Love Finds Andy Hardy

Starring:Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone, Fay Holden, Cecilia Parker, Judy Garland, Lana Turner, Ann Rutherford, Mary Howard, Gene Reynolds, Don Castle, Betty Ross Clarke, Marie Blake, George P. Breakston, Raymond Hatton, Frank Darien, Rand Brooks, Jay Ward (II), George Noisom, Erville Alderson
Director: George B. Seitz
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

It's hard to overstate just how corny and funny the Andy Hardy series of the 1930s and 1940s looks by today's standards--but that doesn't mean these films don't have a certain winning quality. It doesn't matter whether it's Mickey Rooney's winningly goofy blend of lust and innocence as a high school kid dying to make out with his girlfriend or his surprisingly touching man-to-man talks with his father, Judge Hardy (Lewis Stone). Think of this film as the precursor to "Archie" comic books, with its story of young Andy, desperate for the money to buy a car, winding up with three dates to the same formal dance. Rooney is engaging as the motor-mouthed (yet deceptively thoughtful) teen in pre-World War II, tail-end-of-the-Depression, small-town America: often in a coat and tie, always in a dandyish porkpie hat. This was the first film in this series in which Judy Garland appeared as girl-next-door Betsy Booth. --Marshall Fine

Description

Andy frantically tries to juggle two girlfriends at the same time.

Customer Reviews:

Andy Meets the Starlets.......2006-07-06

Love Finds Andy Hardy is the first film to feature Betsy Booth (Judy Garland), a sweet girl from New York that instantly takes a liking to Andy (Mickey Rooney). He is oblivious however, because he has to worry about two other girls. First, there is Polly (Ann Rutherford), his steady girlfriend who is going out of town for three weeks before Christmas. Then, there is Cynthia (Lana Turner), Andy's friend's girlfriend. Andy is being paid to take her out so no other guy tries to steal her away, but she's a pain in the neck.

This film is one of the better ones of the Andy Hardy series and it features a great cast. Mickey Rooney is insanely hyper in the movie, which can either be annoying or endearing. He certainly is a character, and although Andy Hardy is immature, it is funny to contrast the character to the man. Incidentally, the film sort of mirrors the real-life interactions of the stars. Rooney was taken by Turner's glamourous looks and claims to have gotten her pregnant when they were young in his book. Garland felt she was not glamourous enough so she hated the way she looked in movies, possibly because of lack of attention from Rooney. It is hard to see why she could not appreciate herself though; she is wonderful. Her singing is just as good here as in later years too.

All in all, this is a fun film, a great way to spend time with the family or alone. Any age can enjoy it.

You Were Right Mr. Mayer !.......2005-11-29

Like the Little Rascals/Our Gang comedies the Andy Hardy series of films are ageless. Louis B.Mayer often liked sentimental films that idolized America and the Andy Hardy Series is an example of this. "LB" took a special interest in this series and his hand is all over it. Mayer was often criticized for ordering MGM to make these kinds of movies and musicals but history has shown he was right. After he lost control of MGM in 1951 the studio went on to produce message pictures and other kinds of films. The public hated them. The Worst was 1959's Raintree County which was a cheap rip-off of Gone With The Wind. Mickey Rooney was the star of the series but Silent Era superstar Lewis Stone comes in 2nd as Judge Hardy. Ironic that these kinds of films were viewed as hokey by the emerging young producers and directors of the late 40's and early 50's, that took over and ultimately ruined then destroyed MGM, are the kinds the studios have been scrambling to bring back since the early 1980's. Mr. Mayer was 50 years ahead of his time !.

Bring Us More Andy!.......2004-11-16

I agree with the reviewer from Canada: It would be great if Warner released the entire Andy Hardy series as a boxed set. I've had six of the films (on VHS) in my collection for quite a few years and never get tired of watching them. Here's another vote cast for more of Judge Hardy's family on DVD!

Wonderfully funny and Entertaining!!!.......2004-10-02

This movie is a fun, bright movie! Mickey Rooney stars with Judy Garland, (Jutes)Fay Holden, Lewis Stone, Celia Parker, Ann Rutherfurd and Lana Turner in this hilarious, wonderful masterpiece! Andy Hardy, (Rooney)plays a fickle young man in love with local town girl, Polly Benict (Rutherfurd). Then she tells Andy that she can't go the christmas eve dance with him, because she has to go see her grandmother for christmas. Andy promises the worried Polly that he won't take anyone else to the dance, but go stag carrying her picture. But then, Andy gets mixed up with his best friend's girl, while his friend is on vacation! Then he promises to take this girl, Cynthia (Turner) to the dance! And of course Polly becomes available again and leads to a hilarious mess!!! And all through this Betsy (Garland, who is really in love with Andy, but is to young for him), Helps Andy through all his troubles, and helps bring this wonderful movie into a very happy ending!
Songs include: 'Inbetween,' 'It Never Rains but What it Pours,' and 'Meet the Beat of my Heart.' ------------------------

Surprisingly Fresh.......2004-05-26

I'd never seen an Andy Hardy film but I'd read that they reflected L.B. Mayer's delusional vision of American, full of sanctimonious lectures about the virtues of clean, small town living. But if "Love finds Andy Hardy" is typical of the series, then this view is both harsh and narrow. Yes, this is a story about a very white, very Christian small town but there aren't many lectures and the story is simple and unpretentious which allows the actors to develop their characters. The film suggest a way of living that allows for disagreement, sibling rivalry, unrequited love but doesn't transform any of that into pathos or moral tales. Instead, scenes unfold naturally and easily with a certain sweetness that is warm and inviting not cloying and artificial. Maybe this film has worn well because in its simplicity is a portrait of a period of American culture that seems geniune and lost forever. It doesn't feel dated because the film doesn't aspire to be ahead of the times but very much of it.

Clearly this is Mickey Rooney's movie. I've never been fond of him as an actor. His mugging and frentic energy make me turn away in embarrassment. However, in this film there are many moments when his enthusiasm is more infectious than his mugging is distracting. He works well with Lewis Stone and Judy Garland. Also he conveys his internal dilemma dealing with two girls with comedy and concern. There are also many moments when he hams it up so I don't want to mislead anyone! But at least I could see why he was so popular which is something that had escaped me despite watching several of the Garland-Rooney musicals.

The reason I watched this film was to see Judy Garland and I wasn't disappointed. This film was shot shortly before, "Wizard of Oz" and she is awkward and somewhat unfocused but alas she is Judy Garland which means despite her lack of maturity, she is the best thing in the film. Her musical numbers are delightful and her predicament of being too young for Mickey is touching and sweet. Sure, she doesn't know what to do with her hands and occasionally mugs for the camera but at sixteen Judy Garland is clearly bursting with talent, promise and excitement.

The Judy Garland Signature Collection (A Star is Born / The Wizard of Oz / The Harvey Girls / Love Finds Andy Hardy / In the Good Old Summertime / Ziegfeld Girl / For Me and My Gal)
Average customer rating:

Judy fans will be delighted

This is a good view of her talent

"films of the little girl with a big voice ~ Judy Garland"

The Judy Garland Signature Collection (A Star is Born / The Wizard of Oz / The Harvey Girls / Love Finds Andy Hardy / In the Good Old Summertime / Ziegfeld Girl / For Me and My Gal)
Starring: Judy Garland
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classics | Genres | DVD | Video
Signature Collections | Classics | Genres | DVD | Video
General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Classics | Musicals | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video
( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video
Musicals & Performing Arts | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video
Classics | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video
Drama | Warner Home Video | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
All Titles | Warner Home Video | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0001Q4CZM
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Description

Judy! Judy! Judy! Judy Garland: The Signature Collection includes 7 of Judy's unforgettable performances including A Star is Born and The Wizard of Oz! The Collection also includes 4 new-to-DVD titles starring the legendary Judy Garland: Love Finds Andy Hardy, In the Good Old Summertime, Ziegfeld Girl, and For Me and My Gal. A great Mother's Day gift!

Customer Reviews:

Judy fans will be delighted.......2006-11-03

Some of Judy's finest works in great form. "A Star is Born" and "Wizard of Oz" would justify the price by themselves. The rest is great gravy.

This is a good view of her talent.......2004-06-29

Judy was a magnificent talent with personal problems that makes it amazing that she could produce such beutiful prductions. These movies are a very good cross section of her talent. The Andy Hardy series was a wonderful joining of two great talents that represent a part of her career that many have been the happiest. There are many others that could have been chosen, but whatever was put in would require taking something out. I think "The Wizard" was the one waste, since there are much better copies out, and another Judy and Mickey would have been more fun.
But at least these are great, and others can be bought.

"films of the little girl with a big voice ~ Judy Garland".......2004-06-03

Growing up in the midwest, all the entertainment came from the movies ~ "Judy Garland:The Signature Collection", featuring the golden age of musicals starring our favorite female lead at MGM Studio, Miss Judy Garland. Her voice and talent takes you into the world of make believe...are you ready...well here goes!

Let's start with "FOR ME AND MY GAL"(1942), featuring George Murphy and Gene Kelly (with commentary by Garland biographer John Fricke/vintage shorts/radio programs/audio outtakes/theatrical trailer) ~ "THE HARVEY GIRLS"(1945), featuring Ray Bolger, John Hodiak, Angela Lansbury and Preston Foster (commentary by director George Sidney/3 deleted musical numbers/music cue sessions/theatrical trailer) and "On The Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe" remixed in stereo ~ "IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME"(1949), featuring Van Johnson, S.Z. "Cuddles" Sakall, Spring Byington, Buster Keaton and Nellie Burke (introduction by Garland biographer John Fricke/Vintage Fitzpatrick Traveltalks Shorts/theatrical trailers of this film, "The Shop Around The Corner and "You've Got Mail) ~ "LOVE FINDS ANDY HARDY"(1938), featuring Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker and Fay Holden (introduction by Garland biographer John Fricke with Ann Rutherford/Leo is on the air radio promo/Andy Hardy trailer gallery) ~ "A STAR IS BORN"(1954), featuring James Mason, Jack Carson, Charles Bickford and Tom Noonan (special features: documentary network telecast of Hollywood premiere and newsrell coverage of Post-Premiere Party/3 alternate filings of "The Man That Got Away"/deleted song "When My Sugar Walks Down The Street"/soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1/theatrical trailers of the 1937, 1954 and 1976 film versions) ~ "THE WIZARD OF OZ"(1939), featuring Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Berlahr, Jack Haley and Margaret Hamilton (behind-the-scenes documentary/"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" & "The Making of a Movie Classic" hosted by Angela Lansbury/vintage movie & cartoon clips/theatrical trailers/outtake musical numbers/cast interviews and much, much more) ~ "ZIEGFELD GIRLS"(1941), featuring James Stewart, Hedy Lamarr, Lana Turner, Tony Martin, Jackie Cooper and Edward Everett Horton (introduction by Garland biographer John Fricke/vintage musical short/Our Gang short "Melodies Old and New"/2 outtakes the musical number "Too Beautiful To Last and a deleted "We Must Have Music Finale"/theatrical trailers of this film, "The Great Ziegfeld" and "Ziegfeld Follies") ~ all new digital transfer.

The clarity of picture and the re-mastered sound of each film is overwhelming ~ Garland is at her captivating best ~ each cue is an eye full with behind the scenes that every collector will cherish...gotta love it!

Total Time: 7-CD-Set ~ Warner Home Video 49832 ~ (4/06/2004)

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