In the late 1930s and very early 1940s, Twentieth Century-Fox made 17 Jones Family films. The series was much like a lower-budgeted Hardy Family movie (MGM), which were very popular at the time. Despite there being so many Jones films, I cannot recall any of them ever being played on TV. I found one of their later movies, "The Jones Family in Hollywood" on YouTube and it's the first of the films I've seen.

Apart from Spring Byington as the mother and William Tracy as a guest star, the folks in this movie were mostly small-time actors...folks you probably won't recognize. This isn't a complaint but more an observation about the money Fox put (or didn't put) into these films. In contrast, the Hardy films featured quite a few familiar faces.

The story begins with Father learning that he's going to be a guest speaker at a VA convention in Hollywood. The family decides they are going and don't give Dad much chance to say yes or no! Once there, the Jones kids (minus the youngest who they left back in Ohio) quickly integrate themselves into Hollywood life.

While I wouldn't say this film was as polished as its MGM competition, it was very entertaining. Simple mindless family entertainment....and I mean that in a very positive way. It makes me want to see more Jones films....if I can find them.

By the way, it doesn't matter but there is no place called Maryville, Ohio. There is a Marysville, Ohio....but no Maryville.