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Cheaper By the Dozen (0790779366)
Description
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| 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 Editorial Descriptions are usually submitted by the manufacturers, publishers and authors. Contact us if you are one of them, and wish to change the above description. |
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Author: Guest
This touching family comedy, based on a popular book written by two of the Gilbreth clan, features one of Clifton Webb's best performances, and Myrna Loy as his loyal and tireless wife-partner is also wonderful. However, Fox, which has made so much money off this always popular film, should be taken to task for failing to give it the restoration it deserves. The color is a ghost of the originally-vibrant Technicolor so vividly displayed in other recent Fox restorations. Why this charming (and money-making) film has been denied such respect is inexplicable.
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Author: Guest
The Gilbreth clan is the most interesting family I have ever heard about. The Father, Frank, an eccentric but lovable genius, always wanted to have a dozen kids and his wish comes true. He believes strongly in quality education, strict discapline, and especially time management. It is funny to see him try to control all 12 kids at the same time. What I enjoyed most was seeing his eldest child, played by beautiful Jeanne Crain, change from being a mousy, obedient, old fashioned daughter into a strong, outgoing, opinionated young women. When her parents finally let her go to the school dance, she is thrilled except for the fact her dad insists on coming along. At the dance she and her friends manage to losen him up a bit and he and his daughter become the most popular people at the dance. My other favorite scene was when the kids managed to con their dad into getting an adorable dog. I haven't seen the new "Cheaper By The Dozen" which came out a few years ago, and I have no desire to. This one is great. However, the book is even better. The movie wasn't long enough to include all the funny, but true stories of this remarkable family.
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Author: Guest
Best bang for you buck. A classic, if Hollywood made movies like today the world would be a much better place.
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Author: Guest
I saw Cheaper by the Dozen when I was a little kid. What I remember most were: 1) the tonsillectomy part when one of the daughters was telling everyone about the doughnuts she had for breakfast; 2) how the father made me so mad; and 3) but oh, how I cried when he died. I still watch this movie every now and then and every time I have a good cry!
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Author: Guest
THIS IS A FANTASTIC WAY TO INTRODUCE SOMEONE TO THE NEWER VERSION OF STEVE MARTIN'S RENDITION OF "CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN"....I MEAN TO ACTUALLY SEE WHERE IT STEMMED PAINTS A CLEARER PICTURE OF THE WRITER, PRODUCER, AND DIRECTOR'S ARTISTIC EYE. THIS IS TRULY ONE FOR YOUR ARCHIVES...TRUST ME....YOU WILL LOVE IT.
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