The Gnome-Mobile

The Gnome-Mobile

Year: 1967

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Stevenson

FantasyFamilyComedy

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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Timeline & Setting – The Gnome-Mobile (1967)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Gnome-Mobile (1967). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s

The events unfold in a mid-20th-century American setting, wrapped in a family road-trip vibe. A vintage 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II grounds the story in a bygone era while the adventure feels contemporary to the 1960s. The tone reflects postwar optimism, roadside curiosities, and a growing sense of environmental stewardship. Overall, it blends modern family fantasy with nostalgic touches.

Location

San Francisco, Redwood National Park, Seattle

The story starts in the San Francisco area as D.J. Mulrooney heads north to Seattle with his grandchildren. They detour through the Redwood region where Mulrooney has planted a grove, setting the stage for a forest-filled adventure. The route takes them toward Seattle, weaving in airports and small towns along the way. The Redwood forest serves as the magical backdrop where the gnomes’ world is discovered and protected.

🏙️ San Francisco 🌲 Redwood National Park 🚗 Road trip

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:12

Main Characters – The Gnome-Mobile (1967)

Meet the key characters of The Gnome-Mobile (1967), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

D.J. Mulrooney (Walter Brennan)

A high-powered timber executive with a quick temper but a soft spot for his grandchildren. He is practical and protective, yet moved by the gnome plight, ultimately choosing conservation over profit. He renames the Ford Rolls-Royce as the Gnome-Mobile and helps steer the plan to protect the forest.

🧔 Grandfather 🚗 Adventurer 🏞️ Forest guardian

Elizabeth (Karen Dotrice)

A bright 10-year-old girl who approaches the adventure with curiosity and courage. She forms empathy for the gnomes and plays an active role in supporting her grandfather and Jasper. Her quick thinking and kindness help guide the group through danger.

👧 Child 🧭 Courageous 🏞️ Nature-loving

Rodney (Matthew Garber)

An 8-year-old with boundless energy and a knack for getting everyone out of tight spots. He shares in the rescue efforts and helps keep the group’s spirits up. Rodney embodies youthful daring that complements his grandfather’s bold plans.

👦 Child 🚗 Adventurer 🧭 Curious

Jasper (Tom Lowell)

A gnome with a serious problem—fading—and a big heart. He forms a bond with the children and serves as the central bridge between the human and gnome worlds. Jasper dreams of finding a bride and helps drive the quest to preserve his kind.

🧚 Gnome 🧭 Adventurous ❤️ Romantic

Knobby (Walter Brennan)

Jasper’s 943-year-old grandfather, a proud but embittered elder who fears humans and harbors a deep hatred for logging. His fading illness underscores the fragility of his world. He longs for a future where gnomes can thrive, free from human threat.

🧓 Elder 🪶 Wise

Rufus (Ed Wynn)

The benevolent Gnome King who recognizes Jasper as a potential mate and acts as a guardian for his people. He embodies leadership and a sense of community among the gnomes. Rufus helps coordinate the gnome response to human intrusion.

👑 King 🧭 Leader

Horatio Quaxton (Sean McClory)

A freak show owner who kidnaps Jasper, turning the quest into a kidnapping caper. He represents the exploitative, carnival-side of the human world and the danger it poses to innocent beings. His presence creates direct conflict for the protagonists.

🎭 Villain 🌀 Trickster

Violet (Cami Sebring)

Shy Violet is a timid, innocent gnome who wins Jasper’s affection and a contested race to determine his bride. Her gentle demeanor and clumsy charm contrast with the other aggressive gnomes, making her the beloved choice for partnership.

🧚 Gnome 💃 Romantic 🕊️ Shy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:12

Major Themes – The Gnome-Mobile (1967)

Explore the central themes of The Gnome-Mobile (1967), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌳 Nature vs. Industry

The film centers on the tension between logging and forest preservation, embodied by the gnomes’ fading and the humans’ need for timber. Knobby’s fear of extinction mirrors a broader anxiety about if nature will survive exploitation. The resolution comes when D.J. offers the 50,000 acres to the gnomes, turning a potential loss into a sanctuary. It promotes ecological stewardship and coexistence over mere profit.

🧭 Adventure & Family

The journey unites three generations in a rescue-and-discovery mission that tests loyalty and courage. Elizabeth and Rodney actively participate in saving Jasper and reuniting the group, turning a road trip into a shared quest. The renamed Gnome-Mobile becomes a symbol of curiosity, wonder, and familial bonding. The story uses travel and teamwork to celebrate family resilience.

✨ Magic & Wonder

Gnomes and their hidden world introduce whimsy into a practical world, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. Jasper’s quest for companionship and the wedding with Shy Violet showcases a cross-species romance that underscores hope and acceptance. The fantastical elements are used to highlight care for nature and the value of believing in the unbelievable. Magic serves as a bridge between humans and the forest world.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:12

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The Gnome-Mobile Summary

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The Gnome-Mobile Timeline

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The Gnome-Mobile (1967) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Gnome-Mobile (1967) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Gnome-Mobile (1967) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow