About Cheaper By the Dozen

Directed by Shawn Levy, 'Cheaper By the Dozen' is a 2003 American family comedy film about the Bakers, a family of fourteen, struggling to balance out their personal and domestic lives. The head of the family, Tom Baker (Steve Martin) gets the opportunity to coach a football team in his dream job. His wife, Kate Baker (Bonnie Hunt), gets a chance to publish her book. The changing dynamics after they get busy in their respective lives is what the film is about, leading to humorous and heart-warming situations.

Making / Production

The film is a reboot of a 1950’s film similarly titled and a fictionalized account of a real-life family. It was presented by 20th Century Fox and produced by Robert Simonds productions.

Actors

• Steve Martin (Tom Baker), playing the dedicated father of 12 children, shines through in his comedic timings and emotional scenes.
• Bonnie Hunt, starring as the mother Kate Baker, supports the family while also finding time to write a book.
• Piper Perabo (Nora Baker), the eldest Baker child, embarks on her path while worrying about her large family.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on a novel by siblings Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, based on their childhood.
• The role of Mark Baker (Forrest Landis) is the actor's debut.

Awards

'Cheaper By the Dozen' was nominated for numerous awards for its brilliant comedic performances and engaging plot. Piper Perabo, who played Nora, was nominated for the Teen Choice Award in the Choice Movie Liplock category.

Quotes

• "The most important thing is family." - Tom Baker
• "If you break his heart, I will break you." - Kate Baker to Hank (Nora’s Boyfriend)

Music, Soundtrack

• "I'm Just a Kid" by Simple Plan, creates a lovely atmosphere in the film.
• "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams, an instrumental tune used as one of the soundtracks in the movie.