Life Begins for Andy Hardy (1941)

Hoping his son will attend his alma mater, Judge Hardy agrees to let Andy look for work in New York for the summer before committing to start college. In the big city, Andy is confronted with the harsh realities of life and love.

Director:

George B. Seitz

Writers:

Agnes Christine Johnston (screen play), Aurania Rouverol (based upon the characters created by)

Stars:

Lewis Stone, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Lewis Stone	...	Judge Hardy
Mickey Rooney	...	Andy Hardy
Judy Garland	...	Betsy Booth
Fay Holden	...	Mrs. Hardy
Ann Rutherford	...	Polly Benedict
Sara Haden	...	Aunt Milly
Patricia Dane	...	Jennitt Hicks
Ray McDonald	...	Jimmy Frobisher

Storyline

With his high school graduation behind him, Andy Hardy decides that as an adult, it's time to start living his life. Judge Hardy had hoped that his son would go to college and study law, but Andy isn't sure that's what he wants to do so he heads off to New York City to find a job. Too proud to accept any help from Betsy Booth, Andy finds that living on his own isn't so easy. With perseverance he eventually finds a job and even gets to date the pretty receptionist in his office. He also has to face several of life's lessons leading him to conclude that he may still have a bit of growing up to do.

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Plot Keywords:

graduation | new york city | secretary | family relationships | gold digger | 

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Taglines:

Mickey Woos! Best Hardy Hit Yet!

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 August 1941 (USA)

Also Known As:

Andy Hardy Goes to College

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$401,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Four songs prerecorded by Judy Garland were not used in the film: Cole Porter's "Easy to Love" (available on the Rhino CD, "Judy Garland: Collectors' Gems from the M-G-M Films"); the patriotic "America (My Country Tis of Thee)" (written by Henry Carey and Samuel Francis Smith); plus two religious songs: "Abide with Me" and "The Rosary." Miss Garland's one musical moment in the release print was her unaccompanied rendition of "Happy Birthday to You" (music and lyrics by Mildred J. Hill and Patty S. Hill). The movie's original poster raves, "Mickey woos! Judy sings! Best Hardy yet!"

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Quotes

Betsy Booth: Me, a child? Listen here, Andrew Hardy, my mother just bought me an evening dress that simply has no visible means of support!

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Connections

Follows Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938)

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Soundtracks

The Hardy Series Theme Music
(uncredited)
Written by David Snell
Played at the start and end of the movie

User Reviews

Somewhat Dark

For a traditionally family oriented series, this film had some surprisingly downbeat tones to it. Andy has an eye-opening experience when he pursues life in the big city.

Great performances by Judy Garland (as always) and Patricia Dane as the experienced older woman.