Life Begins for Andy Hardy

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.

• classic
• comedy