Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation

Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation

Year: 1962

Runtime: 116 mins

Language: English

Director: Henry Koster

FamilyComedyRelationship comedyCrude humor and satireCatchy songs and hilarious musical comedy

Banker Roger Hobbs hopes for a quiet getaway with his wife Peggy, but she forces a family trip to a rundown California beach house. Daughter Katey, embarrassed by her braces, and TV‑obsessed son Danny both avoid the beach. Chaos erupts when Hobbs’ two daughters and their husbands arrive, forcing Roger to settle their grievances and restore peace.

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Timeline – Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)

Trace every key event in Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Vacation plan takes shape

Roger and Peggy decide to take a seaside vacation instead of traveling abroad. Peggy invites their extended family, turning a quiet trip into a full-family getaway. The plan sets up the backdrop for the ensuing chaos and bond-building.

Before trip Home
2

Arrival at the dilapidated beach house

The family arrives to find a run-down beach house with rotting steps and creaky amenities. A shared telephone line and unreliable plumbing become running gags that punctuate the stay. The shabby setup immediately signals the challenges the family will face.

Upon arrival Seaside beach house
3

Tensions surface among the clan

Danny fixates on watching television while Katey hides behind braces and avoids activities. The grandson keeps his distance from Roger, and Stan's unemployment complicates Susan's marriage. Byron, a windbag professor, also looms as a disruptive presence in the family dynamic.

Early vacation Beach house
4

Peggy worries, Roger advocates distance

Peggy frets about the fraying family, while Roger argues that the children must learn to handle problems themselves. He suggests staying emotionally distant to let everyone navigate issues without overreach. This stance foreshadows his quiet, problem-solving approach throughout the trip.

Early Beach house
5

Roger begins solving problems one by one

From the outset, Roger quietly threads through the crises, addressing each issue without drama. He orchestrates small interventions that aim to restore balance rather than blame anyone. His method is calm, practical, and focused on family cohesion.

Early Beach house
6

Katey goes to the teen dance

Roger nudges Katey toward social activity by arranging for a handsome young man named Joe to pay her attention. Joe genuinely falls for Katey and even returns the money he was paid. The episode reveals Roger's willingness to bend rules for his daughter's happiness and a hint of romance abroad the vacation.

Mid vacation Local teen dance
7

Father-son boating bond

When the television breaks, Roger takes Danny on a boating trip. They get lost in fog for a while, but the shared ordeal helps them bond as father and son. The experience softens their rift and creates a lasting memory between them.

Mid vacation Coastal waters
8

Byron's interest and warning

Byron shows interest in an attractive neighbor, but Roger bluntly warns that she is a paranoid schizophrenic, effectively keeping him from a full-fledged affair. The warning underscores Roger's protective role and the boundaries he enforces. It also highlights the tension between adult impulses and family loyalties.

Mid vacation Beach neighborhood
9

Stan's job prospect and hosting duties

Stan has a shot at a good job, and Susan asks Roger and Peggy to entertain the potential employer and his wife for a few days. The couple present as prim, proper, and sober, yet their real interests are far from what they appear. The hosting duties set up a chaotic, farcical sequence that tests the family.

Mid vacation Beach house
10

Madcap chaos erupts in a bathroom scene

A hot shower and a broken door lock unleash a torrent of minor disasters. The mishap exposes the adults' awkwardness and the truth behind polite façades. Amid the comedy, the family struggles to keep harmony as the day spirals.

Mid vacation Beach house
11

Crises resolve and farewells loom

By the end, the interpersonal crises are resolved and the family is sad to leave one another. Even the grumpy grandson is upset to depart his grandfather. The vacation closes with a sense of reconciliation and mutual care.

End Beach house
12

A hopeful plan for next summer

They book the beach house for the next summer, signaling a renewed commitment to spending time together. Roger manages to maintain peace while allowing the kids some independence. The trip ends with a quiet optimism about the family’s future getaways.

End Beach house

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:43

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