|
|
      
|
Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation He could do comedy, drama, westerns, suspenseful thrillers, mystery, any movie you threw at him. Jimmy Stewart is one of America's greatest acting talents. You know most of his best films - It's a Wonderful Life, Broken Arrow, Philadelphia Story and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. However, Stewart appeared in 66 movies, even taking a few years off to serve his country during World War II. Here's one you may have missed. In this film, Stewart stars as Roger Hobbs, a St. Louis banker looking for a little rest and relaxation. He decides to take a one month vacation to spend time with his loving wife, Peggy (Maureen O'Hara). (ONE MONTH!!!!! Where can I get a job like that?) However, Peggy has other plans. With two children married and two more growing fast, she wants to have the family take a vacation together because it could be their last chance. Reluctantly, the cranky Roger agrees, but he knows this will only lead to trouble. His teenage daughter, Katey (Laurie), wants to travel around Europe with her friends and is very upset by her new braces. Roger's younger son just wants to watch television all day, and his grandson hates him. He barely knows his older daughters' husbands and doesn't care for them. What else can go wrong? How about a beach house that should be condemned and a very attractive beach bunny, Marika (Valerie Varda), who is fascinated with Hobbs' money and his son-in-law's education. Will Roger be able to survive the month? If you like Jimmy Stewart you will love this film. He is very funny as the stuffy patriarch trying to relate to his family and show them that he is a good guy. Stewart shows off some great physical comedy talent as he tries to cope with a beach house that is falling apart, and a difficult bird watching trip. Stewart was a very accomplished man on and off screen. He graduated from Princeton University in 1932 with a degree in architecture, but quickly joined an acting troupe, The University Players of Falmouth, Massachusetts. It was a talented group that included Margaret Sullavan and Henry Fonda. Fonda and Stewart roomed together in New York and both got their start on Broadway. Sullavan helped Stewart establish a career in films when she demanded he be given roles in her pictures. Stewart changed Hollywood in the early 50's when he decided to accept a percentage of the film's gross instead of receiving a predetermined fee. It paid off handsomely for Stewart as his films became some of the most popular of the day. Today, top actors such as Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Bruce Willis and others will take a percentage of the film's gross. They should thank Jimmy Stewart for their wealth. If you are in the mood for a funny movie, check out Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation this weekend. Grade: B Directed by Henry Koster Written by Nunnally Johnson Based on the novel by Edward Streeter Cast Jimmy Stewart ……………………………… Roger Hobbs Maureen O' Hara …………………………… Peggy Hobbs Fabian ………………………………………. Joe John Saxon …………………………………. Byron Marie Wilson ……………………………….. Mrs. Turner Lili Gentle ………………………………….. Janie Laurie Peters ………………………………... Katey Valerie Varda ……………………………….. Marika John McGiver ……………………………….. Mr. Turner
Copyright 2000 - WaffleMovies.com |
