The Gnome-Mobile

D.J. Mulrooney, a renowned timber executive, leaves San Francisco to sell 50,000 acres of timberland in Seattle. He travels in his customized 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, a car he bought after earning his first million. The long journey sets up a cross-country road trip that will bring unexpected companions.

At the airport, D.J. is joined by his grandchildren Elizabeth and Rodney, who will accompany him on the trek. The kids quickly become part of the plan to escort him toward Seattle. The unusual road trip broadens to include a pair of young companions.

The trio detours through Redwood National Park, where D.J. has endowed Mulrooney Grove. There they meet Jasper the gnome and his ancient grandfather Knobby, who is 943 years old. Knobby's zest for life contrasts with the practical nature of the adults as the journey continues.

Knobby reveals he is suffering from fading, a semi-transparent illness tied to his waning will to live. D.J. interprets this as a fear that he and Jasper are the last of their kind. The gnomes explain that human activity, especially logging, threatens their forest homeland.

Knobby expresses deep anger toward humans because of logging damage to forests and gnomic livelihoods. The gnomes note that Mulrooney's Marauders are among the worst offenders. Despite their mistrust, the gnomes decide to accompany the trio on their journey.

The travelers rename the Rolls-Royce the 'Gnome-Mobile' in homage to their gnome companions. The car becomes the caravan's home on the road, carrying both humans and magical beings toward the forest. The group presses on with the unlikely alliance intact.

Jasper and Knobby are kidnapped by Horatio Quaxton, a freak show owner who exploits unusual beings. The abduction piles pressure on D.J., who soon finds himself labeled insane by Yarby. The family's search for their missing friends begins.

Ralph Yarby has D.J. committed to an asylum on the claim that the sightings of gnomes prove his insanity. The move removes D.J. from the road and deepens the mystery of the gnomes' fate. The search party prepares to continue the quest on foot.

Rodney and Elizabeth rescue D.J. from the asylum and Jasper from Quaxton's clutches. They then press on to locate Knobby, determined to reunite the group. The rescue marks a turning point as the family and gnomes regroup.

The group arrives in the woods to find Knobby delighted by a thriving community of gnomes. Rufus the Gnome King recognizes Jasper as the eligible groom to many young females. The forest hums with activity as the gnomes prepare for a new chapter.

A contest determines which gnome girl will marry Jasper. The timid Shy Violet, despite being clumsy and unpopular, manages to win the race after a wild chase. Jasper is smitten and the couple begins a life together.

Jasper and Violet marry in a ceremony overseen by Rufus the Gnome King. As a wedding gift, D.J. relinquishes the rights to 50,000 acres of forest, turning it into a haven for the gnomes. The gnome community finally has a peaceful home.