOREY
Great homec0111ing, Dad.
CLARK
They're just jealous cause my family got out of this shithole.

The car starts just in time. Clark puts it in gear and starts down the narrow streets. The walls close on each side. Clark drives like a maniac.

120

EXT. VILLAGE STREETS - OAY 197

With the men still pursuing him, Clark steers the car -through the even narrower streets.

CLOSEUP OF DOOR HANDLES 198

They clear a wall by a quarter of an inch.

J:NT. CAR - OAY 199

Ellen and the kids are terrified.

Clark, these streets look awfully narrow.

CLARK
No problem •••

( EXT STREET - OAY 200

The na=ow lane makes a slight bend. The car comes speeding into SHOT and slams into the buildings on both sides becoming stuck.

121

INT. CAR - OAY 201

· '!hey all look out the rear window and see the gang of men

,__ _ coming after them.

ROSTY
This is a classic, Oad.
ELLEN
Well, tlark, what now?!

Clark reaches up and hits a button on the dash. The sunroof slides open.

CLARK
I suggest we all get the hell out of here unless you'd like to vote on it.

NOPE!

EX'l'. STREET - DAY 202

~ne by one, the Griswalds climb out of the sunroof and run £or it. They get away just as the irate men near. The time it .takes the men to climb over the car gives the Griswalds the time they need • ...

Pg. 94

122

EXT. TRAIN STATION - DOSK 203

The Griswalds run to the train station just as a train is.pulling out. They run and hop on it.

123

INT. TINY TRAIN COMPARTMENT - NIGHT 204

They settle in and breathe a sigh of relief.

124

EXT. TRAIN - NIGHT 205

The train rides through Germany.

125

INT. TINY COMPARTMENT - NIGHT 206

Some time has passed. Clark looks through his maps.

AODREY
I feel like I've been here forever.
ELLEN
How much longer to Rome, Clark?
CLARK
Well, we've been travelling for six hours, so-we should be crossing the Italian border soon. I'd say another eight hours to Rome.

Rusty groans.

CLARK
Why the sour puss, Russ?
RUSTY
To tell you the truth, your timing back there was great. You totally ruined what could have been the best day of my life.
AUDREY
What're you complaining about? I've lost my boyfriend thanks to this vacation.

Cont.

Pg. 94 (A) ROSTY 206 Cont. I vote we don't talk about Jack anymore.

ELLEN
I second it.
CLARK
I vote for that.
AUDREY
Oh yeah, well I vote that we don't hear about schedules anymore.
ELLEN
Me too.
ROSTY
I'm for that.
CLARK
Then I vote we don't talk at.all until we get to Rome. Maybe by then we'll calm down and act like mature adults and young adults.

They all agree. They all find things to do without talking. Audrey defaces her photos of Jack. Rusty listens to his walkman and snaps his fingers. Ellen meticulously washes her hands with a "Wash and Dri", Clark fiddles with his change.

126

EXT. TRAIN - NIGHT 207

The train continues towards Italy.

127

INT. TINY COMPARTMENT - NIGHT 208

They are now getting on each other's nerves even more. The little sounds of finger snapping, pencil scraping and change jingling becomes blaringly loud to them. On top of J.t all Ellen has started to read a paper (loudly folding and turning) and Audrey is chewing and popping her gum.

They give each other dirty looks, as if to say •cut it =t•, but out of spite they continue deliberately jangling, snapping, chewing, and folding. Clark gets an idea of how to make peace. He hops up.

CLARK
Anyone want to play twenty questions? They give a look and all go back to their business. The cacophany of noises reach a deafening pitch until they are drowned out by the TRAIN WHISTLE.

DELETE SCENE 209

128

EXT. U.S. EXPRESS OFFICE - DAY 2IO

Establishing shot of the Italian Branch.

129

INT. U.S. EXPRESS OFFICE - DAY 2II

Kneeling behind the counter two local thieves, PIETRO and SA!JTINO are cour..ting money. Next to them is a tied and gagged U.S. Express Agent. In the b.g. we see that the safe has been blown open. Santino is very good looking and although his upbringing was low class, he has developed refined tastes in clothing and women.

SANTINO
This should last us for awhile.
PIETRO
Mine will last me. I doubt if yours will last past a few hours with your tailor.
SANTINO
I don't know what you're talking about. I hardly have any clothes.

PIE,TRO Hey, what are we going to do with him?

'The U.S. Express Man looks inquisitive.

SANTINO
I don't know. We can't leave him here.

The U.S. Express Man gives them a look which says •sure you can".

l

PIETRO
Should we kill him?

The U.S. Express Man looks horrified and shakes his head •No".

SANTINO
Don't be stupid. We've never killed anyone.

The U.S. Express Man sighs with relief.

SANTINO
~Iaybe we could hold him for ransom. He must be worth something to someone.

The U.S. Express Man nods in agreement with new idea.

PIETRO
But how do we get him out of here. He looks awfully suspicious like this.

Pg, 95 (A)

130

EXT. U.S. EXPRESS OFFICE - DAY 2II A

Clark and the Family walk towards the office.

ELLEN
Clark, where are we going?
CLARK
We're going to the o.s. Express Office. We're going to get some money, rent a car, get some new clothes, and continue with the best vacation of our goddamn lives,
AUDREY
(Whispers to Rusty l I think Dad's lost all sense of reality.
131

INT. U.S. EXPRESS OFFICE - DAY 2I2

Santino, Pietro, and the U.S. Express Man are still behind the counter.

SANTINO
What we need now is a stooge. Someone above suspicion who'll believe anything you tell him. A real idiot •••

The Griswalds enter.

CLARX
Hello! Anybody here?

Santino and Pietro exchange a look. 'l'he Griswalds approach the counter.

ELLEN
But Clark, we don't have any proof that we lost our travellers checks.

She stoos near the counter. Her legs are right near Santino-and he likes what he sees.

CLARX
Ellen, leave it to me. We're Americans, we'll just demand our rights.

He bangs on the counter and Santino pops up. Santino talks to Clark but is usually looking at Ellen.

SANTINO
Can I help you?.
CLARK
Hello. Do you know me? I'm Clark.W. Griswald, Pig In A Poke. I'm an American and I've lost a thousand dollars, all my luggage, and two rented cars, and I demand your company make good on it.
SANTINO
(looking at Ellen)
Well, I certainly hate to see - Americans inconvenienced.

Ellen blushes at his attentions. SANTINO One moment please. He ducks down and takes some money. He whispers to Pietro.

SANTINO
Put him in the trunk of the Fiat. Lock the trunk and keep the key.

Santino hands Pietro the car key.

132

EXT. U.S. EXPRESS OFFICE - DAY 2I3

Santino and the Griswalds are next to a Fiat Sedan. Santino gives Clark the keys.

SANTINO
Unfortunately, we somehow misplaced the key to the trunk. But if you'll tell me where you're staying, we' 11 get a new key to your hotel.
CLARK
Honey, what's the name of our hotel?
ELLEN
The Nazionale.
SANTINO
Excellent choice.

CLAR.'< (getting in the car) Isn't this great. I never heard of U.S. Express renting cars.

ELLEN
Me either.
SANTINO
(ope.~ing door for her)
Well, in Italy we.provide you with all kinds of things.

The Griswalds wave and drive off.

SANTINO
Have a wonderful time in Roma. Ciao!
133

INT. ROME HOTEL - DAY 2I4

Clark finishes checking in and is given a key.

CLARK
O.K. Griswalds, Avanti! We have alot of things to see.
134

INT./EXT, SWINGING DOORS ENTRANCE.ROME HOTEL - DAY 2I4 A

They start to leave through the revolving doors when Ellen suddenly remembers something.

ELLEN
Clark, my purse!

She turns around in the revolving doors and goes the other way. Clark follows her. In doing so, a MAN who was entering the revolving doors get crushed.

MAN
AHHH!
135

EXT. ROMAN HOTEL - DAY 2I4 B

Clark (who is outside) moves the doors and pulls the.man, who is wedged between the doors, out. It is our old friend the ENGLISH BICYCLIST. He has a cast on his leg. He reaches for his cane which is broken in ti'o and has been thrOlm to the sidewalk.

CLARK (getting him out)
I'm terribly sorry. l
ENGLISH BICYCLIST
(in obvious pain)
It's nothing. Think nothing of it. It's really nothing,
CLARK (realizes who it is)
Hey, it's you, from London. How .are you?

• ENGLISH BICYCLIST

Fine, fine, couldn't be better. still on holiday then? Hope the children are enjoying themselves as well.

Rusty and Audrey smile and nod.

CLARK
Oh my God, you've got a cast on your leg! Cont.

99 (Al · ENGLISH !3ICYCLIST 2I4 B Cont. This little thing? Hardly notice it at all. Nothing"more than a big sock really.

CLARK
Can I hel~ ~ou? ·
ENGLISH BICYCLIST
No! No! Wouldn't hear ofit. Have a good holiday now, Goodbye.

He enters the hotel and Ellen comes out.

CLARK
Well, what should we see first? The Navona Fountain, the Rotunda Fountain, the rrevi Fountain ••••
ELLEN
Clark, we've beenwearing these clothes for ages. You promised we'd go shopping.
AUDREY
Yeah, I second the motion for shopping.
RUSTY
Me too. I'm totally scuzzed out.

(.

CLARK.
Okay, I'm a sport, let's check out the shops.
136

INT. EXPENSIVE CLOTHING SHOP - DAY 2I4 C

In a MONTAGE to MUSIC we see them try on articles of clothing.

137

EXT. EXPENSIVE CLOTHING SHOP - DAY 2IS

The Griswalds exit the clothing shop in their new Italian clothes. They look ridiculous, but feel like a million.

Cont.

''. ,,·,,, ..----·--·--·-· ,_, •·•- ...• , .-•C'.•.•:• .• n.

IOO
AUDREY 2IS Cont. This is so bitchin' ••• my friends will shit.
ELLEN
They do make you feel good.
RUSTY
I'll tell you why Italy never won any wars ••• they had to march in narrow shoes.
CLARK
You'll get used to them, Russ. Now, lets go sightseeing!
138

EXT. ROTUNDA FOUNTAIN - NIGHT 2I6 ..

The Giswalds walk to the fountain near the Rotunda. CLARX You know kids, there's one great thing about fountains, they don't close at night. Even with all that time we lost shopping, we'll still be on schedule according to our Pig In A Poke itinerary.

Clark crosses off the "Rotunda Fountain" from his Pig In a Poke fountain list.

ELLEN
Clark, lets leave the other fountains for tomorrow. My feet are killing me.
AUDREY
I'm hungry.
RUSTY
I'm bored.
CLARK
Say, what family is that? Is that how grand prize winners talk? Come on, this is Rome. Home of the Roman Empire. The eternal city, and we're the Griswalds •••• Who are we?

AUDREY ) I forgot. / TOGETHER RUSTY ) Grizbys or something. ) )

Cont.

IOO(A)
CLARX 2I6 Cont. Just think of all the famous Italians who have stood here before us, •• Julius Caesar, Nero ••••
AUDREY
Sylvester Stallone
ELLEN
Your Father's right. Can you kids imagine all the things that happened right here, thousands of years ago.
CLARK
It's overwhelming to be surrounded by so much history, and yet I keep getting the strangest feeling that I've been here before.

The Griswalds walk on as the CAMERA PANS up to a statue in the fountain. H~s face is exactly like Clarks.

* PAGES ror - ro2 AND ALL SCENE NUMBERS THEREIN ARE NOW DELETED.

IOJ

139

EXT. NAVONA PIAZZA - OAY 222

Clark leads the family around the crowded Piazza. There are m.my teenagers in the cafes .md around the fountains.

CLARK
This is the Navonna Piazza kids. One of the most fabulous squares in Rome.

He continues talking about the points of interest in the Piazza. Audrey is by his side but she's not listening. She sees a BOY, who resembles Jack, kissing a girl.

AUDREY
Jack?

When the Boy stops kissing, Audrey can seeit's not him, but the image has shaken her up nevertheless.In the middle of Clark's lecture Audrey starts to cry.

CLARK
Now what's wrong Audrey?
AUDREY
I miss Jack. I've got to go home.
CLARK
We're going home soon enough. We're just going to see a few more fountains and the Coltesium
AUDREY
I don't w.mt to see the

l col~sium. I want to see

,Jack!

CLARK
Jack will be there later.
AUDREY
The Collesium will be there later. The colresium's been there for two thous.md years, but if I don't go home soon, Jack will fall in love with Debbie and I'll just die.

Cont •

.. -- --••-•--•-~ . .,.,_,_, .. ,_,._ •·,- .. o••·"'·•··-•···-·-··• ~---.. ·_••-..•.··"·····:•., .• ,._,_,,, _____ , ~ •••· -- ••• ···• ·· .- ··.,--_- ___ - ···-. · •. ••• , ..._·,;c";-;-occ-·c .•••--:..~---...,-,c,o-,.~

CI.ARK(tries to joke)
Pg. I03(A) Well don't you want to see the Coliesiwn before you die? 222 Cont.
AUDREY
I hate you.

She walks away from him.

ELLEN
Audrey!

Rusty spots a YOUNG GIRL sketching the fountain. She notices him too and smiles.

ROSTY
Hey D_ad, I ' ll meet you guys iater at the hotel.
CLARK
What? What about the fountains?
ROSTY
I'm kind of fountained out.Dad.
ELLEN
Clark, let him go.

But we're ieaving the day after tomorrow. Can't we just spend this last little bit of time together like a family?

ROSTY
Oh God , we 've been together every second for two weeks. And by the way, I haven't complained or tried to escape. I've been.good. So why can't you just leave me alone for awhile. Why can't you treat me like a man for once? " l"< CLARK ,;e-':·· u Because you'renot 'a man, Russ.

Cont.

RUSTY Pg. I03(B) I al!l_i;go. _ - I.1-m sixteen years222 Cont.I ol"d.. I work part-time. I'm a world traveller. I want my independence. I ~ a man. He starts to walk away. They look at Rustyshocked. Then he returns. RUSTY Can I have an advance on my allowance?

AUDREY
If he's going, I'm going.
ELLEN
Honey, why don't we let the kids have some free time.
CLARK
Sure, sure. Let them go. They're just a pair of ingrates.
ELLEN
They're not ingrates Clark, they're teenagers.
AUDREY
Can I have my passport, Mom?

Ellen tries to gather up the family.

ELLEN
Audrey, Russ, come here. Clark, kids, lets all settle down and try to be reasonable. I'm sure we can reach a compro •••• ABHHHHH!? ! ! !

We see what Ellen is screaming at. A row ofposters are pasted up on the wall. On the poster is an ad for the film, •ta Donna Nella Doccia" (Woman In The Shower), and the picture shows a semi-nude Ellen in her shower cap. The Griswalds look stunned. Clark tries to calm Ellen down.

Cont.

Pg. I03 (C) CI.A.RX 222 Cont.2 Now, hon, take it easy •••

The kids don't know how to react. Rusty backs away,

RUSTY
Uh, I'll catch you guys later.
ELLEN
This is it Clark! This is the last straw. I've never been so humiliated in my life.
CLARK
Don't get mad at me Ellen. It wasn't my fault the camera was stolen.
ELLEN
You said you erased it,
CLARK
I was going to.
ELLEN
This is the worst thing you've · ever done to me.
CLARK
Ellen! Ellen, where are you going? We'ye got to get toth~ col.Yesium at 2:00 P.M.!
ELLEN
I'm going back to the liotel.
CLARK
We didn't vote on that, hon.
ELLEN
Fuck your vote. I'm seceding from the union. I'm forming my own government and declaring war on you!

Cont.

Pg. I03(D)

Ellen storms off. Clark goes after her. 222 Cont.3

CLARK
Ellen honey, wait we'll sue.

But she is ~one. Clark goes back to Audrey. He looks at the poster.

CLARK
She'll calm down, she knows I didn't mean it •••

Clark doesn't notice Audrey walk away.

CLARK
••• it's not even a good likeness. Oh well, I guess that leaves just you and me Audrey •••

He turns to Audrey but she's not there.

CLARK
Audrey? ·Audrey!

Clark looks around. From a HIGH ANGLE we see that he is all alone in the Piazza.

I04
NEW ANGLE - ANOTHER AREA OF THE NAVONA 223 PIAZZA - DAY

Rusty approaches the Girl trying desperately to be nonchalant.

RUSTY
am ••• bonjourno.

She looks at him. He examines her-picture.

RUSTY
Say that's uh, bellisimo, really choice.

She starts to smile. He speaks slowly so she'll understand.

RUSTY
And I think you're real bellisimo also.
GIRL
•You' re not too. -shabby yourself.

Be is tr.rilled and delighted.

RUSTY
Hey you speak English!
GIRL
Well sure, I'm from California.
RUSTY
Alrigμt! I'm from Chicago. Hey you want to scarf some grimace proportions.
GIRL
Oh great! I've got maximum pangs.

They walk towards an outdoor cafe.

Cont.

IOS
RUSTY 223 Cont. What are you doing in . R0111e?
GIRL
Travelling through Europe with my folks.
RUSTY
Me too. We won a •••
GIRL
I know. Pig In A Poke. I saw the show.
RUSTY
(embarrassed)
You saw the show? •••
GIRL
Sure. You answered the Thomas Edison question and won your dad all that car wax.
RUSTY
You remembered?
GIRL
Sure. I thought you were cute.

C Rusty is stunned as they enter a cafe.

RUSTY
(to himself)
You thought I was cute!
DELETE SCENE NUMBER 224
I06

* PAGE DELETED*

I07

140

EXT. EXCELSIOR HOTEL - DAY 225

The Fiat drives up and parks. Ellen gets out and enters the hotel.

141

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY 226

Ellen gets her key from the front desk, starts for the elevator, then changes her mind and walks to the .bar. She sits and calls over a WAITER.

142

INT. HOTEL BAR - DAY 226 A

A glass of wine is .brought over to a tearful Ellen. She raises it to her lips. ~ hand comes down and stops her from'drinking. She looks up and sees Santino.

SANTINO
Don't do it.
ELLEN
What?
SANTINO
I can't stand to see a beautiful woman drink .bad wine.

Be sits, calls over a waiter, and asks for a good wine.

Cont.

Pg. IO8

ELLEN 226 A Cont. What are you doing here?.

SANTINO
I'm from U.S. Express. It's my job to help Americans in distress and you certainly look distressed.
ELLEN
I'm fine thank you.
SANTINO
No you're not. Something's wrong. What is it? Is it your husband? '?'hat :oiig?
ELLEN
He's not a Pig.

She thinks for a moment. The screen goes wavy. We see •••

ELLEN'S MEMORY 226 B c.u. Clark, in Pig costu:ne, on the Pig In A Poke show.

CLARK
Kent, we'll be pigs.

Clark smiles proudly. Back to scene.

Ellen looks angry 226 C

ELLEN
He is a 'pig. He is.

She starts sobbing. Santino holds her and comforts her.

143

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY 226 D

Audrey enters and plops her Pig In A Poke bag down on the front desk near a pay phone. She pulls out her plane ticket. She tries to call the airport on the pay phone but she is having troubl_e. AUDREY Hello, can I have information please. I want the number of the airport. Infor:nationie du Aerporto - uh nurnero, pleaseo •••

She grows more and more upset. AUDREY "Teo wo ao •••

I09
DELETE SCENES 227 and 228 MONTAGE 228 A Clark having fun by himself. MUSIC throughout.
I

EXT. OUTDOOR CAFE NEAR PANTHEON DAY

Clark finishes a coffee while reading his guidebook. He is cheerful and ready for his solitary tour. He gets up and the lightweight chair falls down behind him and knocks over another chair. As he tries to pick them up, he topples other chairs. Annoyed WAITERS scramble behind him to straighten the chairs. He leaves while apologising.

2

EXT. PANTHEON - DAY

Clark looks at the Pantheon and nods his approval. He takes a picture. Then, not sure what else there is to do, he decides to take a picture of himself in front of it, He holds his camera at arms length, smiles and shoots himself.

3; EXT. CROWDED STREETS (near our clothing store) - DAY

Clark walks down the street through a sea of people. There are MONKS, SOLDIERS, YOUNG COUPLES, etc. All the faces seem to be looking· at him. In his Chicago Cl.lbs cap, he appears out of place and alien.

4

EXT. 'RREVI FOCNTAIN - DAY

A JAPANESE FAMILY are enjoying themselves. The Mother and Children pose obediently in front of, the fountain, as the Father takes a picture. Clark watches them jealously.

5. -EXT. SOUVENIR STAND AT TREVI FOUNTAIN - DAY

Clark is trying to'buy a present for Ellen. The PEDDLER is arguing with him and Clark is having a hard time figuring the value of liras to dollars.

6

• EXT. STATUE COURTYABD IN CITY HALL SQUARE - DAY

Clark is in £rent of a statue. He reads his guidebook out loud, points and explains things about the statue. But in a LONGER SHOT we see that he is alone. Passers hy react to him as if he is a weird character.

IIO

148

INT. HOTEL BAR - DAY 229

Santino is pouring Ellen more wine. The~r bottle is '8111pty. She is tipsy as she shows him some snapshots.

ELLEN
••• and that's cousin Al and his lawyer Max, and that's Rusty when he was a Cub Scout, and that's Clark and the Buick before the accident. Clark works in food additives. Oh, I told you that already. Yo~ know Clark always says that preserving foods is•one of the oldest professions there is.

Santino is staring at her intensley. She becomes uncomfortable.

EUEN
Well,I think I've had enough wine. I guess I'll go back to myroom now. Thank you.
SANTINO
Let me -help you.
ELLEN
Oh no, I'll be fine.

She rises, knocks over a glass with her purse and walks into a chair.

SANTINO
I think I'd better get you upstairs. You'll feel better if you lie down.

He throws some money on the table and leads her out.

III

149

EXT. O!JTI>OOR CAFE - DAY (NAVONA) 230

Rusty and the Girl are eating sundaes.

GIRL
I've developed a whole philosophy about dealing with rey parents. It's like if I'm in school or banging out or something, there's like all this pressure, you know, to look good, or act cool, do the right thing, not say anything stupid. But if I'm with my parents, I mean who cares what I look like? They don't know the difference between what's cool and what's not. So you can put everything on hold and just relax. Right?
RUSTY
I never looked at it that way.
GIRL
Well sure, you've got to just relax and be loose around your parents • I mean if you take them se~iously you'll go crazy.

RUSTY . : That's for sure. Boy you've got a great way of looking at stuff.

GIRL
Thanks.
RUSTY
I'm having a great time.
GIRL
Me too.
RUSTY
God, imagine coming all the way to Rome to meet someone £rem California.

<.IRL Rea·lly.

They smile, then continue with their sundaes.

···~-"· .• ,.,.------·-· ____ ,. _____ ,....... --- _________ ,,_ ,.... --·----------~•-- - .. • •., • •• ••·• • •·• < • < • «~, ••• •-• • • <o• • • • • •• •·••·• • •• • •• • sv• • • •• ss·, •·• •·•• •• • •• ••• • • •-• ••·•• • ,, •·• • • ••• •

III(A) 230 A A sad Clark Griswald sits near some statues of ROlllall heres. A statue of Julius Ceasar opens its stoney eyes and looks at him.

Clark?

Clark looks up.

CAESA.'l. Clark Griswald? ••• Pig In A Poke?

CLARK
Julius Ceasar? Emporer of Rome?

~SAR You and the troops enjoying Europe?

(sadly) Uh, sure, it's O.K. I lost my luggage in France, I was run out of Germany, my family's deserted me. I guess I can safely say things haven't gone according to plan. CAESA~ Clark, travel and adventure ••• well ••• they test a man's mettle. The end- less hours on the road, hearing foreign languages, eating strange foods, I remember what it was like. But the worst obstacle is dealing with disgrunt~ed troops, isn't it?

CLARK
What do you mean? CAESAR You know the types, the quitters, the lovesick complainers, the ones who•~e only in it for the raping and pillaging •••
CLARK
You mean Russ?

CAE~~'l. Griswald, you have what it takes to conquer new territories, but you're surrounded by traitors. You can't be held back by the naysayers. Don't let them stop you from fulfilling your destiny.

CLARK
But they're my family.

Cont.

III(Bl 230A cont.

CAESAR
Fuck 'em, they're history.
CLARX
Wait a minute fella, You're the one who's history. Ancient his- tory. Maybe I never !lad a salad named after me, but I've got three people carrying my name that make me a heck of alot prouder than that. Ellen, Rusty and Sss ••• A ••• Audrey. And they mean more to me than all the vacations in the world. As far as I'm concerned, this trip is over. We 're going home.

Clark storms out as another TYPICAL TOORIST enters. Ceasar sees him.

CAESA"! Mark ••• Mark Canton? Tic Tac Dough?

II2

150

INT. ELLEN'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY 23I

Ellen is collapsed on the bed. Santino canes in with a wet cloth and places it on her head. With her eyes still shut, she moa..~s with relief.

ELLEN
Thanks honey.

He sits.on the bed, next to her. She reaches out, grabs his tie, pulls him over and kisses him. Then she opens her eyes, sees it's not Clark, and reacts with Shock.

Oh my God! I take that back!

SANTIN0
Didn't you like it?
ELLEN
No, that is, my husband wouldn't like it.

SAi.'ITINO Fortunately, he's not here.

· ELLEN Lcok, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that.

SANTINO
Then what would you like to do?

l

ELLEN
What I'd like to do is show you the door.

Santino backs away and glances out the window.

SHOT FROM SANTINO'S P.o.v. 232

Several POLICE CARS are converging on the hotel. The police get out and talk for a moment, pointing to the hotel, then split up and head for the front and rear entrances of the hotel.

IIJ
BACK TO SHOT 233 Santino turns to Ellen
SANTINO
I'm afr~id I'll have to stay for the moment,
ELLEN
(struggling to get up from the bed)
Then I'm afraid I'll have to call the Manager.

Santino smiles; He abruptly pulls out a gun- and aims it at Ellen. She almost has a heart attack.

SANTINO
Please, just stay calm and do nothing. Ellen sits back down on the bed as Santino picks up the phone. SANTINO Room four eight five •••
151

INT. SANTINO'S ROOL1 DAY 234

Pietro waits 1nth the tied U'.'.' tr.s. Exr,ress !1an:. The PHONE :uNGS.

Pietro Yes?

152

INT. ELLEN'S ROOM~ DAY 234 A

SANTINO

I The police are here. Meet I.... me at the car.

Santino hangs up and =osses to Ellen.

SANTINO
You'll have to come with me.

He pulls her off the bed and, keeping the gun in her side, leads her out of the room.

II4

153

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY 235

Audrey ~s still trying to make arrangements. She's practically in tears.

154

EXT. STREET. CAR BEHIND HOTEL - DAY 235 A

Pietro has stuffed the agent in the trunk, and is just closing the lid as he hears the police.

NEW ANGLE
The Police arrive with guns drawn. They spot Pietro and he tries to run away, but they catch him and ·drive him away in their car.

(

155

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY 236

Audrey has finally gotten through to someone.

AUDREY
••• Yes, thank you. Flight 32, I want to make it two days. earlier •••

Santino holds a gun to Ellen's side as he marches her through the lobby. Audrey (doesn't see the gun) sees her Mother leaving with a man.

AUDREY
Mom?

ELLEN

C (As she's whisked o~t)

Audrey!

156

AUDREY HANGS UP AND. GOES OUT.

rrs

157

EXT. HOTEL - DAY 237

Santino gets in hiscar with Ellen (Volkswagen convertable). Audrey rushes out.She sees Ellen struggling with Santino as they drive off.

AUDREY
Mommy!
158

CLARK ARRIVES AT THE HOTEL AND SEES ELLEN AND SANTINO DRIVE OFF,

but he's not sure what's going on.

AUDREY
Daddy, Daddy, Mom's been kidnapped.

Clark runs to their Fiat (with the man inside) and slams into ot?er cars as he pulls out of his parking spot.

Audrey·runs over and lets herself in the car. Clark has a near miss with another driver as he peels out and follows Santino.

159

EXT. STREET WITH TRAFFIC - DAY 238

Clark and Audrey drive down the street looking for Santino.

160

EXT. ANOTHER STREET - DAY 239

Audrey spots Santino's car. Both cars are stuck in traffic •.

AUDREY
I see them up ahead Dad • •
CLARK
Where?
AUDREY
Up there·! Step on it!
CLARK
I can't go anywhere in this traffic.

Clark drives up onto the sidewalk, overtakes the other cars and smashes into a religious artifacts stand. As he gets to Santino's car the light changes. They drive off and Clark drives back into the street in pursuit.

II6

161

EXT. ROAD NEAR THE COLLESIUM - DAY 240

Santino's car races past with Ellen screaming for help. Clark's car whips by and we PAN with it and reveal .the Collesium.

AUDREY
Say Dad, there's the Collesi=.
CLARK
Shut up Audrey.
162

EXT. NAVONA CAFE - DAY 24I

Rusty and the Girl are in an outdoor cafe.

GIRL
God I.'ve been talking so much. What about you, like, what are your parents like?
RUSTY
There's not much to say. Tl:ley're just like normal parents.

In the b.g. ~ SEE the TWO CARS racing into the Piazza.

A.'lOTHER ANGLE 242

The Cars race through, dii.rupting tourists, artists, and pigeons. Two OLD MONKS are caref\llly CarJ:Ying a large

c expensive, stained glass window, towards the cafe. As

Santino's car buzzes by them, they nimbly move away and save their glass. They continue on until Clark's car races past, but once again they avoid contact and they continue walking across the square.

II7

163

EXT. NAVONA CAFE - DAY 243

Rusty and the Girl at the cafe.

RUSTY
••• My mom's great, she's pretty and she's smart.

Santino and Ellen shoot past the cafe. Rusty doesn't notice.

RUSTY
My Father ••• well he's alright, a little slotr sometimes.

At that moment Clark~s car =ashes through the cafe. Clark sees Rusty and slams on the brakes.

RUSTY
It's Dad! C'mon!

The Girl and Rusty run over and get in the car. The CAFE OWNER is so disgusted that he picks up a chair and throws it. The Two Monks were approaching and the chair sails through their stained glass window.

Clark's car leaves the Navona Piazza. 243 A

RUSTY
Did I miss something?
AUDREY
No, not much ••• Mom's

(_

been kidnapped by the Traveller's Checks guy.

RUSTY
Now it's starting to sound like a Griswald vacation.
IIS
:EXT. CHURCH SQUARE - DAY 244

A WEDDING GROOP is posing for pictures. Santino's car <:0111es down a narrow street into the circular Church Square. Clark is on his tail. They scatter the Wedding Party as they drive in circles around the top. Santino sees an escape route. The shallow staircase is driveable and he goes down the stairs to the road. He has to spin out to miss a car. Clark is trying to follow when he gets a flat on his front tire.

CLARK
Damn it!
RUSTY
Is it flat?
CLARK
(getting out)
No problem!

He goes to the trunk and opens it. A crowd has gathered outside. They look at h:iltl.

164

INT. TRUNK - DAY 244 A

The U.S. Travellers Checks Man stares up at him. Clark stares back.

(_

CLARK
Excuse me.

Clark closes trunk lid.

II9
NEW ANGLE 245

Clark goes over to the Kids.

CLARK
There ' s a man in the trunk of our car.
AUDREY
Oh great! Not too embarrassing.

Clark spots something on the street below them.

165

EXT. STREET BELOW THE CHURCH SQUARE - DAY 245 A

Santino struggles with Ellen as he tries to drive through traffic.

166

EXT. CHURCH SQUARE - DAY .245 B

Clark is enraged. He grabs a bicycle away from a rack. The nearby OWNER yells at him.

Rusty, Audrey, and the Girl get out of the car and open the trunk. Rusty shouts to Clark before he leaves.

RUSTY
( Hey, what do I do with him?
CLARK
You're a man, you handle it.

Clark leaves. The Kids help the Man out of their trunk.

RUSTY
Way to go Dad, we ought to get life for this one.

Cont.

I20
245 B Cont. AUDREY {as she helps the man)

We're innocent bystanders in this. We won a vacation on Pig In A Poke. Please don't think we're bad people. This is our first kidnapping.

167

EXT. CHURCH SQUARE STEPS 246

Clark rides down the bumpy stairs.

168

EXT. BOTTOM OF STREET - DAY 247

Santino takes off as Clark reaches the bottom and has a near miss with a car. Clark chases them on the bicycle.

169

EXT. ANOTHER STREET - DAY 248

Santino's car is slowed by t~affic, Clark has a chance to catch up and grab on and ride alongside as they all struggle.

Clark makes a western style transfer into the back of their car. He dives in and his feet are up i..n the air.

170

EXT. STREETWITH FOUNTAIN - DAY 249

Santino and Ellen struggle. Clark's feet are still seen. The car is out of control. It drives towards a street with a fountain. • Tourists and locals hang around the fountain

C

when suddenly Santino's car comes flying by and lands in the fountain. Clark falls out of the· car and lies, stunned in the fountain. some by-standers near the fountain have fallen or scattered. Clark comes to and sees a man struggling to get up in the water. Be rushes over and proceeds to beat up the man {who appears to be Santino). The Man is beaten and collaPses. Clark lifts h.il:t up out of the water. lle SEE that it is NOT Santino, hut the ENGLISE !IICYCLIST.

CLARK
Oh, My God! It's you - I thought -

He helps him up.

cont.

I2I
249 Cont.
CLARK
God, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else. Can I help you?
ENGLISHMAN
Oh no, it's nothing. It's really nothing. I'll stop at a pharmacia.

We HEAR POLICE SIRENS. Meanwhile Santino struggles out of the car on the other side of a fountain. He comes after Clark with a gun, but he doesn't notice Ellen behind him. She grabs a broken piece of statue and hits him over the head. Just as Clark turns around to see what's happening, Santino collapses in his arms.

ELLEN
My here!

Clark doesn't know why but he accepts the compliment. Ellen runs into his arms and they embrace lovingly. In the b.g., Police, the family with the travellers checks man, etc. arrive. Santino is pulled out by the Police and arrested.

NEW ANGLE on Rusty and the Girl 250

GIRL
Your parents are actually pretty cool.
RUSTY
(nonchalantly) . Yes, sometimes they're good for a few laughs.

ANGLE on Audrey.

AUDREY
~; can we go home?

MUSIC comes up as we CUT TO Clark and Ellen. They kiss as

the MUSIC SWELLS and we PULL BACl< to see the whole square and Rome.

FADE OUT: MAJOR NEW SONG WITH CREDITS.

ENO