Love Finds Andy Hardy
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Movie Reviews of Love Finds Andy Hardy
Movie Review: Andy Hardy Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
As with the other movies of Andy Hardy series - please put them all on DVD.Movie Review: A Good Classic Film.
Summary: 5 Stars
Love Finds Andy Hardy Is A Classic I Wish They Would Put All On DVD.Movie Review: Surprisingly Fresh
Summary: 4 Stars
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.
Movie Review: A Film You Can't Help But Love
Summary: 4 Stars
MGM recently released five films in DVD format as a tribute to Judy Garland and one of the titles is LOVE FINDS ANDY HARDY. Though the movie was released in honor of Garland, it really is Mickey Rooney's film. He plays the loveable teenaged Andy Hardy. Young Sandy has a heart of gold but often seems to get things mixed up a bit which lead to his easily solved difficulties. His problem in this movie is one that follows him in other films: girls. He is supposed to take one girl to a dance, but she cannot go, so he agrees to take another, but then meets a third. Of course one of the girls becomes available again, and the whole situation becomes a mess. Yet in true Hollywood from, all ends happily ever after.The film has quite a few strengths. First, it does take us back to another place and time when life's problems could easily be solved by the wisdom of Dad and a dose of common sense. Families were dedicated to one anther and communities were close-knit and wholesome. While it is not all that original a film, somehow it is not cliché. We believe that the story could happen. We like Andy Hardy who seems like everybody's nephew, son, kid brother, or next door neighbor. We know that when Judy Garland's character Betsy Booth matures a little, the two will be inseparable sweethearts. The film is a treat which allows us to see both Judy Garland and Lana Turner in early roles. Garland has a certain sweetness as Betsy Booth, Andy's next door neighbor's granddaughter. She is believable as a young innocent. While she sings a few musical numbers, this is not a musical and we see Garland's abilities as a young actress.
While the DVD release does not have as many special features as some of the other recent MGM re-releases, it doe shave an introduction to the film by Garland's biographer and also a "Christmas card" film from the cast that was probably aired with trailers in the 1930's.
Movie Review: Andy Meets the Starlets
Summary: 4 Stars
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.