Just two years after "Love Finds Andy Hardy", Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland meet again in another tale about Carvel's most dramatic high schooler. In this film, girlfriend Polly Benedict has slowed his roll and ridiculed Andy's obsession with a New York debutante named Daphne Fowler (Diana Lewis). When Judge Hardy decides to take the entire family to NYC while he confronts a big city law firm over financial commitments due an orphanage, Andy (Rooney) reconnects with Betsy Booth (Garland) and contrives to meet the mysterious and desirable Miss Fowler.
At this point the story bogs down. But two somehow-interconnected stories emerge: the benefits of living in the American Republic and Andy's despondency at being a backwater fish from a small pond.
The first part might be expected in a nation perched on the philosophical precipice of isolationism versus involvement in the ongoing war in Europe. Judge Hardy delivers a stirring speech that defines equality as equal opportunity under the law.
The party of the second part---Andy---somehow finds a way through his gloom and returns to Carvel a wiser man, where he confronts Polly, hoping to put their relationship back on track.
The best part of this film might be the musical interludes by Miss Garland. But Rooney is the driver of this and all the Andy Hardy films, and he does not disappoint. If you enjoy the Garland-Rooney vehicles, be sure to watch "Girl Crazy".
At this point the story bogs down. But two somehow-interconnected stories emerge: the benefits of living in the American Republic and Andy's despondency at being a backwater fish from a small pond.
The first part might be expected in a nation perched on the philosophical precipice of isolationism versus involvement in the ongoing war in Europe. Judge Hardy delivers a stirring speech that defines equality as equal opportunity under the law.
The party of the second part---Andy---somehow finds a way through his gloom and returns to Carvel a wiser man, where he confronts Polly, hoping to put their relationship back on track.
The best part of this film might be the musical interludes by Miss Garland. But Rooney is the driver of this and all the Andy Hardy films, and he does not disappoint. If you enjoy the Garland-Rooney vehicles, be sure to watch "Girl Crazy".