I have no idea why this film was made but as far as I could tell the story of this conservative film about family life should be looked at with more objective viewing. I lost count initially at how many children Myrna Loy had because I was dazed with boredom and a bit cross that she had to endure so many childbirths. Clifton Webb plays her husband, set in his rigid roles and when a number of the children have their tonsils out he refuses a hospital and has the operations filmed at his home. This scene went relentlessly on, and I was relieved when Jeanne Crain in ' Margie ' mood decided she liked hunky young men. I have no idea what the actor's name was but my one ray of hope was that I would see more of him. Then further gloom descended and no more spoilers. The film has a short scene with Mildred Natwick who had a sparkle in her eyes and she should have come back, but didn't. A pale glimpse of feminism cheered me up, but frankly I was sad that the great Myrna Loy looked so downcast for most of the time, and the one moment I laughed was when the children ( except the girls ) rushed into the bushes to relieve themselves after a long journey. Toilet jokes were rare in 1950's American films and I applaud the director for recognising the needs of human nature. A reluctant 4 for the very sporadic moments I actually liked.
Review of Cheaper by the Dozen
