If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium

If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium is an enjoyable comedy film from 1969 that follows a group of American tourists on a whirlwind bus tour through Europe. Directed by Mel Stuart, the film is a lighthearted reflection on the modern tourist experience, as well as a humorous take on the cultural differences between America and Europe.

The film's central character is a young woman named Samantha Perkins, played by the talented Suzanne Pleshette. Samantha is a successful career woman who decides to take a two-week vacation to Europe, joining a chaotic and eccentric tour group. Ian McShane portrays Charlie Cartwright, the group's tour guide who is a witty and knowledgeable flirt. Charlie knows Europe like the back of his hand, and takes pride in showing his passengers the most famous sites across the continent.

The tour begins in London, and the group sets off through England and France, making stops in Paris and Bruges, Belgium. Along the way, the travelers encounter a series of mishaps and cultural misunderstandings, which serve as the basis for the film's humor. The movie explores the stereotypes associated with Americans and Europeans, as well as the often-bumpy journey of international travel.

In one of the most memorable scenes, the group visits a café in Paris, where they struggle to communicate with the waiter in broken French. When the waiter brings them a plate of snails, some of the tourists are horrified, while others are eager to try them. This scene is an example of the cross-cultural confusion that often arises when traveling to a foreign country.

Another standout moment involves a trip to a Swiss mountain, where the tourists are forced to stay in a cramped and uncomfortable hotel. In this scene, their comical attempts to sleep and enjoy the scenery of Swiss Alps exposes some of the trials of group travel, where personalities can clash and cramped conditions can lead to annoyance.

Despite the challenges, the group remains optimistic and presses on towards their next destinations, including Rome and the Vatican. The film captures the iconic beauty of these locations and marvels at its history and art; but it doesn't shy away from the glaring differences between cultures. For example, when visiting St. Peter's Basilica, the tour guide explains to the Americans that taking photos is not allowed - a rule that some Americans have trouble abiding by, and the Vatican guards have to intervene.

Adding to the film's charm is a stellar cast that includes the legendary Vittorio De Sica, who plays a character known only as 'The Italian'. De Sica, a renowned Italian director, brings his magnetic charisma and acting chops to the role, and his appearances in the film are among the most memorable.

In the end, If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium is a lighthearted and entertaining film that provides a snapshot of the American tourist experience in 1969. The movie is a humorous reminder of the challenges and joys that come with traveling to a foreign place, encountering an entirely new culture, and learning from one's mistakes along the way.

Overall, the movie delivers a relatable message on a timeless narrative and a hilarious take on cultural differences that tourists can still relate to today.