“Ma and Pa Kettle on Vacation” is a 1953 American comedy film directed by Charles Lamont and starring Marjorie Main and Percy Kilbride. It is the third film in the Ma and Pa Kettle series, which was based on characters from the novel “The Egg and I” by Betty MacDonald.
The movie follows Ma and Pa Kettle as they go on vacation to the beach with their 15 children. They rent a rundown cottage and soon find themselves caught up in a series of misadventures. Among their misadventures is an encounter with a con artist who tries to sell them a phony oil well. They also meet a wealthy couple who take a liking to the Kettles and invite them to their estate for a fancy dinner party. Ma and Pa, unused to such sophistication, find themselves out of their depth.
Meanwhile, their eldest daughter, Rosie, falls in love with a lifeguard named Rodney. Rodney’s father is a wealthy businessman who disapproves of the relationship, but Ma and Pa Kettle are determined to help the young couple. They hatch a plan to win over Rodney’s father by pretending to be wealthy themselves.
Throughout the film, Ma and Pa Kettle’s country ways clash with the sophisticated beach crowd, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and mishaps. However, in the end, they manage to win over the wealthy couple, save Rosie’s relationship, and even strike it rich with the help of the con artist’s phony oil well.
“Ma and Pa Kettle on Vacation” is a lighthearted and entertaining film that showcases the comedic talents of Main and Kilbride. It remains a beloved classic in the Ma and Pa Kettle series.
Directors:
Charles Lamont
Writer:
Jack Henley, Betty MacDonald
Stars:
Marjorie Main, Percy Kilbride, Ray Collins
