Movie

A Family Thing

“With family, everything is relative.”

★ 6.5(76)19961h 49m

A Family Thing isn't available to stream, rent or buy in South Africa right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 22 July 2026.

Where to watch A Family Thing

🇿🇦 South Africa

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Streaming in other regions

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Good to know

Director: Richard Pearce
Release date: 1996-03-29
Runtime: 1h 49m
Language: English
Box office: $10,125,417
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: United Artists

About A Family Thing

A Family Thing is a 1996 movie in the Comedy and Drama genres, directed by Richard Pearce, starring Robert Duvall, James Earl Jones and Michael Beach. It has a runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.5/10 from 76 viewers. Below you can see where to watch A Family Thing in South Africa — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

Earl Pilcher Jr. runs an equipment rental outfit in Arkansas, lives with his wife and kids and parents, and rarely takes off his gimme cap. His mother dies, leaving a letter explaining he's not her natural son, but the son of a Black woman who died in childbirth; plus, he has a half brother Ray, in Chicago, she wants him to visit. Earl makes the trip, initially receiving a cold welcome from Ray and Ray's son, Virgil. His birth mother's sister, Aunt T., an aged and blind matriarch, takes Earl in tow and insists that the family open up to him.

Cast

Robert Duvall

Earl Pilcher Jr.

James Earl Jones

Ray Murdock

Michael Beach

Virgil

Irma P. Hall

Aunt T.

Grace Zabriskie

Ruby

Regina Taylor

Ann

David Keith

Sonny

Xander Berkeley

Sunburned Man

Jacqueline Williams

Woman at Hospital

Mary Jackson

Carrie

Paula Marshall

Karen

Phillip Edward Van Lear

Club Manager

Themes & keywords

letterarkansasbirthbiracialmatriarchy

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch A Family Thing in South Africa?+

A Family Thing is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in South Africa. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is A Family Thing on Netflix?+

A Family Thing is not on Netflix in South Africa right now.

How long is A Family Thing?+

A Family Thing has a runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes (109 minutes).

Who stars in A Family Thing?+

A Family Thing stars Robert Duvall, James Earl Jones, Michael Beach, Irma P. Hall and Grace Zabriskie.

When did A Family Thing come out?+

A Family Thing is a 1996 movie directed by Richard Pearce.

What genre is A Family Thing?+

A Family Thing is Comedy and Drama film.

Who directed A Family Thing?+

A Family Thing was directed by Richard Pearce.