Cheaper by the Dozen (movie) facts for kids
Cheaper by the Dozen refers to two popular movies that tell the story of a very large family. Both films are based on a funny and heartwarming book of the same name. This book was written by two of the children from the real-life family, Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.
The story explores the adventures and challenges of having twelve children. It shows how a big family can be full of love, laughter, and sometimes a little bit of chaos!
Contents
What is Cheaper by the Dozen About?
The original book, Cheaper by the Dozen, was published in 1948. It shares the true story of the Gilbreth family, led by their parents, Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. Frank Gilbreth was a famous efficiency expert. This means he was very good at finding the quickest and best ways to do things. He even tried to use his efficiency ideas to manage his large family!
The book is filled with funny stories about their daily life. It shows how the family learned to work together. It also highlights the special bond they shared, even with so many people living under one roof.
The 1950 Movie: A Classic Family Tale
The first movie version of Cheaper by the Dozen came out in 1950. It stars Clifton Webb as Frank Gilbreth and Myrna Loy as Lillian Gilbreth. This film captures the spirit of the book. It focuses on the Gilbreth family's unique way of life.
The movie shows Mr. Gilbreth's funny attempts to make his large family run like a smooth factory. He uses things like charts and whistles to keep everyone on schedule. Despite his unusual methods, the film shows the deep love and respect within the family. It's a charming look at family life in the mid-20th century.
The 2003 Movie: A Modern Remake
A new version of Cheaper by the Dozen was released in 2003. This remake stars Steve Martin as Tom Baker and Bonnie Hunt as Kate Baker. It also features popular actors like Ashton Kutcher and Hilary Duff as some of the older children.
In this modern take, the Baker family moves from a quiet town to a big city. Tom Baker gets his dream job coaching a college football team. However, moving and managing twelve children creates many funny and challenging situations. The movie explores themes of family unity, adapting to change, and supporting each other's dreams. It shows that even with a busy life, family always comes first.
The Baker Family's Adventures
The 2003 movie focuses on the everyday struggles and joys of a large family. From chaotic mornings to school troubles and sibling rivalries, the film is full of relatable moments. It highlights how the Baker children, despite their differences, always stick together. The parents, Tom and Kate, work hard to balance their careers with raising their big family. This often leads to hilarious and heartwarming scenes.
Why These Stories Are Popular
Both the book and the movies of Cheaper by the Dozen remain popular because they celebrate family. They show that a large family can be a source of great fun and support. The stories teach us about teamwork, understanding, and unconditional love. They remind us that even when things get crazy, family is the most important thing.
