Papai Batuta

While some might be critical of this movie for being "overly cheerful and sappy", I find "Cheaper by the Dozen" and movies like it of their time a haven in today's sexualized, blow 'em up assortment of trash. This movie is pure entertainment. You don't have to think. Just sit back, laugh and enjoy.

I have seen the 1950 version of "Cheaper By the Dozen" perhaps a dozen times! It is a delightful glimpse of influential family life in the 1920's.

There are too many children, but this movie is funny because of Clifton Webb, who was a master of comedy in his detached, upper crust style, as in other movies such as another classic, "Mr. Belvedere." Seems like "we" have gotten too sophisticated these days to appreciate the innocence of movies like this one. There was laughter, a little love-interest, problems with kids, certainly sadness, and coping with so many children. But, it is appealing because there is no blood and guts, no explicit sex scenes and no foul language. This movie is a classic!

If you want a treat, watch this movie. Watch it with your kids, despite the movie being made 50 years ago I bet they enjoy it. It is truly Clifton Webb ( as Mr. Gilbreth ) at his best. A shame he never won an Academy Award despite three nominations in his career. You can't help but enjoy the High School dance scenes. Edgar Buchanan's brief scenes as the family physician are also a treat. It's 85 minutes you won't regret spending.

Forget the mediocre Steve Martin remake, this film is the Cheaper By the Dozen to see. Jeannie Crain is a little too old for her role as the oldest daughter that I have to agree with. The rest however is delightful entertainment. There is nothing hilarious here, but some lines and scenes are funny and very pleasant, plus some moments are touching. The film looks great, has a beautiful soundtrack and a story to warm the heart, and it has a script that has its humorous and sweet parts. The film is short but not too short, and it is snappily paced. The children are very believable, Myrna Loy doesn't have as much to do but is suitably warm and sympathetic and Clifton Webb is absolutely wonderful. All in all, still a joy. 8/10 Bethany Cox

One of my favorite characters is Mr. Belvedere as played by Clifton Webb. A man that is a genius and knows everything about anything including raising children but very little patience for kids. So the idea of Webb raising a dozen little ones was interesting. The film about the Gilbreth family, in the early 20th century turns into a wonderful family picture as Webb is Mr Frank Gilbreth, a man concerned with efficiency. A role perfect for Webb. Gilbreth is a very strict and opinionated man about how to do things quicker and faster. Gilbreth even has opinions about the quickest way to operate on tonsils, even though he is not a doctor. The best way to prove his theory is to film the mass operation of eleven children and himself. The whole film truly centers on the love of a man for his family and Webb is the perfect person for this picture. The ending is a sad event because the film takes the time to develop lovable characters that you care about. A film well worth the time to sit and have a bag of popcorn and "soda pop" and don't forget your dog. Enjoy!