JLRMovieReviews To begin with, it should be noted (and you'd know this, if you've read the other reviews) that "Life Begins for Andy Hardy" is far more serious than the other films in the "Andy Hardy" series. This film marked the third and final appearance of Judy Garland as Betsy Booth in the film series. As Andy Hardy moves to New York to find himself and a job, he starts to learn hard lessons in life. So given the fact this is a drama and not a comedy, it's not a bad movie. But it's not terribly great. At times, it feels down right depressing and downbeat, as Andy Hardy gets some hard knocks looking for a job, and ultimately this is not an upper for viewers who expected the always chipper and juvenile Andy Hardy. In fact, despite the fact Judy sang in the other two films she starred in, her songs that were shot were not used in the final cut. I can only think that (the filmmakers finally decided that) the presence of singing did not seem to go with the somberness of this film and would dilute its impact on the viewer. In one scene, Betsy sees Andy at rock bottom looking pale, undernourished, and ready to pass out. And, he befriends an aspiring dancer, who's had a history of sickness, and who ultimately dies. Death in an Andy Hardy picture! Say it isn't so! While I admire the intention to show a mature Andy Hardy, if I wanted to see more of the film series in the future in the order they were made, I would probably skip this one entirely as it is a complete downer, save for Judy Garland trying to breathe some life and humor into it, with her buoyant presence and passion. Watch and judge for yourself.

mark.waltz After visiting New York in the previous year's "Andy Hardy Meets Debutante", the Mick is back there, this time for a whole summer while waiting for college to begin. He is reunited with his old buddy Betsy Booth (Judy Garland), whom it was insinuated he might romance in that predecessor. But now, Andy has his heart set on Jennitt Hicks (Patricia Dane), a receptionist at the firm he learns there is a job opening at. Jennitt is pretty, sophisticated, and isn't all quite what she seems to be. A visit from Judge Hardy (Lewis Stone) and investigation by Betsy brings all that out into the open. This segment is also more dramatic than prequels with the character of dancer Jimmy Frobisher (Ray McDonald) who had Andy's room at the boarding house he moves into as well as the job Andy is after.The character of Jimmy is where the show's heart lies. Andy runs into Jimmy in the park, finds out he's homeless, and takes him in against the rules of the boarding house. Tragedy strikes, and along with the revelations made about Ms. Hicks, Andy comes out of this much wiser than he realized he would be after a summer in the Big Apple. This is a colder New York than usually seen on screen, and for that, this "Andy Hardy" segment rates a higher rating. It's still not quite *** (Good) in my book, but its **1/2 marks it as definitely worth a look with some very good qualities about it. I would say of the Andy Hardy films I've seen, this is probably Rooney's best performance, even if the two previous ones with Garland rank as more popular. Sadly, Judy fans won't get a big number out of her, as she only sings a "Happy Birthday" telegram a Capella.There's no Cecilia Parker in this one, and very little of Ann Rutherford's Polly, or Fay Holden's Ma Hardy and Sara Haden's Aunt Milly. The goodbye scene between Andy and his mother is a bit embarrassing and overdoes it on the sentimentality. But once Andy finds himself on his own, he has some great growing up to do and that's where the film more than momentarily shines.

mam543 For a traditionally family oriented series, this film had some surprisingly downbeat tones to it. Andy has an eye-opening experience when he pursues life in the big city.Great performances by Judy Garland (as always) and Patricia Dane as the experienced older woman.

AL01-3 Although I have enjoyed every Andy Hardy movie that I have seen, this is probably my favorite entry in the series. It is admittedly a departure from the usual light-hearted comedy of the Hardy movies, but in this case, it works.In the film, Andy leaves his sheltered small-town life for the city of New York in order to decide whether he wants to go to college or directly join the professional ranks. Andy's dilemma hit home with me when I first saw this film a few years ago since it was a decision that I was facing myself. Many younger viewers will probably be able to relate to the issues and problems that Andy must deal with as he attempts to make the transition from carefree adolescence to adulthood.Mickey Rooney gives a good performance as Andy Hardy, as does Judy Garland in the role of Betsey Booth. This picture is not as cheerful as most entries in the series, but the most melancholy aspect of this film is the fact that it is Garland's last appearance as Betsey. Betsey is one of the most entertaining characters in the series of movies, and it's unfortunate that she only appears in three of the films.Overall, this is a very good, although different, entry into the Andy Hardy series of movies.