Cheaper by the Dozen 
Directed by Walter Lang
Written by Lamar Trotti based on the novel written by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Cary
1950/USA
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
First viewing/Netflix Instant
Frank Gilbreth: No person with inner dignity is ever embarrassed.
This film would probably have worked better for me if I had not been looking forward to Clifton Webb once again playing Mr. Belvedere. Here he is positively avuncular.
The movie is based on a true story and takes place in 1920 New Jersey. It is narrated by eldest daughter Ann (Jeanne Crain) looking back at her life in a family with eleven siblings. Pater familias Frank Gilbreth (Webb) is a noted efficiency expert. He and wife Lillian (Myrna Loy) planned from the beginning to have an even dozen of children. The sixth boy precisely timed to match the six girls is born during our story.
Frank applies his efficiency theories at home in a big way. He has his children timed to respond to a whistle in a matter of seconds. He is also quite-straightlaced. He holds family council meetings for democratic votes on various issues, though he is quick to announce a suggestion out of order if he does not agree. Education is very important in the Gilbreth family and reminders of facts about space, etc. are painted on the walls. All these idiosyncrasies are displayed along side a lot of love and, in the long run, Frank has a hard time denying the children anything they want.
The story covers episodes during several years of family life ranging from new schools to mass tonsillectomies, to dating. One of the most memorable is when the Planned Parenthood lady (Mildred Natwick) unsuspectingly comes by to ask Lillian to serve as chairperson of the local chapter. With Edgar Buchanan as the family doctor and Sara Allgood as housekeeper.
I kept thinking about how happy Joe Breen would have been with this script and its good American Family Values. Clifton Webb manages to disappear into his character but I kept wanting Mr. Belvedere back. Despite all that and dragging somewhat, this is a basically enjoyable family film.
Trailer
