Even allowing for the fact that it owed its existence to the popularity of Life with Father (1947), Cheaper by the Dozen is one of the freshest, funniest and most enduring "family" films ever to emerge from Hollywood. Based on the autobiographical novel by Frank Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, this is the mostly true story of famed efficiency expert Frank Bunker Gilbreth. As played by Clifton Webb, Gilbreth is a benevolent despot in his own home, managing to keep order and (sometimes) sanity despite the presence ...
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Even allowing for the fact that it owed its existence to the popularity of Life with Father (1947), Cheaper by the Dozen is one of the freshest, funniest and most enduring "family" films ever to emerge from Hollywood. Based on the autobiographical novel by Frank Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, this is the mostly true story of famed efficiency expert Frank Bunker Gilbreth. As played by Clifton Webb, Gilbreth is a benevolent despot in his own home, managing to keep order and (sometimes) sanity despite the presence of twelve children (hence the title). Myrna Loy co-stars as Gilbreth's wife Lillian, who provides balance to her lively household, while Jeanne Crain is allotted the somewhat thankless role of eldest daughter Ernestine (who also narrates the story). The original book was basically a series of non-chronological anecdotes: Lamar Trotti's screenplay provides a throughline in the form of Gilbreth's ongoing ambition to deliver a series of lectures in Europe. The best moments (taken almost verbatim from the novel) include: Papa Gilbreth's insistence upon filming his family's tonsillectomies, including his own; a cruel but undeniably funny vignette wherein the Gilbreths flummox a lady advocate of planned parenthood (Mildred Natwick); Mr. Gilbreth giving an impromptu demonstration on how to take a bath in the least amount of time; and daughter Ernestine's senior prom, where her father ends up as the life of the party (appearing in this sequence as a Southern belle is Betty Lynn, who later played Thelma Lou on TV's Andy Griffith Show). The decision to retain the book's surprisingly downbeat ending provides a poignant coda to this heartwarming comedy. Cheaper by the Dozen was followed in 1952 by a sequel, Belles on their Toes. Hal Erickson, Rovi
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Add this copy of Cheaper By the Dozen to cart. $4.75, very good condition, Sold by Mr. Bookman Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Franklin, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2004.
Add this copy of Cheaper By the Dozen to cart. $6.39, good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2004.
Add this copy of Cheaper By the Dozen to cart. $7.98, like new condition, Sold by Broadband ERA rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BEAVERTON, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by 20th Century Fox.
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Seller's Description:
Betty Barker, Walter Baldwin, Sara Allgood, Mildred Natwick, Barbara Bates, Edgar Buchanan, Betty Lynn, Jeanne Crain, Myrna... Fine. 1950 Run time: 86. Disc, artwork and case in excellent condition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Orders received before 3PM PT typically ship same day. All profits support the non-profit community. Free upgrade to First Class shipping.
Add this copy of Cheaper By the Dozen to cart. $7.99, new condition, Sold by scifiguy24 rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from las vegas, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by 20th Century Fox.
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Seller's Description:
Clifton Webb, Jeanne Crain, Myrna Loy, Betty Lynn, Edgar Buchanan. 1950 Run time: 86. BRAND NEW FACTORY SEALED PLEASE NOTE: *** Digital Code may not work or missing. There is no guarantee you will receive a valid digital code with this item. ***
Add this copy of Cheaper By the Dozen to cart. $9.74, very good condition, Sold by Salzer's Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from ventura, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by 20th Century Fox.
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Seller's Description:
Betty Barker, Walter Baldwin, Sara Allgood, Mildred Natwick, Barbara Bates, Edgar Buchanan, Betty Lynn, Jeanne Crain, Myrna... Very good. 1950 Run time: 86.
Add this copy of Cheaper By the Dozen [Vhs] to cart. $16.90, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Orange County rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Ana, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2004.
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Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item. Case and cover may or may not have wear or damage. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.
Add this copy of Cheaper By the Dozen to cart. $17.99, new condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2004.
Add this copy of Cheaper By the Dozen to cart. $19.76, good condition, Sold by Prime Goods Outlet rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Troy, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2004.
This movie was charming and fun and funny. I represents Americana as it once was and would benifit from returning to. A wonderful story enjoyed by the entire family. Though I was taken aback to realize that it was based on fact. Which, lead me to research and find out alot of wonderful and very interesting information about the main characters. I have since found an interst in the art of engineering. A great movie, I have and will continue to recommend to everyone. Wonderful for family movie night.
