Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation

An overworked banker who wants to fix problems quietly and keep a tidy sense of order. He often steps back to let his children learn on their own, yet he actively intervenes when issues threaten the family’s harmony. His practical approach gradually reveals a capacity for warmth and stubborn optimism, especially during the boating trip that bonds him with Danny.

Roger’s wife, anxious about the state of the large clan but determined to make the vacation work. She manages the household chaos with a mix of concern and humor, often guiding the family toward resolution even as she worries about the children. Her resolve anchors the family amid the comic upheavals.

The teenage daughter who is embarrassed by braces and reluctant to engage with activities. She drifts on the sidelines during the teen dance, but her feelings are a lens for the family’s mood and dynamics. Beneath her reticence, she negotiates independence and connection with her family.

The eldest daughter who champions a laissez-faire attitude toward parenting and is juggling marriage to Stan with caring for her kids. Her relaxed stance on discipline creates friction with her own husband and with Roger’s attempts to intervene. She remains a practical, protective presence for her children.

The youngest son who would rather watch television than join activities yet forms a budding bond with his father during a foggy boating trip. His desire for simple entertainment contrasts with the adults’ efforts to keep him engaged, highlighting the generational gap.

Susan’s husband, recently unemployed, adding tension to his relationship and the family’s dynamics. He appears as part of a seemingly proper couple whose true hobbies reveal a different, more social side during the house-hunt and entertaining guests. His arc leans into the stress of adult rustiness and adaptability.

Susan’s brother-in-law, a windbag college professor with a stream of ideas on psychology who appears to be a tempting but unreliable influence on Katey’s future. He’s a caricature of the intellectual—charming and overblown—whose antics create tension for the family.

A handsome young man hired by Roger to capture Katey’s attention, who unexpectedly falls for her and returns the bribe. His genuine affection softens the comedy and introduces a hint of romance into the family’s vacation chaos.

One of the grandchildren, part of the bustling clan whose presence adds to the lively, sometimes chaotic, vacation dynamic. His youth underscores the family’s generational mix and the desire to create joyful memories.

Martin Turner’s wife, a member of the extended family visiting the beach house. Her interactions contribute to the ensemble’s multi-generational energy and the film’s social interplay during the vacation.

A member of the Turner family in attendance, offering a calmer, measured presence amid the Hobbs clan’s chaos. He provides humor through social interactions and mediating moments within the extended family.

The family cook who keeps the household running amid the mess. Her practical, no-nonsense presence adds a grounded anchor to the vacation’s comic events. She quietly shapes the family's daily life behind the scenes.