Graduation night in Carvel finds Andy (Mickey Rooney) staying out past midnight, but having good clean fun. Calling from New York City, wealthy teenager Judy Garland (as Betsy Booth) wants another chance for romance with Andy. During one of his "man to man" talks with father Judge Hardy (Lewis Stone), Andy says he would like to make his way alone in New York for the summer, and reconsider going to college. The judge reluctantly agrees. His son moves to the city and takes a room vacated by aspiring young dancer Ray McDonald (as Jimmy Frobisher). Andy gets a job as an office boy and begins dating attractive co-worker Patricia Dane (as Jennitt Hicks). It looks like she may provide Andy with a "coming of age" moment...
Judy and Judge Hardy team-up to get Andy back in line...
This was the last appearance of Ms. Garland in "Judge Hardy's Family" and she is not used well. Having her wealthy character spend hours waiting in the car while Andy unpacks and looks for a job is preposterous. While reported to have recorded songs for her appearance, Garland sings only a few lines of "Happy Birthday". She and Rooney are so good together, it's almost criminal to see her time being wasted. Incredibly, Garland's presence weakens what could have been a much better story. Having Andy struggle in New York City, on his own, is a good story idea. The unemployed dancer played by Mr. McDonald is the film's main strength, and should have been more carefully developed. The "bad heart" addendum was not a good idea.
***** Life Begins for Andy Hardy (8/15/41) George B. Seitz ~ Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Lewis Stone, Ray McDonald
Judy and Judge Hardy team-up to get Andy back in line...
This was the last appearance of Ms. Garland in "Judge Hardy's Family" and she is not used well. Having her wealthy character spend hours waiting in the car while Andy unpacks and looks for a job is preposterous. While reported to have recorded songs for her appearance, Garland sings only a few lines of "Happy Birthday". She and Rooney are so good together, it's almost criminal to see her time being wasted. Incredibly, Garland's presence weakens what could have been a much better story. Having Andy struggle in New York City, on his own, is a good story idea. The unemployed dancer played by Mr. McDonald is the film's main strength, and should have been more carefully developed. The "bad heart" addendum was not a good idea.
***** Life Begins for Andy Hardy (8/15/41) George B. Seitz ~ Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Lewis Stone, Ray McDonald