Mr Hobbs Takes a Vacation *** (1962, James Stewart, Maureen O’Hara, Fabian Forte, John Saxon, Marie Wilson, Reginald Gardiner, John McGiver, Lauri Peters) – Classic Movie Review 5961

Director Henry Koster’s 1962 comedy stars James Stewart as the harassed St Louis-based banker Mr Roger Hobbs the head of a nice all-American family, who takes off with his wife Peggy (Maureen O’Hara), kids and grandchildren for a Pacific Coast seaside holiday.

Mr Hobbs ends up with a crumbling house, leaky plumbing, bizarre annoying locals and the perils of teenage romance to cope with.

Perhaps there is too much emphasis on the youngsters while the real humour comes from the smart playing of the experienced old-timers Stewart and O’Hara. Nunnally Johnson’s screenplay, based on the novel by Edward Streeter, does have some wit about it, but it is a touch thin and rambling. However, the movie flows along quite pleasantly, helped by William C Mellor’s colour photography and Henry Mancini’s jolly score.

Fabian Forte re-united with Stewart for Dear Brigitte (1965), also directed by Koster. It also stars John Saxon, Marie Wilson, Reginald Gardiner, John McGiver, and Lauri Peters.

Also in the cast are Michael Burns, Valerie Varda, Lili Gentle, Natalie Trundy, Josh Peine, Minerva Urecal, and Richard Collier.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5961

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