Bon Voyage!

Bon Voyage! is a 1962 American comedy film directed by James Neilson. The movie revolves around Harry Willard (Fred MacMurray), a typical American family man living in Terre Haute, Indiana. Harry has always been eager to take his family on a grand adventure, and when the opportunity arises, he books a two-week trip to Paris, France, for his wife, Carolyn (Jane Powell), and their three children, Timmy (Pier Angeli's daughter, Valentina de Paul), Sue Ellen (Janet Munro), and Larry (Paul Petersen). Excited by the prospect of experiencing the beauty and romanticism of France, Harry meticulously plans every aspect of their trip, right down to packing a large suitcase containing an abundance of American snacks and medications. His main concern is avoiding tap water, which he has come to believe is a source of disease. Little does Harry know, the real challenge of their trip will lie not in the water, but in the misadventures of taking his three mischievous kids through the city of love. Upon arrival, Harry realizes that the Willard family will have to adjust to the vastly different cultural atmosphere of Paris. The children are initially overwhelmed by the French language and customs, and Carolyn struggles to navigate their way through the city's complexities. As they attempt to explore their surroundings, the family stumbles upon various mishaps, including getting lost in the crowded streets of Paris and encountering a group of pickpocketing gypsy children. Despite the initial setbacks, the Willard family is resilient and determined to make the most out of their trip. One day, while exploring the city's famous market, Harry gets into an argument with a vendor over the price of bread. In an attempt to teach his children a lesson about being respectful, Harry decides to pay the full price of the bread and walks away. However, this gesture backfires when Carolyn accidentally spills her groceries on the street, causing a huge commotion and attracting a group of angry Parisians. The Willard family eventually finds themselves at the American embassy, seeking guidance and assistance from the authorities. It is there that they meet a friendly embassy official, Mr. Harrison (Robert Keith), who tries to help the family navigate their way through the complexities of Parisian bureaucracy. Meanwhile, Larry, who has been fascinated with the French way of life, begins to develop an unlikely friendship with one of the embassy's clerks, a young Frenchman named Pierre (Louis Jourdan). Through Pierre, Larry gains a deeper understanding of the French culture and begins to see the city in a new light. As the Willard family continues their adventures in Paris, they come to realize that their initial impressions of the city have been far from accurate. They begin to appreciate the beauty and charm of Paris, the kindness of its people, and the rich history that surrounds them. Harry, in particular, learns to let go of his initial anxieties and becomes more open to the experiences that the city has to offer. Throughout the film, the comedic misadventures of the Willard family continue to escalate, but ultimately lead to a heartwarming conclusion. The Willard family learns to appreciate the true spirit of adventure and the importance of family bonding. As they prepare to leave Paris and return home, they reflect on the lessons they have learned and the memories they have made during their trip. Bon Voyage! is a classic family comedic film that explores the themes of cultural differences, family bonding, and personal growth. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Paris, the movie delivers a lighthearted and entertaining tale that will leave viewers smiling long after the credits roll.