His Family Tree

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.

Most of the players in this wonderful comedy were not household names even in 1935, but that does not detract one bit from enjoying it, especially if you are Irish. The driving force of the film is that the Murphy's of Center City, Iowa, have changed their name to Murfree due to Marjorie Gateson's social climbing ambitions. Now that her husband, William Harrigan, is running for mayor, victory depends on the Irish vote in Ward 4, led by a proud Irishwoman, Maureen Delany, who becomes indignant just at the suggestion that any Irishman would change his name. The comedy's pleasures are increased when Harrigan's father, James Barton, comes to find out why Harrigan hasn't written in four months. Barton, with his whimsy and impromptu Irish dances, and Delany, with the twinkle in her eye for Barton, steal the film, but all the supporting cast is generally excellent. I particularly liked Herman Bing doing his exaggerated German accent and mannerisms. A good film from beginning to end.

James Barton is irishman Pat Murphy, who decides to go visit his family in Murrica. When he gets there, he finds things are NOT as expected. Barton was primarily a dancer, and didn't act in many films. When he meets his family, there's an election going on, and the family would rather the public didn't know their actual origins. They are claiming to be Murfrees, which seems to be a more respectable name than Murphy, if you're running for mayor. Antics. Goings on. General shenanigans. Lots of dancing, which is why they hired Barton. Part of the family wants to keep Dad locked up so he doesn't embarrass the family, but others want him to get out and meet everyone. It's okay. More setup than story. Directed by charles vidor. He also directed Gilda, but died pretty young at 58. From the original play Old Man Murphy.

I have seen all sorts of ethnic films but never an ethnic Irish film.I have to say that most of this film just went straight over my head.It probably made sense in its day.I just could not understand what was the importance of the spelling of the candidates name and why it should have any effect on whether or not he should be elected.The tap dancing was quite enjoyable but that was about as far as it goes.Although clearly meant as a B feature it had little of the vigour of a typical Warners film.Also at least in a Warners film you would get well known faces such as Frank McHugh or Pat O'Brien,here i did not recognise one face.So if you are not Irish or of Irish origin,don't bother.