Okay, by the title you can't guess that this ultimately will be an extremely depressing film. While that IS a spoiler, I thought it only right to point it out right away because some people might be turned off by this and should avoid the film. This is particularly true for people who are ALREADY depressed--this film will no doubt make it worse! Now this ISN'T to say that this is a bad film--it's actually very well made and quite enjoyable. But, since it's based on real people, the studio couldn't exactly give it a happy ending just to please the audience (though they HAVE done this a few times---almost always with disastrous results).
Clifton Webb wonderfully plays an efficiency expert who is quite the character. While at times he seems a bit dictatorial and arrogant, he is also quite loving and charming. I have almost always loved seeing Webb in films and since he did so few movies, I made sure to see this one--his performance certainly didn't disappoint. In fact, Mr. Webb IS the film--as he strongly dominates the movie in a positive way. Interestingly enough, he plays the father of a brood of twelve kids, while in real life he was gay--an interesting fact, but not especially important to his performance.
His wife is the ever-faithful and patient Myrna Loy. She is a much more down-to-earth person and the perfect counterpoint to Webb's somewhat bombastic performance. Together, they are the parents of 12 kids--kids that are much more normal and believable than the ones you'll see in the recent CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN--a film that bears no relationship with this 1950 version.
All in all, this is very entertaining and well-made. And, if you liked this film, there is a follow-up entitled BELLES ON THEIR TOES.
Clifton Webb wonderfully plays an efficiency expert who is quite the character. While at times he seems a bit dictatorial and arrogant, he is also quite loving and charming. I have almost always loved seeing Webb in films and since he did so few movies, I made sure to see this one--his performance certainly didn't disappoint. In fact, Mr. Webb IS the film--as he strongly dominates the movie in a positive way. Interestingly enough, he plays the father of a brood of twelve kids, while in real life he was gay--an interesting fact, but not especially important to his performance.
His wife is the ever-faithful and patient Myrna Loy. She is a much more down-to-earth person and the perfect counterpoint to Webb's somewhat bombastic performance. Together, they are the parents of 12 kids--kids that are much more normal and believable than the ones you'll see in the recent CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN--a film that bears no relationship with this 1950 version.
All in all, this is very entertaining and well-made. And, if you liked this film, there is a follow-up entitled BELLES ON THEIR TOES.