Cheaper by the Dozen - book and adaptations

[Zeljka]

Cheaper by the Dozen, a memoir by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr., is such a lighthearted read we can easily have a single thread for both the book and the movies. We all are aware of its plot, even if we haven't read or seen any of them. There were two adaptations (the sequel is, I assume, based on the second book in the series -- you can read that too if you wish!), one made in 1950 with Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy, and the other, made in 2003, with Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt in main roles. They are both classic family movies now.

I hope you'll enjoy this month's book and movies!

[Jennifer]

I love Cheaper by the Dozen, It is such a heartwarming and entertaining story. It brings back a wholesome innocent time. Ir's also great to read about a close loving family, when so many books focus on dyfunctional families.

[Zeljka]

Jennifer wrote: "I love Cheaper by the Dozen, It is such a heartwarming and entertaining story. It brings back a wholesome innocent time. Ir's also great to read about a close loving family, when so many books focu..."

Agree :)

[NancyJ]

Frank Gilbreth (and his wife I think) was also well known for his work in scientific management techniques (which are most strongly associated with Frederick Taylor and Henry Ford). He was interested in using time studies to do everything more efficiently. This was seen more clearly in the first movie. If I remember correctly, he used stop watch experiments to figure out the most efficient way to shower,etc. and allotted the kids only that much time in the bathroom in the morning. These time studies became a key technique in early Industrial Engineering. There are many efficiency experts today that have built on some of these techniques.

[Zeljka]

NancyJ wrote: "Frank Gilbreth (and his wife I think) was also well known for his work in scientific management techniques..."

Very interesting, Nancy! This made me all the more interested to read the book and watch the movie again!