Is A Family Affair Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, A Family Affair is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 69 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
A Family Affair Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1937, A Family Affair enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Judge Hardy faces problems at work and at home. Under the direction of George B. Seitz, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Lionel Barrymore, Cecilia Parker, Eric Linden. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, A Family Affair offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, A Family Affair is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 5.7/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Comedy, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
A Family Affair Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $178,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $502,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
A Family Affair Budget
The estimated production budget for A Family Affair is $178,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Cast of A Family Affair
- Lionel Barrymore – Judge Hardy
- Cecilia Parker – Marian Hardy
- Eric Linden – Wayne Trent III
- Mickey Rooney – Andy Hardy
- Charley Grapewin – Frank Redmond
Top Highlights
Lionel BarrymoreJudge Hardy
Cecilia ParkerMarian Hardy
Eric LindenWayne Trent III
Mickey RooneyAndy Hardy
Charley GrapewinFrank Redmond
Spring ByingtonEmily Hardy
Julie HaydonJoan Hardy Martin
Sara HadenMilly Forrest
Allen VincentBill Martin
Margaret MarquisPolly Benedict
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, A Family Affair stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1937 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Family Affair movie hit or flop?
A Family Affair has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is A Family Affair worth watching?
A Family Affair is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is A Family Affair?
A Family Affair is a Comedy movie that Judge Hardy faces problems at work and at home. Powerful men in town are upset with his decisions and want to see him impeached; his daughters, Joan a...
