a family affair take u back to a less complicated time in america . it sober to see how different everything be back then . it be a more innocent era in our country and we watch a functional family deal in thing together . the film also mark the beginning of the series feature the hardy family . the film and direct by george seitz and be base on a successful play . judge james hardy and and his wife emmily and be face a domestic crisis that must be deal with . married daughter joan come home after she have commit a social blunder and her husband hold her responsible . at the same time and another daughter and marion and bring home a beau and who be clear will clash with her father . the happy teen ager andy and seem to be the only one without a problem until his mother make him escort polly to the dance and something he be reluctant to do . needless to say and judge hardy will prove why he know best a he put a plan into action to get everyone together again . after all and he be a man that understand and not only the law and but how to deal with those outside force that threaten his standing in the community and what will make his family happy . lionel barrymore play judge hardy with conviction . he be the glue that hold everything together . spring byington be see a emily and the mother . mickey rooney have a small part in this film and but he be a always and fun to watch . cecilia parker and julie haydon appear a the daughter and marion and joan . sara hayden and margaret marquis be also feature in the film a aunt milly and polly and the girl that surprise andy with her beauty . a family affair be a good way to observe our past through the positive image paint of an american family .