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IMDbPro

His Family Tree

  • 19351935
  • ApprovedApproved
  • 1h 9m
IMDb RATING
5.5/10
81
YOUR RATING
James Barton, Herman Bing, and Jack Randall in His Family Tree (1935)
  • Comedy
When his son doesn't respond to his many letters, Patrick Murphy decides to leave Ireland and visit his son in America. But upon arriving in Center City Patrick discovers that his son, who i... Read allWhen his son doesn't respond to his many letters, Patrick Murphy decides to leave Ireland and visit his son in America. But upon arriving in Center City Patrick discovers that his son, who is running for Mayor, has changed the family name to Murfree. After his daughter-in-law mak... Read allWhen his son doesn't respond to his many letters, Patrick Murphy decides to leave Ireland and visit his son in America. But upon arriving in Center City Patrick discovers that his son, who is running for Mayor, has changed the family name to Murfree. After his daughter-in-law makes it clear that the old gent's Celtic influence isn't welcome at the Murfree home, Patric... Read all
IMDb RATING
5.5/10
81
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Charles Vidor
  • Writers
    • Patrick Kearney(play "Old Man Murphy")
    • Harry Wagstaff Gribble(play "Old Man Murphy")
    • Joel Sayre(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • James Barton
    • Margaret Callahan
    • Jack Randall
Top credits
  • Director
    • Charles Vidor
  • Writers
    • Patrick Kearney(play "Old Man Murphy")
    • Harry Wagstaff Gribble(play "Old Man Murphy")
    • Joel Sayre(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • James Barton
    • Margaret Callahan
    • Jack Randall
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 4User reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Photos

    His Family Tree (1935)
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    Top cast

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    James Barton
    James Barton
    • Patrick 'Bosun' Murphy
    Margaret Callahan
    Margaret Callahan
    • Elinor Murfree - aka Murphy
    Jack Randall
    Jack Randall
    • Mike Donovan
    • (as Addison Randall)
    Maureen Delaney
    Maureen Delaney
    • Nellie Oulihan
    • (as Maureen Delany)
    William Harrigan
    William Harrigan
    • Charles Murfree - aka Murphy
    Marjorie Gateson
    Marjorie Gateson
    • Margaret 'Maggie' Murfree - aka Murphy
    Phillip Trent
    Phillip Trent
    • Dudley Weatherby
    • (as Clifford Jones)
    Ray Mayer
    • Bat Gilligan
    Herman Bing
    Herman Bing
    • Mr. 'Stony' Stonehill
    Pat Moriarity
    • Terrence 'Terry' Gilligan
    • (as Pat Moriarty)
    Charles Coleman
    Charles Coleman
    • Hopkins
    Ferdinand Munier
    Ferdinand Munier
    • Mayor John J. Holtsapple
    Orville Caldwell
    Orville Caldwell
    • Julius - Mayor's Henchman
    William Lemuels
    • Brannigan
    Mrs. James Barton
    • Irish Dancer
    Ed Brady
    Ed Brady
    • Seated Pub Sailor
    • (uncredited)
    Robert Homans
    Robert Homans
    • Pub Sailor at Bar
    • (uncredited)
    Frank Mills
    Frank Mills
    • Frank - Mayor's Henchman-Kidnapper
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Charles Vidor
    • Writers
      • Patrick Kearney(play "Old Man Murphy")
      • Harry Wagstaff Gribble(play "Old Man Murphy")
      • Joel Sayre(screenplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Goofs
      In an establishing shot, the legend is shown reading - POST OFFICE - CENTER CITY - IOWA and a date given in roman numerals - MXlXlll - which is impossible.
    • Soundtracks
      Irish Washerwoman
      (uncredited)

      Traditional Irish Jig

      Played during the openng credits amd often in the score

      Played at the indignation meeting and danced by the attendees

    User reviews4

    Review
    Top review
    6/10
    Classic Irish Tap Dancing
    A strange little relic from the studio period where ethnicity, particularly of the Irish (or 'oirish') variety was considered box office gold. Not a good picture by any means, its plot includes the kidnapping and being held in a hotel room cliché beloved of early 30's pictures with a time constraint of either a political debate or The Big Game. In this case a election hangs in the balance but having the plot turn on whether or not a candidates real name is Murphy, rather than the assumed Murfree, considering the substantial Irish vote which the election seems to turn on, seems a bit counter-intuitive.

    That being said, HIS FAMILY TREE is interesting now as a record of a classic Irish vaudeville performer, James Barton, as the story gives him three opportunities to strut his stuff with fine little tap routines. Maureen Delaney manages a part of one song and is in fine voice too. Barton went on to playing character parts in a series of classic films in the 1948-1952 period. Delaney returned back to England and became a character actress in some of the finest post-war English films. Essentially painless, HIS FAMILY TREE is not recommended for any other reasons than these two performances.
    helpful•5
    0
    • max von meyerling
    • May 4, 2005

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 29, 1935 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Árbol genealógico
    • Filming locations
      • RKO Studios - 780 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Production company
      • RKO Radio Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 9 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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