This is one of WC Fields best movies. The previous comment was inaccurate on two points. The "son" Claude, was his step-son in the movie, and his current wife's son by a previous marriage. WC's daughter in the movie was supposed to be his natural daughter, from his previous marriage, and it is implied that his first wife died.
The historical points about WC's real marriage seemed to be largely accurate. His wife returned to the US (they were touring overseas with his act) to have their son, and they never got back together. (He wanted to tour with his wife and son, and she wanted their son to have a "normal" upbringing, and didn't want to tour again.) He and his wife never divorced, but never lived together after they broke up. WC always felt that she was bossy and demanding, and was keeping him from having a good relationship with their son. It was a truly sad situation, and was reflected in many (but not all)of his movies.
The historical points about WC's real marriage seemed to be largely accurate. His wife returned to the US (they were touring overseas with his act) to have their son, and they never got back together. (He wanted to tour with his wife and son, and she wanted their son to have a "normal" upbringing, and didn't want to tour again.) He and his wife never divorced, but never lived together after they broke up. WC always felt that she was bossy and demanding, and was keeping him from having a good relationship with their son. It was a truly sad situation, and was reflected in many (but not all)of his movies.