1950 | R | 1h 26m | Comedy, Drama, Family
Compared to contemporary times, the 1950s almost seem as if it took place in a completely different universe or dimension. Although there were some things that weren’t too kosher about that period of time, overall, it seemed like a dreamy era when the post-war boom was in full swing and optimism was so palpable, you could almost slice it with a knife.
It was a much simpler time, and films from the ’50s were generally more optimistic (mainly family films and musicals, but also some upbeat dramas and westerns) and wholesome.
Cinematically, a perfect example of these positive elements coming together would be “Cheaper by the Dozen,” produced in 1950. It was directed by the great Walter Lang (“The King and I” and “On the Riviera”) and based on a semi-autobiographical book of the same title, which recounts childhood stories of authors Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and his sister Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.
The film takes place in the 1920s, also a post-war decade of growth and rapid advances in technology. It follows the lives of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth (played by Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy, respectively) and their 12 children. Frank is an engineer and “efficiency expert” who makes a living by helping companies become more efficient. He also applies his various efficiency techniques to his family from time to time.
The first act begins with Frank returning home from one of his work trips. As the female narrator comments, Frank is a rugged individualist and quite eccentric, bringing the element of suspense whenever he returns home from one of his business trips.
As he enters their large house, Frank signals his arrival by whistling loudly and having all of the kids line up for inspection. His loyal wife looks on while the kids giddily react to Frank’s good-natured demeanor and subtle discipline.
After making sure that the children’s fingernails are clean and they’ve been fed well, he makes a big announcement: Due to a job opportunity, Frank wants to move the family to a new house in a new state. As the kids have been adapting to their current school (and have begun to make friends), Frank’s decision isn’t too popular. But with his ample charm and finesse, he manages to persuade the youngsters that it’s ultimately for the best.
In a series of comical scenes, the family, all packed up in their beautiful 1920s jalopy, rides through both urban and rural parts of the country on their journey to their new house in New Jersey. Along the way, they interact with folks on the sidelines with some of the best comedic bits in the film.
From there, we get to see how Frank and Lillian meet the various challenges they face as they acclimate their family to their new surroundings. Frank’s unorthodox efficiency methods come in pretty handy as he seeks to organize their kids’ different schedules.
When a sickness quickly spreads among the kids and eventually to Frank himself, it is revealed by their family physician, Dr. Burton (played with gusto by Edgar Buchanan), that it’s time to remove all of their tonsils. Frank creates a bit of commotion when he reveals that he wants to film all of the procedures in order to increase their efficiency for the benefit of humanity. The entire episode ends up being quite funny.
However, this movie isn’t all laughs all of the time, as there are some heartfelt scenes that show some of the drama the Gilbreth family faces. It also ends (no spoiler) on somewhat of a somber note, although there is also enough hope infused into it that it never falls into doom and gloom territory.
“Cheaper by the Dozen” is a delightful chronicle that is jam-packed with wholesome messages about familial love and carrying on traditions, along with plenty of laughs. It’s a family-friendly picture that should appeal to people of all ages and stays with you long after the ending credits roll.
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