a family affair takes us back less complicated time america sobering see different everything back then innocent era country watch functional family dealing things together film also marks beginning series featuring hardy familybr br the film directed george seitz based successful play judge james hardy wife emmily facing domestic crisis must dealt with married daughter joan comes home committed social blunder husband holds responsible time another daughter marion brings home beau clear clash father happy teen ager andy seems one without problem mother makes escort polly dance something reluctant dobr br needless say judge hardy prove knows best puts plan action get everyone together again all man understands law deal outside forces threatens standing community make family happybr br lionel barrymore plays judge hardy conviction glue holds everything together spring byington seen emily mother mickey rooney small part film always fun watch cecilia parker julie haydon appeared daughters marion joan sara hayden margaret marquis also featured film aunt milly polly girl surprises andy beautybr br a family affair good way observe past notredflag image painted american family