Cinema Therapy, volume 5

Good God! I forgot Cinema Therapy, yet again. This will be a bad habit. Just warning you. So I'll give you a two-for-one. They actually go together.

First is the original Cheaper by the Dozen (1950), with Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy as the happily married Gilbraiths, and Jeanne Crain as the oldest of their expanding brood. All of the characters are particularly lovely, but you just have to love Clifton Webb as Frank Gilbraith, the overbearing, yet oh-so-dear father. And even though you might be sad due to the ending, you'll find that the overall theme of the film of family and togetherness will make you want to watch it again and again.

The other movie is the sequel, Belles on Their Toes. While you miss the hilarious antics of the family patriarch, you'll love the continuing story of the Gilbraiths and their mother, whose efforts are aimed at breaking down boundaries for women. Furthermore, the love story between Ann and her doctor suitor, as well as the boys' funny attempts to break up Ernestine and her annoying boyfriend will keep you in stitches (yes, I used the cliche).

While you will still enjoy the second without seeing the first, I'd recommend picking up Cheaper first so that none of the references in the second are missed. Plus, both are wonderful films and some of my favorites.