Cheaper by the Dozen1950Cheaper by the Dozen
1950
In 1920s Montclair, New Jersey, efficiency expert Frank Gilbreth runs his household of twelve children like one of his time-and-motion studies. His wife Lillian keeps the family steady, and his eldest daughters start pushing back against his rules.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
A demanding, loving father and a large family shown as a joy, not a burden. Based on the Gilbreth children's own memoir; unrelated to the 2003 remake already in the canon.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
The older daughters defy their father about short hair and makeup; it's mild and resolved with understanding on both sides. Father's death at the end is sad, and there's some name-calling ("jackass," "fatty").
Cheaper by the Dozen (1950)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Why did Father run the house like a factory?
- Was Father fair about Ann's hair and clothes?
- What did Mother do after Father died?
- Would you want to be in a family of twelve?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 9+: "jackass," "fatty"; a father's death.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
Cheaper by the Dozen (1950)
DVD · March 16, 2004
Edition link coming soon.
Listing on Blu-ray.com (opens in a new tab)Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.