Cheaper by the Dozen: Returning to the Original

By Michele Blandino

Hollywood has been pretty busy churning out remakes recently. Classics such as Miracle on 34th Street, The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday have all been updated and released over the last few years.

While the re-makes are usually true to the original movies, in some cases they are vastly different. Last year's Cheaper by the Dozen starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt is one example.

Different Plots

For the uninitiated, the 2003 version of the movie chronicled approximately 2 weeks in the life of the Baker family. Patriarch Tom has just been offered the head-coaching job at his alma mater. However, shortly after settling into their new home, Tom is left to manage his new job - and his twelve children - while his wife sets off on a multi-city tour to promote her new book.  As would be expected, chaos ensues which culminates in Tom's decision to leave his dream job behind.

The original version of the movie, which was released in 1950, features Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy as Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, turn-of-the-century parents raising their 12 children. Frank Gilbreth is an efficiency expert who also moves his family to pursue a new job. It's here that the similarities end.

Family Values

While both versions of the movie are equally well-suited for family viewing, the original is far gentler than the re-make in terms of the values it represents. In the 2003 version, the oldest son skips school to visit his girlfriend in the Bakers' old hometown, there are some sexual references and one early scene discusses Tom Baker's failed vasectomy.

The original movie, based on a book written by two of the Gilbreth children, have absolutely no sexual references, foul language or other objectionable material. The only portion of the movie that may be upsetting - particularly to young children - comes at the very end (and, we won't give that part away here).

While some may argue that the original is bland and lacks the laughs provided by the re-make, viewers - particularly children - will be enthralled with the adventures of the Gilbreth family. The concept of having to manage a family of twelve children - whether in 1920 or 2004 - is intriguing to most children - particularly those who come from smaller families.

Special Features

The DVD release is light on special features. While it does contain the original movie trailer as well as the trailer for the sequel film "Belles on their Toes", there is little else for the viewer to see.