The Gnome-Mobile 1967

The story follows D.J. Mulrooney Walter Brennan, a well-known timber-company executive, as he travels from San Francisco toward Seattle to sell 50,000 acres of forest. He drives his customized 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, which the family nicknames the Gnome-Mobile, and is joined by his grandchildren, Elizabeth Karen Dotrice and Rodney Matthew Garber.

On a detour through what would become Redwood National Park, they encounter a gnome named Jasper Tom Lowell and his ancient, short-tempered grandfather Knobby Walter Brennan. Knobby is suffering from “fading”, a semi-transparent illness that stems from a fear that he and Jasper are the last of their kind. D.J. diagnoses this as a loss of will to live. The gnomes harbor deep resentment toward humans for the logging that harms their forests, and Knobby harbors a strong hatred for people, blaming Mulrooney’s Marauders for the damage. Before leaving, the group is urged to seek out other gnomes, and the children rename the Rolls-Royce the Gnome-Mobile.

Jasper and his grandfather are kidnapped by Horatio Quaxton [Sean McClory], a freak show owner, while D.J. is committed to an asylum by Ralph Yarby [Richard Deacon], who has heard rumors of the gnomes. Rodney and Elizabeth stage a daring rescue to free their grandfather and Jasper, and the trio sets off to locate Knobby, who has managed to escape earlier.

They reach the woods and discover a thriving gnome community. Rufus [Ed Wynn], the Gnome King, proclaims Jasper the eligible groom for a contest among the village’s young female gnomes. The competition features a shy, gentle girl named Shy Violet [Cami Sebring], who is initially overlooked by the others. After a wild chase, Violet wins the race, and she and Jasper marry, finding happiness together.

As a final gesture, D.J. gifts the gnomes the rights to the 50,000 acres of forest, transforming it into a protected haven and a home for their growing community.