David Shaw’s screenplay manages to cover many of the European tour cliches. There are some script anomalies that briefly puzzle, but not to a degree that they detract from the fun.
Although the touring group is conducted by a British guide (Ian McShane), supposedly versed in all languages and emergencies, they suddenly find themselves with a fluttery femme type (Patricia Routledge). She’s unexplained, unorthodox and delightful.
While Shaw’s main storyline is based on the adventures of a polyglot pack of Yank tourists, trying to keep up with a hectic schedule, it is padded with enough sidebar items to make it a miniature Grand Hotel on wheels.
Besides the friction caused by the inconveniences enroute, there’s personal friction between McShane and femme tourist Suzanne Pleshette.
