Mr. Hobbs macht Ferien

This is an old-fashioned movie about a married couple's attempt to bring their distant family back together. It's not raunchy, violent or nasty, and its depiction of a mum, dad and children living in a "nuclear" family may seem quaintly out-dated, but Stewart and O'Hara provide warmth and depth. Based on a book by Edward ('Father of the Bride') Streeter, Mr Hobbs is one of this American author's typical small-town, upper-middle class heroes who the whole world and his wife (and Mr Hobbs's own wife)are out to get. Simple mechanical devices, plumbers and visiting luminaries' wives all spell trouble, but somehow Mr Hobbs comes through to win the day. Not the greatest film ever, but for anyone who grew up in the early 60s and wants a reminder of how simple life seemed back then, this is a good film to watch.

All-round pleasant family fare for those who enjoy the ups and downs of family happenings. This easygoing story appeals to both young and old. Roger Hobbs (Jimmy Stewart) is the harried father who longs for a quiet holiday with his wife (Maureen O'Hara) but in the end goes along with her wish to have a family reunion, which turns out to be far from ideal. Quite the contrary, there's plenty of room for a good dose of realism -- personal clashes between his married daughter Susan and husband Stan, while the youngsters get out of control. Scarcely a dull moment throughout. Fabian, as Joe, is a nice addition to the scene and he's more mature here than in his earlier movie, which I happen to like best, "North to Alaska." An old familiar face is Reginald Gardiner, as Reggie, who has been a part of countless film comedies dating back to the 1930s. Settle down with some popcorn and have a good time!

Banker Roger Hobbs (James Stewart) has had it with family vacations. He dictates to his secretary the latest debacle. His daughter wanted to go to Paris with her friends. His son would rather watch TV westerns. His wife (Maureen O'Hara) had rearranged their two-some vacation into a family gathering by the seashore. His adult daughter arrives with her family but there is trouble. The house is a mess and nobody is happy.

It's light family dysfunction until there is a more serious marriage difficulty. The daughter's marital problem does threaten to push too far into serious territory. Jimmy Stewart plays a great father-knows-best character. He's great at both serious and comical. His charms and the movie's easy fun help keep this on the tracks. It's an enjoyable fun family film.

Mr. Hobbs wants to take a nice quiet vacation to the beach for the summer but Mrs. Hobbs insists on taking the whole family, daughters, son-in-law, grandchildren, cook and various drop ins, with them. There goes his peaceful trip.

The kind of role that Jimmy Stewart could play in his sleep but he and Maureen O'Hara manage to make the material better than it should be. They keep the whole enterprise moving along with some cute side stories, Fabian is charming as a suitor to their daughter who is going through growing pains not helped by her new braces and the distinctive presences of John McGiver and Marie Wilson contribute a bit of spice in small scenes of a supposedly straight laced couple who hold the key to a new job for Jimmy's son in law, John Saxon-looking particularly handsome here.

Harmless fun and if you're a Stewart fan irresistible.

This has been one of my favorite movies, ever since seeing it at the drive-in when I was eleven. I started holding my mouth just like Katey (pretending I had braces), and dreaming that I, too, would meet Fabian on our family vacation. I still find myself humming "Cream puff, shortcake, sweet stuff, jelly rolls....". And Henry Mancini's soundtrack still is great beach music.

All grown up now, my business is renting beach houses, a vocation partially stimulated by my favorite summer movie. I can't help but compare the old beach shack full of cobwebs and broken plumbing to today's sand castles. This video belongs in every modern beach house, to bring back memories of vacations long ago, or to show the kids how we roughed it in the olden days.