Anne Gilbreth, along with her sister Ernestine, remember their story of growing up in a large and unique family in the 1920's. Frank B. Gilbreth, an engineer and efficiency expert, takes to parenting  his 12 children the way he designs factory machines. Nearly everything is a lesson in scientific efficiency. As Anne comes of age, she begins to rebel against his unorthodox and sometimes embarrassing methods. Through the misunderstandings that they share, we see both the humor and heartfelt love shown in their family.