The Gnome-Mobile
Year: 1967
Runtime: 85 mins
Language: English
Director: Robert Stevenson
An eccentric millionaire and his grandchildren become entangled in the quest of forest gnomes searching for the missing members of their tribe. As they help the tiny beings, the millionaire’s claim that he sees gnomes leads others to deem him insane, and he is committed to an institution. The children, together with the gnomes, must locate and rescue him.
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The Gnome-Mobile (1967) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Gnome-Mobile (1967), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The story follows D.J. Mulrooney Walter Brennan, a well-known timber-company executive, as he travels from San Francisco toward Seattle to sell 50,000 acres of forest. He drives his customized 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, which the family nicknames the Gnome-Mobile, and is joined by his grandchildren, Elizabeth Karen Dotrice and Rodney Matthew Garber.
On a detour through what would become Redwood National Park, they encounter a gnome named Jasper Tom Lowell and his ancient, short-tempered grandfather Knobby Walter Brennan. Knobby is suffering from “fading”, a semi-transparent illness that stems from a fear that he and Jasper are the last of their kind. D.J. diagnoses this as a loss of will to live. The gnomes harbor deep resentment toward humans for the logging that harms their forests, and Knobby harbors a strong hatred for people, blaming Mulrooney’s Marauders for the damage. Before leaving, the group is urged to seek out other gnomes, and the children rename the Rolls-Royce the Gnome-Mobile.
Jasper and his grandfather are kidnapped by Horatio Quaxton [Sean McClory], a freak show owner, while D.J. is committed to an asylum by Ralph Yarby [Richard Deacon], who has heard rumors of the gnomes. Rodney and Elizabeth stage a daring rescue to free their grandfather and Jasper, and the trio sets off to locate Knobby, who has managed to escape earlier.
They reach the woods and discover a thriving gnome community. Rufus [Ed Wynn], the Gnome King, proclaims Jasper the eligible groom for a contest among the village’s young female gnomes. The competition features a shy, gentle girl named Shy Violet [Cami Sebring], who is initially overlooked by the others. After a wild chase, Violet wins the race, and she and Jasper marry, finding happiness together.
As a final gesture, D.J. gifts the gnomes the rights to the 50,000 acres of forest, transforming it into a protected haven and a home for their growing community.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:31
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