Three Is a Family (1944)

Director:

Edward Ludwig

Writers:

Harry Chandlee, Henry Ephron (play),

Stars:

Marjorie Reynolds, Charles Ruggles, Fay Bainter

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Marjorie Reynolds	...	Kitty Mitchell
Charles Ruggles	...	Sam Whitaker
Fay Bainter	...	Frances Whittaker
Helen Broderick	...	Irma
Arthur Lake	...	Archie Whittaker
Hattie McDaniel	...	Maid
Jeff Donnell	...	Hazel Whittaker
John Philliber	...	Dr. Bartell
Walter Catlett	...	Barney Meeker
Clarence Kolb	...	Mr. Steele
Elsa Janssen	...	Adelaide (as Else Janssen)
Renie Riano	...	Genevieve
Warren Hymer	...	Coolie
Clyde Fillmore	...	Mr. Spencer
Christian Rub	...	Bellboy

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

based on play | number in title

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 November 1944 (USA)

Also Known As:

3 måste man vara

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sol Lesser Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

81 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"The Screen Guild Theater" broadcast a 30 minute radio adaptation of the movie on January 15, 1945 with Charles Ruggles, Fay Bainter, 'Hattie McDaniel' and Helen Broderick reprising their film roles as Sam Whitaker, Frances Whittaker, the maid and Irma.

User Reviews

Amusing wartime comedy with infants galore

This is nothing more than an amusing wartime comedy, practically the photographed stage play it is drawn from with nary more than the one-set living room used in the original. Housing shortages and Navy husbands called up force young newly married mothers to descend in ever confusing waves on one elderly family. There are the usual plots and subplots with a few interesting characterizations: Hattie McDaniel as an imbibing, ever-laughing maid; John Philliber as an ancient doctor who is practically blind; and Arthur Lake as a nerve-frazzled expectant father. A standout (as always) is Helen Broderick as the sarcastic Aunt Irma - she gets all the best lines.

The Sound Recording earned an Oscar nom - it is crisp and full-bodied but I believe it was the sound editing being honored here - being able to hear dialogue over the wails of infants is the achievement.

Very rare film, especially on video. Excellent casting all around and a mildly amusing romp - but definitely a "woman's picture" of the period - aimed at women and young mothers.