I may or may not have seen this movie over the years, but I read the book as a kid, and read it more than once. I loved the efficiency expert point of view, buying a whole lot of shoes because they will eventually fit somebody. And Myrna Loy.🥰
Oh, thanks for the recommendation. I love Myrna Loy and Clifton Webb (have you seen him with Barbara Stanwyck in “Titanic” from 1953? It’s a good story, historically faulty on minor points, surprisingly good special effects). I was one of 6 children in a very happy, close family. My father was in the diplomatic service and always shipped a station wagon along with us. We were well-behaved and our parents took us everywhere. We functioned on “Europe on $5 a Day” recommendations and I really think that made it more fun. We still laugh about memorable bus rides and some of the very odd places we slept and the mysterious things we ate. I miss that boisterous and surprising life, all those people in the house.
That's a terrific movie. A Night to Remember -- very different -- is absolutely gripping and devastating. But what wonderful memories you must have! You should write them down ...
"If you are friends with any large homeschooling families, you may perhaps have met up with such as the Gilbreth’s and their lively and cheerful brood.”
I have had the good fortune of knowing such families, and it gives one hope that in the future our civilization may be rescued from the demographic winter it has entered. Was it Chesterton or Fulton Sheen – or another? – who observed that “birth control” is a misnomer as it’s neither about birth nor control. A most cheerful movie, to be sure!
I think it was Fulton Sheen -- but the quip was worthy of either man. I hope too that homeschooling families can fight against the madness of our world with ever more good cheer and determination. That it should have come to this .... the mutilation of healthy children ... pursuing unreality.
I’ve always loved that movie; indeed, I like just about any movie with Clifton Webb. Who can forget his performance in “Laura” with Gene Tierney (another favorite of mine)? The scene you referenced with Mildred Natwick representing the euphemistically named “Birth Control League” is one of the best in a very good movie. When Myrna Loy goes to get Webb and tells him what group the lady represents, his reaction is classic: “Of the what?!” Can you imagine a film today gently mocking Planned Parenthood? I also loved the family council meetings. In one meeting, one of the sons offers to whitewash the fence for $10. Webb’s character responds: “You must think this is a government project.” Thanks for featuring the film.
Clifton Webb was one of my father's favorite actors. I think we've featured him here in his wonderful role as the know-it-all can-do-it-all Mr. Belvidere -- and I'm sure that that character (with the looks of Robert Q. Lewis) influenced Jay Ward and his buddies when they created Mr. Peabody....
They’re great books, and the movie is good. As a Chestertonian, I would observe that the love is real, and the stories are delightful; however, Chesterton would definitely have negative things to say about Mr. Gilbreth’s profession. If you know, you know.
As to what I would say, I think that it is very much the mind of Saruman, if you will, “a mind of wheels and cogs”, of turning men into machinery as efficient mechanisms, of making them and their attitudes toward work and each other less human. A benefit for the employer, more of a hell for employees. It’s the one thing that the Gilbreths should NOT be proud of, even though everything else in their lives was admirable.
A positive note could be said for the idea applied on a volunteer basis, especially for people who need an established routine in their lives, perhaps autistic people or others who hve difficulty rranging their lives. But as something imposed on employees, with penalties for failing to maintain the efficiency, it is a lot darker and uglier than as portrayed in the books.
My 3 grown children still talk about how much they enjoyed this movie. My father was 1 of 14, my mother was 1 of 11. I had over 100 first cousins. Family reunions were magnificent!
The scene in which the planned parenthood woman was confronted by all those children is priceless! A true ‘gotcha!’ moment. And then when someone asked Mr. Galbraith, “Are these all your children, or is this a picnic?” Mr. Galbraith said, “They’re all mine and it’s no picnic!” And using the bathroom was going to see Mrs. Murphy. Great movie.
I may or may not have seen this movie over the years, but I read the book as a kid, and read it more than once. I loved the efficiency expert point of view, buying a whole lot of shoes because they will eventually fit somebody. And Myrna Loy.🥰
Oh, thanks for the recommendation. I love Myrna Loy and Clifton Webb (have you seen him with Barbara Stanwyck in “Titanic” from 1953? It’s a good story, historically faulty on minor points, surprisingly good special effects). I was one of 6 children in a very happy, close family. My father was in the diplomatic service and always shipped a station wagon along with us. We were well-behaved and our parents took us everywhere. We functioned on “Europe on $5 a Day” recommendations and I really think that made it more fun. We still laugh about memorable bus rides and some of the very odd places we slept and the mysterious things we ate. I miss that boisterous and surprising life, all those people in the house.
That's a terrific movie. A Night to Remember -- very different -- is absolutely gripping and devastating. But what wonderful memories you must have! You should write them down ...
“A Night to Remember” is a favorite. I joined the Titanic Historical Society when I was 12 and still keep up with the subject.
"If you are friends with any large homeschooling families, you may perhaps have met up with such as the Gilbreth’s and their lively and cheerful brood.”
I have had the good fortune of knowing such families, and it gives one hope that in the future our civilization may be rescued from the demographic winter it has entered. Was it Chesterton or Fulton Sheen – or another? – who observed that “birth control” is a misnomer as it’s neither about birth nor control. A most cheerful movie, to be sure!
I think it was Fulton Sheen -- but the quip was worthy of either man. I hope too that homeschooling families can fight against the madness of our world with ever more good cheer and determination. That it should have come to this .... the mutilation of healthy children ... pursuing unreality.
Hello Dr. Esolen,
I’ve always loved that movie; indeed, I like just about any movie with Clifton Webb. Who can forget his performance in “Laura” with Gene Tierney (another favorite of mine)? The scene you referenced with Mildred Natwick representing the euphemistically named “Birth Control League” is one of the best in a very good movie. When Myrna Loy goes to get Webb and tells him what group the lady represents, his reaction is classic: “Of the what?!” Can you imagine a film today gently mocking Planned Parenthood? I also loved the family council meetings. In one meeting, one of the sons offers to whitewash the fence for $10. Webb’s character responds: “You must think this is a government project.” Thanks for featuring the film.
Clifton Webb was one of my father's favorite actors. I think we've featured him here in his wonderful role as the know-it-all can-do-it-all Mr. Belvidere -- and I'm sure that that character (with the looks of Robert Q. Lewis) influenced Jay Ward and his buddies when they created Mr. Peabody....
They’re great books, and the movie is good. As a Chestertonian, I would observe that the love is real, and the stories are delightful; however, Chesterton would definitely have negative things to say about Mr. Gilbreth’s profession. If you know, you know.
Yes, I know -- I have wondered about that. I have wondered what my beloved John Ruskin would say about it, too.
As to what I would say, I think that it is very much the mind of Saruman, if you will, “a mind of wheels and cogs”, of turning men into machinery as efficient mechanisms, of making them and their attitudes toward work and each other less human. A benefit for the employer, more of a hell for employees. It’s the one thing that the Gilbreths should NOT be proud of, even though everything else in their lives was admirable.
A positive note could be said for the idea applied on a volunteer basis, especially for people who need an established routine in their lives, perhaps autistic people or others who hve difficulty rranging their lives. But as something imposed on employees, with penalties for failing to maintain the efficiency, it is a lot darker and uglier than as portrayed in the books.
My 3 grown children still talk about how much they enjoyed this movie. My father was 1 of 14, my mother was 1 of 11. I had over 100 first cousins. Family reunions were magnificent!
Over 100! That's the most I've ever heard of. And I thought I was doing well with 39!
The scene in which the planned parenthood woman was confronted by all those children is priceless! A true ‘gotcha!’ moment. And then when someone asked Mr. Galbraith, “Are these all your children, or is this a picnic?” Mr. Galbraith said, “They’re all mine and it’s no picnic!” And using the bathroom was going to see Mrs. Murphy. Great movie.
Sorry I spelled Gilbreth incorrectly 😬🥴
Great book and a really fun movie! There is a sequel, “Bells on their Toes” that is pretty good too.
We read the book out loud as a family a few years. It was a delight. So much fun.