This film is a sequel to "Cheaper By the Dozen" (the Clifton Webb version, not the crappy Steve Martin version). As you may remember, the first movie ended with the death of the father (Webb)...so you wouldn't think there'd be a sequel. However, this one picks up soon after. The family is quite poor without Dad's income--and so the family needs to make some adjustments. But, since they are all so gosh-darned nice, they take it all in stride.
While the film lacks the charm of Webb, and he was missed, the movie works amazingly well. The slack is taken up by Myrna Loy in the lead and a very strong supporting performance by Jeanne Crain. In fact, there are lots of very good supporting performances by Edward Arnold, Hoagy Carmichael, Martin Milner and Jeffery Hunter. Overall, it's a nice family comedy-drama--in much the same mold as "Life With Father" or "By the Light of the Silvery Moon". I love these family films and they represent a highly idealized but fun piece of Americana you can't help but enjoy.
cute how they got rid of the boyfriend (Martin Milner)
While the film lacks the charm of Webb, and he was missed, the movie works amazingly well. The slack is taken up by Myrna Loy in the lead and a very strong supporting performance by Jeanne Crain. In fact, there are lots of very good supporting performances by Edward Arnold, Hoagy Carmichael, Martin Milner and Jeffery Hunter. Overall, it's a nice family comedy-drama--in much the same mold as "Life With Father" or "By the Light of the Silvery Moon". I love these family films and they represent a highly idealized but fun piece of Americana you can't help but enjoy.
cute how they got rid of the boyfriend (Martin Milner)