Belles on Their Toes

The movie begins with the death of efficiency expert Frank Gilbreth Sr., leaving his wife, Dr. Lillian Gilbreth, to raise their eleven children alone. She faces financial difficulties and responsibility for the entire family, determined to keep them together despite her hardships.

Dr. Gilbreth chooses to send her children to Nantucket, accompanied by the family cook and handyman Tom Bracken, instead of dispersing them among relatives. This decision allows her to focus on completing her late husband's lecture tour and support her family from afar.

Ernestine gets engaged to Al Lynch, but the rest of the children dislike him. When Al visits, the kids put on a nutty act, leading him to break up with Ernestine. The family maintains a lively and humorous dynamic amidst these romantic developments.

Dr. Gilbreth returns from her unsuccessful lecture tour, and the family relocates back to Montclair. The eldest daughter, Anne, meets Drew Grayson, a handsome medical doctor, though she initially mistakes him for a barber, hinting at her naivety and innocence.

Dr. Gilbreth offers to train students for Harper Electric, initially reluctant, Harper is convinced to send six students, including those from other companies. The training program is held at their home and proves to be a successful effort, showcasing her expertise and dedication.

Dr. Gilbreth is invited to give a speech at the Engineers' Club of America in New York City, but the club officials discover she is a woman and deny her entry. Frustrated, she leaves a speech with them, then, driving home, accidentally runs into a parked truck and gets hospitalized.

While hospitalized, Anne visits her mother and meets Dr. Grayson, leading to their romantic involvement. Initially embarrassed, Anne and Dr. Grayson eventually become engaged, adding a romantic subplot to the family story.

Dr. Gilbreth's achievements are highlighted when Sam Harper arranges a newsreel about her, despite the family's discomfort. The publicity boosts her reputation, and she is appointed as a professor at Purdue University, solidifying her professional success.

As Anne and Drew Grayson prepare to move to Detroit for her new position, she struggles with leaving her family behind. Dr. Gilbreth advises her to pursue her ambitions while maintaining her family connections, encouraging her departure.

Sam Harper repeatedly tries to confess his feelings to Dr. Gilbreth, but their conversations are interrupted. When she finally clarifies there is no room for romance in her busy life, he accepts her decision, recognizing her commitment to her work and family.

The story concludes with the graduation of her youngest child, symbolizing the culmination of her efforts to raise her family and succeed professionally. The family celebrates this milestone, emphasizing her perseverance and dedication.