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Life Begins for Andy Hardy
(B&W, 1941, 102 minutes)
Big Apple, here he comes! Mickey Rooney returns as the All-American teen in this eleventh Andy Hardy film that surpassed each of the previous ten in popularity. Also back are Lewis Stone as Judge Hardy and Judy Garland in her third and final appearance as Andy's pal, Betsy Booth.
After graduating from high school, the irrepressible Andy heads for New York, giddy with visions of high finance, chic women and posh nightclubs. But the big city is tough on a small town boy. Jobs are hard to come by. Broadway babies aren't impressed by the boy's gosh-and-golly charms - especially when his savings dwindle to a lone quarter. Then, too, Judge Hardy isn't just a room away with his ever-present wisdom and moral support.
Life Begins for Andy Hardy shines with the wholesome humor, swift pacing and top production values that marked the entire series. And it adds an unexpected touch: a true, heart-tugging examination of the troubles that confront an innocent lad whose dreams outweigh reality.1
Crew:
Produced by: Carey Wilson
Directed by: George B. Seitz
Screen Play by: Agnes Christine Johnston
Based Upon the Characters Created by Aurania Rouverol
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Harry McAfee
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Kalloch
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Lester White
Film Editor: Elmo Veron
Filmed: April 1941 - May 1941
Released: August 1941
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 ("The Wolfess")
Ray McDonald ... Jimmy Frobisher
Additional Cast:
George Breakston ... Beezy
Pierre Watkin ... Dr. Waggoner
Frances Morris ... Operator
Tommy Kelly ... Chuck
Robert Winkler ... Private
William Forrest ... Commandant
Paul "Tiny" Newlan, Duke York ... Truckmen
Arthur Loft, James Flavin ... Policemen
Sidney Miller, Roger Daniel ... Boys
Byron Shores ... Jackson
Hollis Jewell ... Ted
Charlotte Wynters ... Elizabeth Norton
Bob Pittard ... Delivery Boy
Lester Matthews ... Mr. Maddox
Don Brodie ... Clerk
John Harmon ... Taxi Driver
Frank Ferguson ... Stationer
Leonard Sues ... Kelly
George Carleton ... Florist
George Ovey ... Janitor
Robert E. Homans ... Watchman
William J. Holmes ... Dr. Griffin
Manart Kippen ... Rabbi Strauss
Ralph Byrd ... Father Gallagher
Ann Morriss ... Miss Dean
Mira McKinney ... Miss Gomez
Nora Lane ... Miss Howard
John Eldredge ... Paul McWilliams
Joseph Crehan ... Peter Dugan
Mary Jo Ellis ... Drugstore Cashier
Yolande Mollot ... Drugstore Waitress
Estelle Etterre ... Secretary
Bess Flowers ... Secretary
Kent Rogers ... Tough Boy
Purnell Pratt ... Dr. Storfen
Musical Program:
Though Judy Garland was to have had at least a couple musical numbers in this film, all were cut with the exception of a
short excerpt of "Happy Birthday to You" sung a capella. At least one of the numbers was pre-recorded and are available on
several CDs (including the one shown here). But, as released, there are no musical numbers in this film. Though I've never heard
the reason for this, I suspect that the film was too long, so the musical scenes were deleted before release.
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Mickey Rooney and Pat Dane
Judy Garland as Betsy Booth
George Breakston as Beezy
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