Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)

80% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
67% of users liked it
(2,980 ratings)

Screenwriter Nunnally Johnson adapted the novel by author Edward Streeter, whose work was also the basis of Father of the Bride (1950), into this domestic comedy. James Stewart and Maureen O'Hara star as Roger and Peggy Hobbs, a St. Louis couple with a large brood who desire a seaside vacation.… More Screenwriter Nunnally Johnson adapted the novel by author Edward Streeter, whose work was also the basis of Father of the Bride (1950), into this domestic comedy. James Stewart and Maureen O'Hara star as Roger and Peggy Hobbs, a St. Louis couple with a large brood who desire a seaside vacation. Renting a cottage by the ocean is just the first step in a summer fraught with disasters, including a couch potato son, a shy daughter with newly installed braces, a pair of grown daughters who have married badly, and a local yachtsman with eyes for Peggy. Not to mention the ramshackle state of the shoreline abode, Roger and Peggy's new grandparent status, and incidents involving a sexy neighbor, a sailboat regatta and bird watching. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 56 min.
Directed By: Henry Koster
Written By: Nunnally Johnson
Genres: Kids & Family, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 15, 1962 Wide
On DVD: Sep 6, 2005
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

, TIME Magazine
Since there are no recognizable humans in it, Mr. Hobbs is really strictly for the bird watchers.
Variety Staff, Variety
This is a fun picture, although it misfires, chiefly in the situation development department.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Some of the incidents are funny, some are so-so, some are flat. And, of course, in the end, it is concluded that for all this, the family is still strong.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Maybe this isn't 60s family entertainment at its absolute worst, but it's still pretty awful.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Whirlwind direction, witty quips from screenwriter Nunnally Johnson, and the seasoned Stewart's likability ensure that the laughs keep coming in this fun film.
Derek Adams, Time Out
A wholesome family comedy with Stewart and O'Hara as a couple whose quiet vacation becomes a noisy free-for-all for the kids.
James Plath, Reel.com
Stewart's performance alone makes this an entertaining film, though veteran actor John McGiver certainly raises the energy level when his character is onscreen.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Moderately enjoyable.

Read all 8 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

danny d

really good flick, that birdwalk gets me every time
Jennifer D

Was this supposed to be funny? I found it to be a damn headache. The funniest part was the bird watching bit. But other than that I thought that it was trying. It seemed like the Simpsons would parody, or already have. Personally, I would have killed everyone in that family except for… More
Was this supposed to be funny? I found it to be a damn headache. The funniest part was the bird watching bit. But other than that I thought that it was trying. It seemed like the Simpsons would parody, or already have. Personally, I would have killed everyone in that family except for Stewart and O'Hara...
Mason W

James Stewart and Maureen O'Hara shine as a couple in this 60's comedy. A family goes on there last family summer vacation in southern CA to a friend's old home on the beach. Many things test there sanity...it is a funny and well done movie
moon r

"darn those kids of today...they're...they're...they're just driving me crazy, is all, but somehow we find a way to get along after all"

Cast

            James Stewart as Roger Hobbs

            Maureen O'Hara as Peggy Hobbs

            Fabian as Joe

            John Saxon as Byron

            Reginald Gardiner as Reggie McHugh

            Marie Wilson as Emily Turner

            Lauri Peters as Katey

            Valerie Varda as Marika

            Lili Gentle as Janie

            John McGiver as Martin Turner

            Natalie Trundy as Susan Carver

            Josh Peine as Stan Carver

            Minerva Urecal as Brenda

            Michael Burns as Danny Hobbs

            Richard Collier as Mr. Saltonstall

            Peter Oliphant as Peter Carver

            Tom Lowell as Freddie

            Stephen Mines as Carl

            Dennis Whitcomb as Dick

            Michael Sean as Phil

            Sherry Alberoni as Girl in Dormitory

            Reginald Beckwith
            
            Doris Packer as Hostess

            Maida Severn as Secretary

            Daryl Duke as Boy

            Barbara Mansell as Receptionist
See full cast