cheaper by the dozen

the year: 1950

the genre: comedy


the cast: Clifton Webb (Frank Bunker Gilbreth); Myrna Loy (Lillian Gilbreth); Jeanne Crain (Ann Gilbreth); Edgar Buchanan (Dr. Burton)


the plot: Based on the real-life story of the Gilbreth family, the film follows them from Providence, Rhode Island, to Montclair, New Jersey, and details the amusing anecdotes found in large families. Frank Gilbreth, Sr., was a pioneer in the field of motion study, and often used his family as guinea pigs (with amusing and sometimes embarrassing results).



don't miss: how the kids get a dog.



listen for: "Hey Noah, what are you doing with that Ark?" "Collecting animals like the good Lord told me brother. All we need now is a jackass. Hop in!"




did you know: On the shelf in the living room is a picture of the real life Frank Gilbreth in uniform as an Army Major during WWI - the picture is visible outside the makeshift operating room during the mass tonsillectomies.



extra bonus points: if you can identify the galaxy drawn in the beach house.

Cheaper by the Dozen and it's follow up, Belles on Their Toes are a great breezy read - I give them two thumbs, way up!

three coins in the fountain

the year: 1954

the genre: drama


the cast: Clifton Webb (John Frederick Shadwell); Dorothy McGuire (Miss Frances); Jean Peters (Anita Hutchins); Louis Jourdan (Prince Dino di Cessi); Maggie McNamara (Maria Williams); Rossano Brazzi (Georgio Bianchi)


the plot: three American secretaries/roommates working in Italy wish for the men of their dreams after throwing coins into Rome's magnificent Trevi Fountain. Frances is in love with her employer, a smooth-talking novelist, while Anita defies office regulations by spending time with an Italian who works at the government agency, and office newcomer Maria meets a real Italian Prince Charming.


don't miss: Miss Frances' binge drinking.




watch for: the magically full fountain in the last scene.



listen for: "My husband declares that I was simply born to be a writer. He says if anyone just took a pencil and followed me around, they'd have a novel." "My dear lady, I should be delighted to get behind you with a pencil."



you can watch the movie in parts, starting here.


extra bonus points: if you know which 50s vocal group is well known for its version of the theme song.




also listen for: "Why can't women play the game properly? Everyone knows that in love affairs only the man has the right to lie!"



watch the trailer here.

laura

the year: 1944

the genre: mystery & suspense


the cast: Gene Tierney (Laura Hunt); Dana Andrews (Mark McPherson); Clifton Webb (Waldo Lydecker); Vincent Price (Shelby Carpenter)


the plot: When the famous advertising executive Laura Hunt is found dead in her apartment killed by a shotgun, Detective Lieutenant Mark McPherson is put in charge of the investigation. He interviews the prime suspects and friends of Laura including the snob and arrogant journalist Waldo Lydecker who promoted Laura at the beginning of her career then fell in love with her; and her fiancé, the playboy Shelby Carpenter. McPherson falls in love with the dead woman's portrait -- only to find that she wasn't murdered after all.


don’t miss: Waldo Lydecker’s description of the doorbell. (my favorite line from the movie)


check out: this site for an in-depth plot synopsis if you can’t get your hands on a copy – but know it won’t be ANYWHERE as good as watching the B&W cinematography and Dana Andrews in action on the screen. If you can stand the wait - do.


listen for: “I should be sincerely sorry to see my neighbor's children devoured by wolves.”


also listen for: the beautifully haunting "Laura Theme".