This is the first of the Hardy family movies from MGM. While Mickey Rooney starred in all of them, most of the family members (other than Cecilia Parker who appeared in most of the films) were replaced by other actors in the next installment of the series. Perhaps Lionel Barrymore and Spring Byington were considered too valuable to waste in this series and were needed by other projects--whatever the reason, this is the only film where you'll see them playing Andy's parents. He also has a sister in this film who doesn't appear in future films.
The main theme of the film is Judge Hardy's job. It seems that when the Judge does his job according to the law, he ruffles some feathers and the town big-shots threaten to prevent his re-election. Despite repeated warnings, the ever-decent Judge is a man of the law and refuses to bend. This makes it hard on his family, as people who were once their friends begin to act like big dumb jerks.
The secondary theme is the oldest Hardy daughter. It seems that her marriage is on the rocks and she's come back home to her parents. Later, in order to try to pressure the judge, this daughter is pulled into the fight--as innuendos and half-truths are tossed about by the town scum.
As for Andy, he's really an ancillary character here--even though later films make him THE star. In fact, many of the later films have his name in the title due to his pre-eminence in the cast (such as "Love Finds Andy Hardy" and others). Because of this, the film is much more a film about Judge Hardy and is supported by his family.
The overall package is excellent--especially since it is really a B-movie plot with an A-picture cast. Enjoyable and pleasant--I can see why this led to more films like it.
The main theme of the film is Judge Hardy's job. It seems that when the Judge does his job according to the law, he ruffles some feathers and the town big-shots threaten to prevent his re-election. Despite repeated warnings, the ever-decent Judge is a man of the law and refuses to bend. This makes it hard on his family, as people who were once their friends begin to act like big dumb jerks.
The secondary theme is the oldest Hardy daughter. It seems that her marriage is on the rocks and she's come back home to her parents. Later, in order to try to pressure the judge, this daughter is pulled into the fight--as innuendos and half-truths are tossed about by the town scum.
As for Andy, he's really an ancillary character here--even though later films make him THE star. In fact, many of the later films have his name in the title due to his pre-eminence in the cast (such as "Love Finds Andy Hardy" and others). Because of this, the film is much more a film about Judge Hardy and is supported by his family.
The overall package is excellent--especially since it is really a B-movie plot with an A-picture cast. Enjoyable and pleasant--I can see why this led to more films like it.