Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don't Come Back!!) 1980
Directed by
Phil Roman
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don't Come Back!!) (1980). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Charlie Brown is taken aback during class when he learns that he and Linus have been chosen for a student exchange program. Eager to get ready, he leaves school and happily invites his loyal companions, Snoopy and Woodstock, to join him on this adventure. The surprises keep coming as Charlie discovers a letter in the mailbox addressed specifically to him, written in a peculiar language.
Moments later, Charlie receives a call from Peppermint Patty, who shares that she and Marcie have also been selected for the program, and they’ll be on the same flight as Charlie and Linus. At the airport, their friends gather to bid them farewell, with most cheerfully shouting, “Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown!” while Lucy chimes in with a teasing, “And don’t come back!” It’s revealed at the ticket counter that Snoopy has astonishingly secured a First Class ticket, leaving everyone else in economy class in disbelief.
During the flight, Charlie reveals the letter he received, which originates from France. Since Marcie has been studying French, she offers to translate it. The letter seems to welcome Charlie and hints at the opportunity for him to stay at the Chateau Mal Voisin (“The Chateau of the Bad Neighbor”). The mysterious sender, Violette, is someone Charlie doesn’t recognize.
Upon landing in London, England, the group enjoys some lunch while Snoopy takes to the tennis courts at Wimbledon for a brief match. From there, they board a train to Dover, eventually taking a hovercraft to France. Once in France, the group rents a car with Snoopy at the wheel. Their first destination is Morville, where Peppermint Patty and Marcie will be hosted by a family that includes a son named Pierre. As Charlie, Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock set off, the girls explain their whereabouts, but upon hearing about the Chateau Mal Voisin, Pierre grows anxious, warning that no one goes to that place and the owner would never invite anyone.
Attempts to contact the chateau yield no response, leading them to decide to wait until morning. Meanwhile, Charlie, Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock navigate the rain-soaked town of Le Heron and pass by both a school and a pub until they glimpse the ominous silhouette of the chateau. Finding no one home, they resort to camping in nearby stables. Snoopy is on watch, but once Charlie and Linus drift off to sleep, he and Woodstock sneak away to a local pub for some root beer. When dawn breaks, Charlie and Linus awaken to find themselves covered with blankets and a delicious meal lovingly prepared for them, hinting at the whimsical adventures yet to unfold.
Timeline
Track the key events of Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don't Come Back!!) (1980) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Student Exchange Announcement
Charlie Brown is surprised during class to learn that he and his friend Linus have been selected for a student exchange program. This unexpected news fills him with excitement as he dreams about the adventures that await them.
Preparation for the Journey
Eager to embark on this new adventure, Charlie leaves school and excitedly invites his loyal companions, Snoopy and Woodstock, to join him. The trio’s enthusiasm is palpable as they prepare for the upcoming trip.
Mysterious Letter
Charlie finds a letter in his mailbox that is addressed specifically to him, written in an unusual language. As the mystery unfolds, it adds an intriguing layer to his upcoming journey.
Peppermint Patty's Call
Charlie receives a call from Peppermint Patty, who reveals that she and Marcie have also been selected for the program. This news further enhances the excitement as they will be on the same flight together.
Farewell at the Airport
At the airport, Charlie and Linus are surrounded by their friends who come to see them off. While most cheerfully shout 'Bon Voyage,' Lucy teases them by saying, 'And don’t come back!' creating a light-hearted farewell atmosphere.
Snoopy's First Class Surprise
At the ticket counter, it is revealed that Snoopy has secured a First Class ticket, astonishing everyone else who is relegated to economy class. This delightful twist adds a humorous touch to the departure.
Flight and the French Letter
During the flight, Charlie shares the mysterious letter he received, which originates from France. Marcie, who has been studying French, offers to translate the letter that hints at a welcoming invitation to the Chateau Mal Voisin.
Landing in London
The group enjoys a lunch break after landing in London, England, before continuing their adventure. Meanwhile, Snoopy takes the opportunity to challenge some locals to a quick match on the tennis courts at Wimbledon.
Journey to France
After enjoying their time in London, the group boards a train to Dover and eventually takes a hovercraft over to France. The excitement builds as they realize they are getting closer to their destination.
Renting a Car
Upon arriving in France, the group rents a car with Snoopy taking on the role of the driver. This sets the stage for their adventure as they navigate the French countryside.
Destination Morville
Their first stop is Morville, where Peppermint Patty and Marcie will be hosted by a family, including a boy named Pierre. Excitement fills the air as they discuss their new surroundings and friendships.
Warning About Chateau Mal Voisin
Pierre grows anxious when he hears about the Chateau Mal Voisin, warning Charlie and his friends that no one dares visit that place. His warning adds an ominous tension to their plans to stay there.
Camping in Le Heron
As attempts to contact the chateau yield no response, the group decides to camp in nearby stables for the night. This unexpected twist leads them on an impromptu adventure in a quaint rain-soaked town.
Snoopy's Night Out
While Charlie and Linus fall asleep, Snoopy and Woodstock sneak away to a local pub for root beer. Their mischievous escapade contrasts with the unfolding mystery of the chateau.
A Whimsical Breakfast
Charlie and Linus wake up to find themselves covered with blankets and a delicious breakfast prepared for them. It hints at the whimsical and mysterious adventures awaiting them in France.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don't Come Back!!) (1980) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown is the earnest and kind-hearted protagonist who often feels anxious and insecure. His willingness to embark on the student exchange program shows his adventurous spirit despite his worries. Throughout the journey, Charlie learns to embrace new experiences and face his fears.
Linus
Linus is Charlie's loyal friend, known for his intelligence and philosophical outlook. His supportive nature shines through as he joins Charlie on their adventure to France. Linus often provides sensible guidance, helping Charlie navigate uncertainties.
Snoopy
Snoopy, Charlie's imaginative and charismatic dog, adds a whimsical touch to the journey. His excitement and playful nature lead to many humorous situations, particularly when he secures a First Class ticket for the flight. Snoopy's adventurous spirit complements the group's dynamic.
Peppermint Patty
Peppermint Patty is confident and outgoing, known for her sporty demeanor. She is excited to participate in the exchange program and encourages friendship among her peers. Her bold personality often contrasts with Charlie's more cautious nature.
Marcie
Marcie is Peppermint Patty's loyal friend, characterized by her intelligence and studious nature. She plays a vital role in translating the mysterious letter and helping the group navigate their adventure in France. Marcie's presence adds a level of wisdom to their travels.
Pierre
Pierre is a local boy in Morville who provides insight into the mystique surrounding Chateau Mal Voisin. His anxious warning heightens the tension for Charlie and his friends. Pierre embodies the voice of caution amidst their adventurous spirit.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don't Come Back!!) (1980), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events of the movie unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the adventurous spirit of youth in the modern world. The characters’ experiences are influenced by their eagerness to explore new places and cultures, along with their strong friendships.
Location
France, London, Dover, Morville, Le Heron
The movie takes the characters through various locations, starting from London, where they enjoy a meal before embarking on their adventure. Their journey continues in France, leading them to the mysterious Chateau Mal Voisin, known for its ominous reputation. They also visit Dover and the quaint town of Morville, where they meet locals, and lastly, traverse the rain-soaked streets of Le Heron, adding to their whimsical experience.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don't Come Back!!) (1980). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🌍
Adventure
The theme of adventure is central to the story as Charlie Brown and his friends embark on an exciting journey to France. Facing the unknown, they navigate new places, both physically and socially, while exploring their friendships. The adventure encapsulates the essence of youth and the joy of discovery.
🤝
Friendship
The importance of friendship is evident as Charlie, Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock support each other through their travels. Their bonds are tested and strengthened by the experiences they share, illustrating how friends can help one another overcome challenges and create lasting memories.
🏰
Mystery
The presence of the Chateau Mal Voisin adds a layer of mystery to the narrative. Enigmatic letters and the warning from Pierre about the chateau create a sense of intrigue. The characters’ curiosity leads them to uncover secrets that deepen their adventure.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.