The first entry of the Andy Hardy films has a different look than the succeeding movies because of casting. Most noticeable difference is Lionel Barrymore playing Judge Hardy and Spring Byington playing his wife and mother of the Hardy children. Still Mickey Rooney is in this one playing Andy Hardy, one of the most memorable movie roles ever. And he does a fair amount of scene stealing (witness the finale involving the judge's political speech). It's Rooney, who's performance is most memorable. This film deserves to be considered an unqualified success for spawning the best movie franchise ever to grace the big screen.
Review of A Family Affair
