The film centers around Engineering Officer "Frank" (Henry Fonda), who after his time aboard the USS Enterprise finds himself responsible for ten children following the death of his wife. Simultaneously, "Helen" (Lucille Ball) faces a similar situation, though she is caring for eight kids after losing her husband. They have an accidental encounter in a grocery store and begin to court; eventually, they decide to marry and combine their families, sharing a home with four bathrooms. To be honest, the premise—a movie about eighteen children dealing with everything from outbursts to teenage angst—didn’t initially grab my interest. However, Fonda and Ball's performances really elevate the material. The dialogue can feel drawn out at times, and some of the jokes haven’t aged well, but for the most part there is a believable connection between them, and many of their struggles as parents – particularly when they learn another baby is on the way – felt relatable. Director Melville Shavelson handles the chaotic aspects of the story effectively; the disorder is present, but it's not overdone, which allows feelings of weariness and frustration to surface without completely overshadowing what’s essentially a heartwarming narrative. I doubt any ship could have truly removed me from that kind of situation, but seeing this on a large screen from afar provides an entertaining look at family life filled with understanding, patience, and affection. It's worth checking out; you might discover Fonda’s comedic abilities and Ball’s undeniable star power.

Source on TMDB