Cheaper By the Dozen (1950)

Though it's impossible to gauge just how much of it is true, this endearing family comedy (based on the book by their children Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey) is inspired by the true story of the husband-and-wife efficiency experts Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and their adventures raising 12 kids at the turn of the century. Director Walter Lang takes a loping pace through the episodes of family life: the kids descend upon the new school in force while Dad (fussy Clifton Webb) offers his unsolicited views on education; Dad takes his oldest daughter (wholesome Jeanne Crain) to the school dance and becomes the hit of the ball; a mass tonsillectomy becomes an opportunity to document the ordeal as an experiment in efficiency. Myrna Loy almost steals the film in her one standout scene, holding back a smirk while a birth-control advocate (played by Mildred Natwick) solicits this mother of 12 to speak at a rally, but her martini-dry comic deadpan is criminally underused in this picture, which is dominated by Webb's stern, military-like parenting and Crain's adolescent crises. Though this sometimes overly sentimental classic never builds to any real dramatic plateau or comic highlights, it maintains an even tone of good humor and warmth throughout, capturing a bygone era through the travails of a loving family. A charming sequel, Belles on Their Toes, followed two years later. --Sean Axmaker Amazon.com essential video

cheaper by the dozen

A delightful true story of the Gilbreath family. And how zany and crazy life can be in a family with 12 children. November 17, 2008

10 minutes

I have just seen a little theater production of Cheaper by the Dozen and was looking foreward to watching the original movie version. The DVD was fine until the last 10 minutes whenit was unwatchable. Poorly reproduced and a dissapointment. November 12, 2008

more families

Our favorite family of 12 is back, more comedic adventure and misadventure. Tom Baker (played by the very funny Steve Martin) decides to take his family on vacation in the wilderness. This maybe the last time the whole Baker family take a vacation together, because of two of his daughters are moving away. One is pregnant and expecting soon, and the other just graduated from high school and leaving to go to college in Chiciago. But these things are going to become the least of his worries when his rival Jimmy Mertaugh who is a billionaire seems to think he is better than Tom at everything. Then this starts a funny competition that will have you laughing out of your seat. Steve Martin was ten times funnier in this one than the first one. This was also better than the first one. October 10, 2008

A feel good must see

This has to be one of my favorite movies of all times! This family truly knew how to be happy and loving under all circumstances. You'll laugh and you'll cry while you are taken back to a time and place that bathes you in warm fuzzies. For me, it's a reinforcement of the magnificence of family with all it's imperfections and a reminder of how important my own family is to me. I never tire of this film and find it far superior to the remake! September 23, 2008

A must have for all Classic movie lovers

The original is always the best. This is the certainly the case here. What a delightful film. I did a bit of research on the Gilbreth family. While Hollywood did take a few liberties, the story was pretty close to the real thing. This is a must for all who enjoy Classic movies! August 22, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...