Belles on Their Toes

Belles on Their Toes

Year: 1952

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: Henry Levin

Comedy

The familiar “Cheaper By the Dozen” family returns for another chapter, this time without Clifton Webb’s patriarch. Lillian faces financial pressures after her husband’s death, striving to keep the household together, while older daughters Anne, Martha and even the shy Ernestine begin exploring romance, adding both humor and heartfelt moments to the family’s ongoing saga.

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Timeline & Setting – Belles on Their Toes (1952)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Belles on Their Toes (1952). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1920s-1930s

Set during the early 20th century, the film reflects a period of significant social change, particularly with women entering professional fields traditionally dominated by men. The 1920s-1930s was an era marked by economic growth, the Great Depression's beginning, and evolving gender roles, which are subtly depicted through the characters' lives and struggles.

Location

Montclair, Nantucket, New York City, Purdue University, Detroit

The movie spans several key locations including Montclair, a suburban town where the family lives, and Nantucket, a historic island known for its maritime heritage. New York City is the cultural and professional hub where Dr. Gilbreth faces gender barriers. Purdue University and Detroit represent the academic and industrial environments central to her professional achievements.

🏡 Suburban 🏝️ Beach town 🌆 Urban 🎓 Academic 🏙️ Industrial

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Main Characters – Belles on Their Toes (1952)

Meet the key characters of Belles on Their Toes (1952), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Lillian Gilbreth

A resourceful and dedicated mother and engineer, she balances her professional aspirations with her family responsibilities. Her determination to break gender barriers and her innovative approach to work and family life define her character.

👩‍🔧 Engineer 💪 Resilient 👩‍👧‍👦 Mother

Anne Gilbreth

The eldest daughter, depicted as responsible and caring, she develops a romantic relationship with Dr. Grayson. She struggles with balancing her family duties and personal life, reflecting her maturation throughout the film.

👩‍🔧 Student 💖 Romantic 🌟 Responsible

Tom Bracken

The family cook and handyman, Tom is a steady and supportive presence. He assists in managing household tasks and supports the family’s endeavors with loyalty and humor.

👨‍🍳 Supportive 🏡 Loyal 😄 Humorous

Sam Harper

A business man involved in engineering projects, he develops feelings for Dr. Gilbreth. His character embodies persistence and genuine admiration, ultimately respecting her busy life and professional focus.

💼 Entrepreneur ❤️ Romantic 🤝 Respectful

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Major Themes – Belles on Their Toes (1952)

Explore the central themes of Belles on Their Toes (1952), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎉 Resilience

The film emphasizes resilience as Dr. Gilbreth navigates the loss of her husband and manages her family and career amid societal barriers. Her perseverance highlights the strength required to overcome personal and professional challenges prevalent in the early 20th century.

🏛️ Gender Barriers

A central theme is the fight against gender discrimination, exemplified by the incident at the Engineers' Club of America. The movie showcases the societal obstacles women faced in professional fields and Dr. Gilbreth's efforts to challenge these norms.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

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Belles on Their Toes Summary

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Belles on Their Toes Summary

Belles on Their Toes Timeline

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Belles on Their Toes Timeline

Belles on Their Toes Spoiler-Free Summary

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Belles on Their Toes Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Belles on Their Toes

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