The first of what was intended to be a long running "family" series (a la the Andy Hardy films), Boy Trouble didn't catch on and faded away after just one more film (Night Work). It's a shame, for if Trouble is not a particularly memorable film, it's a cut above most B movies and as good as many of the entries in the Hardy series. The story, while definitely a comedy, is also a bit more serious than might be expected from the title; while the drama is a bit heavy-handed and manipulative, it's also effective within the context of the film as a whole, and it does manage to tug a few heartstrings, even those that are not so willing to be tugged. George Archainbaud's direction is only so-so, but it keeps things moving. What makes Trouble stand a little above other similar features is its cast. Mary Boland, though top billed, is not given enough to do, but she's such a delightful personality that she more than deserves her billing. The real star is the beloved, often bumbling character actor, Charlie Ruggles, who gets to carry a film here and does so with aplomb. The children are good, with future star Donald O'Connor shining brightly as Butch.