

3 Is a Family
“THE STORY OF A CARELESS STORK”
Synopsis
Based on a play by Phoebe and Henry Ephron, "3 Is a Family" is a 1940s farce. Charlie Ruggles plays a hubby whose bungled business schemes force his wife to enter the workplace. The couple's daughter shows up with her twin babies in tow. Son Arthur Lake arrives with his pregnant wife. And overbearing maiden aunt Helen Broderick also decides to move in. Because his wife is away at work, poor old Charlie Ruggles is not only housekeeper, but nursemaid and servant as well.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →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
Renie Riano
Genevieve
Warren Hymer
Coolie
Clyde Fillmore
Mr. Spencer
Christian Rub
Bellboy
Cheryl Walker
Marian Franklin
Christine Forsyth
Delivery Girl
Ezelle Poule
Release History & Theatrical Window
November 23, 1944
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Edward Ludwig
- Screenplay & Story
- Marjorie L. Pfaelzer, Harry Chandlee
- Original Score
- Werner R. Heymann
- Original Title
- 3 Is a Family
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 21m
- Production Studios
- Sol Lesser Productions, United Artists
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Edward Ludwig
Marjorie L. Pfaelzer, Harry Chandlee, Phoebe Ephron, Henry Ephron
Werner R. Heymann
Charles Lawton Jr.
Robert O. Crandall
Sol Lesser
Department Leadership Roster
Edward Ludwig
Director
Marjorie L. Pfaelzer
Screenplay
Charles Lawton Jr.
Director of Photography
Harry Chandlee
Screenplay
Phil Paradise
Production Design
Sol Lesser
Producer
Werner R. Heymann
Original Music Composer
Robert O. Crandall
Editor
J. Patrick
Production Design
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for 3 Is a Family.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring 3 Is a Family.
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Oscar Best Sound Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Sound Nominees
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Oscar Nominated Titles - IMDb
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Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Is a Family
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is 3 Is a Family about?
Based on a play by Phoebe and Henry Ephron, "3 Is a Family" is a 1940s farce. Charlie Ruggles plays a hubby whose bungled business schemes force his wife to enter the workplace. The couple's daughter shows up with her twin babies in tow. Son Arthur Lake arrives with his pregnant wife. And overbearing maiden aunt Helen Broderick also decides to move in. Because his wife is away at work, poor old Charlie Ruggles is not only housekeeper, but nursemaid and servant as well.
Who directed 3 Is a Family?
3 Is a Family was directed by Edward Ludwig.
Who stars in 3 Is a Family?
The principal cast of 3 Is a Family includes Marjorie Reynolds, Charles Ruggles, Fay Bainter, Helen Broderick, Arthur Lake.
When was 3 Is a Family released and how long is it?
3 Is a Family was released in 1944 with a total runtime of 1h 21m.
Who composed the musical score for 3 Is a Family?
The original motion picture soundtrack for 3 Is a Family was composed by Werner R. Heymann.

















