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Parents' Guide to

Cheaper by the Dozen (1950)

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Old-fashioned upbeat family comedy with sad ending.

Movie NR 1950 86 minutes
Cheaper by the Dozen (1950) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 11+

Based on 1 parent review

glide
glide Adult
October 31, 2016
age 11+

We liked it but...

There was a bit too much of the coming of age rebellion - being boy crazy, dressing for peer acceptance - and it was a bit risque in parts. Some of the language from the 'dating' period was too fresh and flip - But as a whole it was a good movie and the kids liked it - but the end was a bit depressing for the kids and opened a whole discussion about death and the kids were bothered by it. But how the family teamed together was hopeful and inspiring.

This title has:

Too much sex
2 people found this helpful.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Based on a classic memoir by one of the older Gilbreth girls, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN is the story of a family that delights in its size, its uniqueness, and its ability to deliver well-rounded, intelligent citizens to the world. It's 1921. Frank (Clifton Webb), an efficiency expert, and Lillian (Myrna Loy), a psychologist, are educated, economically-comfortable folks who love their dozen children. We watch them weather all sorts of humorous calamities -- wholesale tonsillectomies, changing schools, first proms, summer at the seashore, and more. Late in the film, however, a tragedy occurs which forces the family to reassess their lives and take on new purpose and responsibility

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

It's old-fashioned from its acting style, uncomplicated characters, and story line, to the ease with which problems are solved. Still it's fun, innocent, and, until the sad ending, a likeable picture of an idealized family nearly 100 years ago.

The 2003 version with Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt is not actually a remake, and has only the title and size of the family in common with this earlier movie which was inspired by the real Gilbreth family.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the changes in family life and relationships over nearly a century. How are families still the same or different? Which changes do you see as positive? Negative?

  • How does the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Gilbreth foreshadow the "co-parenting" that exists in many homes today?

  • Ann's rebellion seems tame compared to kids who want to be independent today. Do the stakes seem higher now? What are some positive ways a teen can show a parent that he or she is ready for more freedom?

Movie Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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