vincentlynch-moonoi
Was Judge Hardy the penultimate American father? Perhaps he was. At least it seems so in this episode of the Hardy family. Make no mistake, in many ways this is not that much different than many of the Hardy family stories, although it takes place in a different setting -- Catalina Island in California where the Hardys are on a vacation. And the judge is having to work through a tragedy in the making which may cost his family their home. But watch for the interactions between the judge and his two children. He carefully gives each of them some leeway as they are maturing, but knows exactly when to hold out a hand that says slow down. It's really quite interesting, and is why this is one of the best of the Hardy films.Lewis Stone is superb as Judge Hardy; makes you wonder what he was like in real life. Cecilia Parker is dependable as Mother Hardy. Mickey Rooney is...well, young Mickey Rooney. Fay Holden doesn't have a lot of screen time here as the aunt, although she is my favorite of the two actresses which played the part. We see a lot less of Ann Rutherford here as Polly Benedict.If I had to pick one Andy Hardy movie to watch, it might be this one.
MartinHafer
"You're Only Young Once" is the second Andy Hardy film but it's the first one with the entire cast we're familiar with and enjoyed in subsequent films. The first film, "A Family Affair" starred Lionel Barrymore as Judge Hardy and Spring Byington as his wife. Apart from that the two kids and the aunt were the same in both films. According to IMDb, Barrymore's advanced arthritis restricted his acting too much though there's no indication by Byington didn't return as Mrs. Hardy.Most of this film takes place during the Hardy family's vacation on Catalina Island in California. The Judge is eager to go in order to go sailfishing. As for Andy and his sister, Marian, they both end up having vacation romances--Andy with a spoiled rich girl who is a bad egg and Marian with an even worse choice. However, as usual, the Judge does NOT jump in and try to split up these budding romances but instead uses the usual Hardy finesse...proving once again what a swell father he was...one of the best in film history.Like most of the films in the series, this one is quite enjoyable and, as usual, Andy a bit too big for his britches. Nice family entertainment and well worth your time.By the way, this is the only film in the series where I recall that there was an epilogue. At the end, Lewis Stone (the Judge) talks to the audience to announce that there will be several subsequent films in the series.
bkoganbing
You're Only Young Once is the second film in the Hardy family series from MGM, the first to introduce Lewis Stone, Fay Holden, and Ann Rutherford in their roles in the series and the last to not mention the word 'Hardy' in the title. Quite a lot of precedents I must say.Lewis Stone has decided the family needs a vacation and he's fixed Catalina Island as the destination of his choice because he wants to get in some deep sea fishing after swordfish. The others all have different ideas, but Stone not a dictatorial tyrant by any means, he brings them all around with charm and sweet reason.It wouldn't be a Hardy family movie without some young romance. Mickey Rooney falls Eleanor Lynn, child of a several times married woman who is in Reno shedding husband number 4 and leaving Lynn to her own devices. And Cecilia Parker finds handsome lifeguard Ted Pearson on the beach and he's already married.In the meantime back at the ranch known as their hometown of Carvel, the Judge has co-signed a loan for his friend Frank Craven which has come due and the Hardy home is in jeopardy. But Stone isn't a judge for nothing and the trip to Catalina actually gives him the idea on how to save the situation. For that you watch the movie.The death of Mickey Rooney has removed the last survivor of this and a whole slew of films. Mickey is at once, brash, eager, charming, a bit naive and a devoted son. It's probably how all his fans remember him.The Hardy series with its family revamped and set for the duration gives us a good one in You're Only Young Once.
wes-connors
Following the success of "A Family Affair" (1937), MGM continues "The Hardy Family" in earnest. This second of the long-running series makes some important changes in the family. Most notably, the role of judge father is taken over by Lewis Stone (as James K. Hardy), who decides to take his small-town family to California's Catalina Island for a summer vacation. He wants to catch swordfish. Pretty blonde daughter Cecilia Parker (as Marian Hardy), energetic son Mickey Rooney (as Andrew "Andy" Hardy), supportive wife Fay Holden (as Emily) and aunt Sara Haden (as Milly Forrest) round out the family...The children find "romance" with significantly more "experienced" partners. Fast lifeguard Ted Pearson (as Bill Rand) begins to date Ms. Parker. He's married. And, mature-looking teenager Eleanor Lynn (as Geraldine "Jerry" Lane) begins smooching young Rooney. She smokes and shares liquor. Good parenting skills from Judge Hardy come in handy when the children's romances become more serious. Lastly, Mr. Stone faces an unexpected crisis. A valuable addition to the "Hardy" series, Stone is a great strength. It ends with Stone inviting viewers to watch for "Judge Hardy's Children" (1938).***** You're Only Young Once (12/10/37) George B. Seitz ~ Lewis Stone, Mickey Rooney, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden
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