The cast is pretty top-notch for its time, with two great character actors, Edward Arnold and Lionel Barrymore. Gene Reynolds, as Arnold's smart aleck son, gives a fine performance too. As expected, Lionel steals every scene he's in, and this is one of several films disproving the widely reported myth that Lionel was confined to a wheelchair and never filmed standing again after 1938.
The supporting cast, including Robert Sterling, Marsha Hunt, and a nasty goose named Charlie, all have their moments, but the success of the film hinges on the talents of Reynolds, Arnold and Barrymore.
The climactic scene in which Barrymore and Arnold face off is pretty neat, given the caliber of these two old pros.
The film remains engaging and enjoyable throughout, and the occasional lapses into sentimentality and corniness are easily forgivable. Though not one of the "great" films of the era by any stretch, and more of a B-picture overall, it's still a good, little-known '40's gem.