Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)

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

Director:

Henry Koster

Writers:

Nunnally Johnson (screenplay), Edward Streeter (novel)

Stars:

James Stewart, Maureen O'Hara, Fabian

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

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

Storyline

St. Louis based banker Roger Hobbs is writing a letter to his wife, Peggy Hobbs, about his true feelings concerning their just returned from month long vacation, the letter to be opened only after his death, whenever that may be. Mr. Hobbs wanted the vacation to be a romantic getaway for two, but Peggy insisted that it be a family vacation to a central California beach-side house, given to them for the month by friends. The vacation included all their offspring, and their offspring's respective families where applicable. Hobbs hated the idea as he felt he didn't know his offspring - and their spouses even less - and that they, in turn, no longer needed him. They include: daughter Susan Carver, who, with her husband, Stan Carver, have a permissive parenting style as per the latest child psychology books; daughter Janie Grant, whose husband, college professor, Byron Grant, has an academic view of everything in life; fourteen year old daughter, Katey Hobbs, who is self conscious around ...

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Plot Keywords:

beach | summer vacation | dysfunctional family | house | reference to thomas edison | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Comedy | Family

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 June 1962 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mr. Hobbs macht Ferien

Filming Locations:

Laguna Beach, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

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

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Goofs

As the Hobbs family arrives home from vacation, the kids pile out of the car, leaving the rear driver side door open. In the next shot of Mr. Hobbs standing next to the car, the rear door is suddenly shut.

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Quotes

Roger Hobbs: From now on, we're going to live our lives... and they can live their lives... and happy landings to everybody. Good night, honey.
Peggy Hobbs: But what about the- the family?
Roger Hobbs: Well, what about the family?
Peggy Hobbs: I mean, communicating with the children.
Roger Hobbs: Oh, to hell with it. Let them communicate with us for a change.
Peggy Hobbs: Honey!
Roger Hobbs: We're not going to worry about this anymore. You understand?
Peggy Hobbs: Uh-huh.
Roger Hobbs: Good night.
Peggy Hobbs: Good night.
[...]

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Crazy Credits

At the end credits each major character is shown as they are identified along with the acting credit.

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Connections

References War and Peace (1956)

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Soundtracks

Cream Puff
Written by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini
Performed by Fabian and Lauri Peters

User Reviews

more than just tossaway fluff

I think this highly entertaining film is a bit better than Maltin gives it credit for being. More than just a light comedy about the travails of a summer vacation gone wrong, the movie has some hard edges that give it some bite. Among these are the frayed relationships between Hobbs and his elder daughters, the marital difficulties of one of them (bordering almost on being painful to watch), and the mutually hostile relationship of Hobbs with his grandson. Hobbs is no kindly buffoon; a well-meaning but irascible fellow, he has plenty of cutting and sarcastic comments for the family members that cause him so much grief, yet who he obviously cares for. There are some genuinely touching moments throughout the film, especially as Hobbs reconnects with his teen son. The script is excellent, with many sharp edges and plenty of crackling repartee. Stewart, in a fine performance, makes the movie; his expressive face completely reflects the frustrations, disasters, and surprises he encounters, as well as the warmth and pride he feels for his family. The brief narrative voiceovers he supplies (continuations of the letter he dictates at the beginning of the whole flashback movie) are well-placed and witty. Maureen O'Hara is perfect as the well-meaning Mrs. Hobbs. This is a thoroughly enjoyable 60's movie that stands up well to the passing years.