Three Sons (1939)
A compact 1939 RKO family drama about a shop owner whose dream of passing on his business collides with his sons' own ambitions.
Three Sons - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1939
- Directed by: Jack Hively
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 12m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 13, 1939 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: RKO Radio Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Three Sons - Plot
A shop owner tries to interest his heirs in the family business.
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Three Sons - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jack Hively
Main Cast
- Edward Ellis
- William Gargan
- Kent Taylor
- J. Edward Bromberg
- Katharine Alexander
- Virginia Vale
- Kirby Grant
- Dick Hogan
- Grady Sutton
- Pamela Blake
Writers
- John Twist
Three Sons - FAQs
What is Three Sons about?
Three Sons follows Daniel Pardway, a dedicated shop owner who desperately wants to pass his family business on to his three sons. The film explores the tensions and generational conflicts that arise when the sons have different ambitions and priorities, making the father's dream harder to fulfill than he ever imagined.
Who are the main actors in Three Sons?
The cast is led by Edward Ellis as patriarch Daniel Pardway, with William Gargan and Kent Taylor playing two of his sons. J. Edward Bromberg, Katharine Alexander, Virginia Vale, Kirby Grant, Dick Hogan, Grady Sutton, and Pamela Blake round out the ensemble.
When was Three Sons released?
Three Sons was released on October 13, 1939, in the United States. It came out during one of Hollywood's most celebrated years, a golden era that also saw classics like Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz hit the big screen.
Who directed Three Sons?
Three Sons was directed by Jack Hively, a filmmaker who worked steadily at RKO Radio Pictures during the late 1930s and early 1940s. Hively was known for his efficient, character-driven approach to studio productions of that era.
Where can you stream Three Sons?
You can watch Three Sons on YouTube TV, where it's available as part of a flatrate subscription. For the most up-to-date streaming options in your region, it's worth checking JustWatch, which tracks availability across multiple platforms.
How long is Three Sons?
Three Sons runs for 72 minutes, making it a brisk and focused watch. Its compact runtime is typical of the efficient, no-frills studio pictures that RKO Radio Pictures produced during the late 1930s, delivering its family drama without overstaying its welcome.
What are some movies similar to Three Sons?
If you enjoy Three Sons, you might also like The Last Kiss (2006), Married Life (2008), and Caramel (2007), all of which explore family dynamics and relationship tensions. Jellyfish (2007) and Vienna (2002) offer similarly intimate, character-focused drama worth discovering.
What studio produced Three Sons?
Three Sons was produced by RKO Radio Pictures, one of Hollywood's major studios during the Golden Age of cinema. RKO was responsible for a wide range of films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, from prestige dramas to genre pictures and iconic musicals.
More About Three Sons
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