Shot 46 / 7:28–7:51Select a shot, or shift-click to select multipleSelect a shot, or double-tap to select multiple

Family Life

19499 min 49 sec59 shots

Neighbors watch the Millers leave for another outing to Crystal Lake and wonder how the family finds time to enjoy life together. A flashback shows their earlier disorder: dinner is late, household work is unfinished, Harold needs money for a date, and Catherine has broken his tennis racket without permission. After Mrs. Miller recognizes these problems, the family begins holding meetings and adopts four guides for managing the home: schedules, responsibilities, privileges, and finances.

Later scenes show the Millers following routines, dividing chores, respecting privacy and personal property, and discussing decisions together. When medical and dental expenses exceed their budget, each family member offers to postpone a purchase or earn extra money rather than give up the family vacation fund. The film concludes that planning work and spending cooperatively can give a family more leisure, harmony, and enjoyment.

Provenance and rights

Original producer: Coronet Instructional Films
Collection: Prelinger Archives
Original title: Family Life
Date: 1949
Original link: Open on Internet Archive
Rights: public_domain