Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo

Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo

Year: 1977

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Vincent McEveety

ActionAdventureComedyRomanceFamily

Jim Douglas and his beloved Volkswagen Beetle, Herbie, enter the French Grand Prix in this exciting adventure. Along with Wheely Applegate, they face off against jewel thieves and a field of competitive drivers. Adding to the challenge is Diane Darcy, a skilled racer with her own high-performance car, Giselle. The race tests Herbie’s abilities and the team’s resourcefulness in this thrilling competition.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Jim Douglas, portrayed by Dean Jones, is a seasoned race car driver looking to reclaim glory alongside his rather skeptical and quirky mechanic, Wheely Applegate. They find themselves on an exhilarating adventure in the fictional Trans-France Race, setting off from the vibrant streets of Paris to the glamorous backdrop of Monte Carlo in a spirited 1963 Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie, the “Love Bug.” This duo aspires not only to make a comeback but also to outplay their competition during the thrilling event.

The race features fierce competitors, including the formidable Bruno Von Stickle, brought to life by Eric Braeden. As a dark-haired German driver well-versed in the “European Racing Circuit,” Von Stickle drives a powerful vehicle—a Porsche 917 clone, adorned with the colors of the German national flag and the number 17. His skills and experience make him a prominent threat both before and throughout the race.

Their rival Claude Gilbert, a mustached French driver known for his striking blond hair, is no less intimidating. Known for his sleek black De Tomaso Pantera, Gilbert’s car boasts white stripes and the number 66. His prowess on the track is equally matched by Von Stickle until misfortune strikes him during the later stages of the race.

Amidst all the intense competition, there’s Diane Darcy, skillfully portrayed by Julie Sommars. This striking strawberry-blonde American is not just the sole female participant in the race but is also characterized by her icy demeanor and feminist spirit. Diane’s first encounter with Jim is marred by confusion as she believes Jim’s car, Herbie, sabotaged her racing chances due to its sudden infatuation with her own vehicle. Unbeknownst to her, the love affair here is mutual—Herbie not only admires her magnificent powder-blue 1976 Lancia Scorpion, accentuated with yellow and white stripes but also has developed an unusual affection for it.

As the race unfolds, Diane experiences a harrowing crash into a lake just shy of the finish line. In a moment of sheer bravery and with Herbie’s help, Jim saves both the car and Diane, leading to a poignant shift in her perspective toward both Jim and Herbie. Witnessing Herbie’s loyalty as he attempts to revive the Lancia, Diane becomes a believer in the enchanting existence of sentient cars.

Despite her exit from the race, her faith in Jim and Herbie rekindles—a phenomenon that signals the strength of their bond. With newfound determination, Jim and Herbie give chase to Von Stickle through the bustling streets of Monte Carlo, culminating in a nail-biting showdown. In a twist of fate, the little Beetle outsmarts Von Stickle, demonstrating agility by driving upside down in the infamous tunnel of the Formula One racetrack and seizing victory for the historic 20th time of their career.

However, the plot thickens as two thieves, Max and Quincey, execute a daring diamond heist, concealing the treasured Étoile De Joie in Herbie’s fuel tank. Unbeknownst to them, their getaway car is quite unlike any ordinary vehicle; Herbie’s sentience complicates their plans, leading to a series of laughable blunders as they attempt to reclaim their loot while simultaneously failing to control the mischievous car they’ve unwittingly chosen.

Their escapade attracts the attention of the French police, led by Inspector Bouchet, played by Jacques Marin, and his subordinate, Detective Fontenoy, interpreted by Xavier Saint-Macary. Despite Inspector Bouchet’s lofty plans to keep Herbie under wraps, the detective inadvertently manages to unravel the heist’s true intricacies, resulting in the former being captured.

As emotions rise and love blossoms, Jim and Diane embark on a budding romance, while Wheely pairs up with a captivating trophy girl from Monte Carlo. Meanwhile, the affection between Herbie and Giselle, Diane’s Lancia, becomes an endearing highlight, marking a whimsical conclusion to their thrilling escapade in the Trans-France Race.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 20:56

Unlock the Full Story of Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo

Don't stop at just watching — explore Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo Timeline

Track the full timeline of Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo

More About Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo

Similar Movies to Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo

Discover movies like Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.