"Divided we stand" could be the slogan of the Tucker family, its unity challenged by the ambitions and individualism of its members. Grandfather Ellis, wife and mother Adriane, and the two Tucker children pursue goals disapproved by the consciously conservative Harold—son, husband, and father—who also shelters a secret desire. Over their protests he insists on their "going Thoreau" in order to experience life's basics and true family values. With the flirtatious feminist Millicent Leeds entering the scene, matters complicate further. For example:
GENDARME. You are the son of Monsieur Ellis Tucker?
HAROLD. I am.
GENDARME. Your father is . . . he is . . .
HAROLD. What, for God's sake, what?
GENDARME. Oh, Monsieur, je m'excuse. Your father is un voleur des ballons!
HAROLD. Un voller day ballan?
MILLICENT. A stealer of balloons?
GENDARME. Oui, he has stoled un ballon, The Happy Nightingale, from the Club Aéronautique, and he is up there! Voilà! (Points out in the distance and up.) Jaune et blanc!
ADRIANE. I see it! Yellow and white ! Oh, my God! Yeah, there it is, up there! Is it floating toward us? I can't tell!
LARRY. Grandpa did it! Wow!
HAROLD. My father's stolen a balloon?
MILLICENT. Damn, but this really is one interesting family!