Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)

Director:

Henry Koster

Writers:

Edward Streeter (novel)
Nunnally Johnson (screenplay)

Release Date:

15 June 1962 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Family

Tagline:

Jimmy Takes A Vacation... You Have All The Fun!

Plot:

Mr. Hobbs wants to spend a quiet holiday at the beach, but his wife has invited all their family to stay with them.

Plot Keywords:

Vacation | Beach | Family Relationships | Alcoholism | Adolescence

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 3 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

James Stewart	...	Roger Hobbs
Maureen O'Hara	...	Peggy Hobbs
Fabian	...	Joe
John Saxon	...	Byron
Marie Wilson	...	Mrs. Emily Turner
Reginald Gardiner	...	Reggie McHugh
Lauri Peters	...	Katey Hobbs
Valerie Varda	...	Marika
Lili Gentle	...	Janie
John McGiver	...	Mr. Martin Turner
Natalie Trundy	...	Susan
Josh Peine	...	Stan
Minerva Urecal	...	Brenda, Hobbs' Maid
Michael Burns	...	Danny Hobbs
Richard Collier	...	Mr. Kagle

Runtime:

116 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

UK:U | USA:Approved (certificate #20189) | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl

Filming Locations:

Dana Point, California, USA

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

The station wagon used in the film is a 1960 Dodge Seneca.

Goofs:

Continuity: When the car approaches Hobbes and Turner during their bird watching expedition, they are walking in the middle of the road, effectively blocking traffic. In the next shot, the car has room to go around them.

Quotes:

Roger Hobbs: I'd be more religious if something wouldn't happen to that television set. Just praying that lightning would strike it, not the entire circuit, just our set.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Monster A-Go-Go (#5.21)" (1993)

Soundtrack:

Cream Puff

Plain relaxing fun

This is an old-fashioned movie about a married couple's attempt to bring their distant family back together. It's not raunchy, violent or nasty, and its depiction of a mum, dad and children living in a "nuclear" family may seem quaintly out-dated, but Stewart and O'Hara provide warmth and depth. Based on a book by Edward ('Father of the Bride') Streeter, Mr Hobbs is one of this American author's typical small-town, upper-middle class heroes who the whole world and his wife (and Mr Hobbs's own wife)are out to get. Simple mechanical devices, plumbers and visiting luminaries' wives all spell trouble, but somehow Mr Hobbs comes through to win the day. Not the greatest film ever, but for anyone who grew up in the early 60s and wants a reminder of how simple life seemed back then, this is a good film to watch.