Life Begins for Andy Hardy

The darkest of the Andy Hardy films, "Life Begins" is a startling departure from the usual small-town antics of young Hardy.

Andy decides to move to the big city rather than attend college. There, he discovers the harsh realities of finances, unemployment, and lack of a support system. But it's his choice to eschew the support of family and his friend Betsy (Judy Garland). He struggles, but sticks to his principles.

Judy Garland's part is smaller than originally intended, but she is splendid in her role. The real surprise of the film is Patricia Dane who plays Jennitt Hicks, an experienced woman of the city who helps him find a job. Miss Dane's striking presence on screen had me wondering why I was not familiar with her film work. A review of her bio revealed that her career was brief and controversial, and unfortunate.

The Andy Hardy films often discuss the concept of becoming a man. This film addresses the real meaning of manhood in direct and sophisticated ways. Though Andy retains his boyish charm, he certainly crosses a threshold in this film.

As with all the films in this series, there are morals to learn, but they are not as simplistic or obvious.

The film suffers from competing concepts that result in a schizophrenic story and unrealized potential, but the remaining elements are still interesting, especially those involving Miss Dane.