Cheaper by the Dozen

by Christopher Sergel, Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. (Source Material), Ernestine Gilbreth Carey (Source Material)

Dramatization of Gilbreth's book about an efficiency expert father who puts his twelve children on a strict household schedule.

No growing pains have ever been more hilarious than those suffered loudly by the riotous Gilbreth clan. First there are a dozen red-haired, freckle-faced kids to contend with. Then there's Dad, a famous efficiency expert who believes a family can be run just like a factory. Finally there's Mother, his partner in everything except discipline. How they all survive such escapades as forgetting Frank Jr. in a roadside restaurant or going on a first date with Dad in the backseat or having their tonsils removed en masse will keep you in stitches. You can be sure they're not only cheaper, they're funnier by the dozen.

Genres: Plays, School

77 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

Christopher Sergel's interests and talents led him on many adventures throughout the world. As captain of the schooner Chance, he spent two years in the South Pacific; as a writer for Sports Afield magazine, he lived in the African bush for a year; as a lieutenant commander during WWII, he taught celestial navigation; as a playwright, his adaptation of Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio was seen on Broadway. But throughout his life, his greatest adventure and deepest love was his work with Dramatic Publishing. During this time, he wrote adaptations of To Kill a Mockingbird, Cheaper By the Dozen, The Mouse That Roared, Up the Down Staircase, Fame, Black Elk Speaks and many more. His love of theatre and his caring for writers made him a generous and spirited mentor to many playwrights here and around the world. His inspiration and integrity attracted to the company fine writers including C.P. Taylor, Timberlake Wertenbaker, Arthur Miller, Roald Dahl and E.B. White - to name just a few. He once said he hoped to be remembered as E.B. White described Charlotte…
"…a true friend and a good writer."

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nostalgia piece, both in its execution and for me personally, as it was the first community theatre show that I did when I was young. Re-reading it, I think the humor still holds up. It's old-fashioned and gentle, the story of an efficiency expert who uses his work skills to help manage his enormous household of a dozen children. The children, especially the oldest daughter, are beginning to rebel against his control, but they do not know that dad has a heart condition. There's an oblique minstrel show reference that probably needs to be updated for contemporary audiences, but otherwise, this is still a pleasant entertainment.

[Roberta]

I loved the book as a kid but think it might be too dated for today’s kids. Reading it for a possible production.

[Graham Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did this for middle school drama. It was alright, the director did take a machete to it though in order to fit it into a certain timeframe which probably screwed everything up.

[Rhonda Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished this book for the second time I really love it. It is hilariouslly funny! I had many good ideas for our homes school while reading this book. I most likely will read this again.

[Peggie Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must have read this book at least 6 times in my life and seen the movie as many. It is just a bit of nostalgia I can't resist. Hard to believe that people who seem like friends actually lived over 100 years ago when most of the story takes place.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the classic "G" rated book from your grandfather's past. It has its funny parts and leaves the reader pleased. I can see Moms really like it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly laugh out loud funny!

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

What strange play--dated and cornball, to be sure, but also morose.

[Kira G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was Anne in the play so of course I read it many times!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story. All the more precious because its a true tale. Hilarious..