The Willoughbys

The movie begins with a clever cat narrating the story of the Willoughby siblings: Tim, Jane, and the twins, both named Barnaby. Despite their family's rich legacy, the children are neglected and starved for affection by their self-centered parents.

Jane discovers a baby left on their doorstep, which she decides to bring inside against Tim's advice. This decision leads to chaos in their already troubled lives, as the baby disrupts the limited joy they had.

The Willoughby parents, frustrated with the children's antics following the baby's arrival, evict them from the house. They give the children an ultimatum to abandon the baby if they wish to return home, deepening the siblings' despair.

Desperate and seeking an escape from their neglectful parents, the Willoughby siblings embark on a whimsical quest. They chase a rainbow to Commander Melanoff's candy factory, hoping to leave the baby, whom they name Ruth, behind.

The siblings concoct a plan involving a vacation brochure filled with dangerous destinations intended to eliminate their neglectful parents. This plan adds a layer of mischief to their quest for freedom and joy.

To the children's surprise, their parents eagerly take off on the hazardous vacation highlighted in the brochure. This unexpected decision provides a glimmer of hope for the siblings longing for a life without neglect.

As Tim struggles to care for Jane and the twins, a warm-hearted nanny named Linda arrives. Although she quickly wins over the younger siblings, Tim remains skeptical about her intentions and capabilities.

Linda discovers Ruth and rushes the children back to the candy factory. Commander Melanoff explains his connection to the baby and his reasons for not giving her up, deepening their bond and complicating the children's lives.

While the Willoughby parents experience outrageous adventures, they soon run out of money. Instead of returning home, they decide to sell their house, revealing their continued disdain for their children.

Tim, misinterpreting Linda's concern for their safety, mistakenly calls Orphan Services to report her. This impulsive action sets off a series of events that result in turmoil for the children.

Orphan Services arrives due to Tim's call, leading to Linda's sorrowful departure after the children are forcibly separated and placed into different foster homes. This moment marks a significant turning point in the siblings' journey.

Determined to reunite with his siblings, Tim escapes from various foster families. His relentless efforts culminate in chaos, as he races back towards the home just as it is being demolished.

After Tim is detained, Linda disguises herself as a janitor to sneak into Orphan Services. She reconciles with Tim and engineers a daring breakout, showcasing her dedication and love for the children.

In a bid to reunite the family and appease Orphan Services, the siblings, alongside Linda and Melanoff, construct a dirigible. They aim to rescue their parents from the perilous Unclimbable Alps.

The siblings manage to save their parents from freezing in the Alps, but the self-serving Willoughby parents abandon them again. Their eventual demise comes as they pilot the dirigible into the ocean, leading to consequences for their actions.