Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A banker just wants a quiet vacation, but his wife unleashes a horde of relatives upon him in a dilapidated beach house where plumbing is optional and teenage angst is mandatory.

🍿 Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Anticipated Vacation

Roger Hobbs, a St. Louis banker, dreams of a romantic getaway with his wife, Peggy. However, Peggy has other plans: a family vacation at a rented beach house in California. Roger is less than thrilled, feeling disconnected from his grown children and their families.

Arrival at the Dilapidated Beach House

The Hobbs family arrives at the beach house, which turns out to be far from idyllic. It’s rundown, with faulty plumbing and a generally dilapidated state. Their cook quits upon seeing the conditions, adding to Roger’s dismay. The house becomes a central source of comedic mishaps and frustrations.

Family Dynamics and Conflicts

The vacation brings to the surface various family issues. Daughter Susan’s marriage is strained, while daughter Janie’s husband shows interest in another woman. Teenage daughter Katey struggles with her self-esteem due to her braces, and young Danny is glued to the television. Roger tries to navigate these challenges while rediscovering his connection with his family.

Roger’s Efforts and Bonding

Despite the chaos, Roger makes an effort to connect with his children. He helps Katey by enlisting a local boy to dance with her, and he bonds with Danny during a sailing trip where they get lost in the fog. These experiences allow Roger to understand and appreciate his family better.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Roger Hobbs (James Stewart): A St. Louis banker yearning for a quiet vacation who finds himself overwhelmed by his extended family’s chaotic reunion at a dilapidated beach house.
• Peggy Hobbs (Maureen O’Hara): Roger’s well-meaning wife who orchestrates the family vacation, hoping to strengthen bonds despite Roger’s initial reservations.
• Katey Hobbs (Lauri Peters): The Hobbs’ teenage daughter, self-conscious about her new braces, who finds a summer romance with a local boy.
• Danny Hobbs (Michael Burns): The Hobbs’ preteen son, primarily interested in watching television, who eventually bonds with his father during a sailing trip.
• Joe Carmody (Fabian): A local boy and singer who develops a romantic interest in Katey, helping her overcome her insecurities.
• Martin Turner (John McGiver): An eccentric bird-watching executive whose visit complicates the family dynamics and offers an opportunity for one of the sons-in-law.
• Byron Grant (John Saxon): Janie’s college professor husband, whose unconventional views add to the family’s vacation chaos, and whose marital fidelity comes into question.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Roger Hobbs: “I love them dearly, just from different distances.” – Expresses his feelings about his family and the challenges of connecting with them.
• Roger Hobbs: “If this house was good enough for Edgar Allan Poe, it’s good enough for us.” – Said sarcastically about the run-down condition of their rented beach house.
• Roger Hobbs: “This country needs an un-Edison…someone to un-invent things and the first thing I would un-invent is Television!” – Shows his frustration with his son’s obsession with TV.
• Roger Hobbs: “Didn’t you get his last name?” – Peggy asks Roger, who replied ‘No, I just called hey Joe, it’s from my experience that there’s usually one Joe in a group of fellows.’

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and thinking, ‘That poor guy!’ Mr. Hobbs just wants a little peace, but his family is a hilarious whirlwind of chaos. The scene where he tries to fix the water pump is classic! And the part where he gets stuck on the boat with his son actually got me a little teary-eyed, it was surprisingly heartfelt. Overall, this movie is like a warm hug – comforting and funny, a perfect movie for a relaxing evening.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic family comedies”
  • “Admirers of James Stewart and Maureen O’Hara”
  • “Viewers looking for lighthearted and nostalgic entertainment”
  • “Those who enjoy films about family dynamics and vacations gone awry”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild comedic situations”
  • “Some outdated cultural references”
  • “No violence or mature content”

Professional Reviews

• Gold Derby: “A delightful family film capturing the trials of a summer vacation. Stewart shines as the harried father, supported by a capable cast. The humor is gentle, depicting the ups and downs of family gatherings. It may seem a bit quaint to modern audiences, but offers a nostalgic trip to a simpler time.
• The Film Stage: “The Criterion Channel notes that this film, although family-oriented, still holds up for its gentle humor and heartwarming story. While not groundbreaking, the performances are solid, and the film offers a pleasant escape. It’s a reminder of a time when family comedies focused on relatable situations and genuine emotions.
• IMDb User Review: “This movie is a gem from a simpler time. Jimmy Stewart is fantastic as the dad just trying to catch a break on vacation, but family happens. I love this film. It’s pure, fun, and wholesome. A reminder of why classic movies are so special. It captures family dynamics without being overly sentimental.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers appreciated Jimmy Stewart’s portrayal of a relatable and well-meaning, albeit slightly exasperated, father.: The film’s depiction of realistic family dynamics and its gentle humor resonated with many viewers.

The scenes between Jimmy Stewart and Maureen O’Hara were praised for their portrayal of a mature, affectionate married couple.: The film is a heartwarming family film that celebrates a simpler time.

Overall Consensus: A charming and gentle family comedy, Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation is remembered fondly for its relatable characters, humorous situations, and heartwarming portrayal of family life, even if it feels somewhat dated by modern standards.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel ‘Mr. Hobbs’ Vacation’ by Edward Streeter, who also wrote ‘Father of the Bride’.”
• “Filming locations included Laguna Beach and Dana Point, California, capturing the quintessential beachside setting.”
• “The portrait hanging along the staircase of the beach cottage is of Captain Daniel Gregg, played by Rex Harrison, from The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947).”

🖥️ How to Watch Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation?

Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for possible streaming options, as availability can vary by region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also often available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation, you might like these similar films:

• Father of the Bride (1950): Shares similar themes of family dynamics and the stresses of planning a large family event.
• Yours, Mine and Ours (1968): Deals with the chaos and humor that arise when two large families merge.
• National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983): Captures the comedic mishaps and family bonding during a disastrous family vacation.
• The Family Stone (2005): Explores the complexities and tensions that arise during a family gathering, particularly around the holidays.

🛒 Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation Related Products

• James Stewart: The Iconic Filmmaker Collection (DVD): This collection features some of James Stewart’s most iconic films, allowing fans to explore his diverse acting range. It’s perfect for movie enthusiasts who want to own a piece of Hollywood history and re-live classic cinematic moments.
• California Beach House LEGO Set: Build your own California dream with this detailed LEGO set of a charming beach house, capturing the essence of the vacation lifestyle! Perfect for collectors and kids to create their seaside adventure!
• Vintage Travel Posters – California Beach Scene: These posters evoke the nostalgic charm of classic California beach vacations, with vibrant colors and retro designs. They are perfect for decorating your home and bringing a touch of vintage style to any room, reminiscent of the film’s sunny setting.
• Old School Beach Cruiser: Enjoy the retro style with this updated comfortable cruiser. With balloon tires and a sprung seat you’ll be cruisin’ like you’re in the 60’s! Great for neighborhood or boardwalk rides.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cream Puff” – performed by Fabian and Lauri Peters

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation | Soundtrack Suite (Henry Mancini)

Love the music from ‘Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation’? This soundtrack suite by Henry Mancini is fantastic! It captures the lighthearted and nostalgic feel of the movie perfectly – give it a listen and let the memories flood back.

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