In the small town of Carvel, Judge Hardy (Lionel Barrymore) is under pressure from the powerful over an unfavorable ruling. The local newspaper is ordered to spread disparaging rumors about his family starting with his daughter Joan's secretly failing marriage. The Judge is throwing a party for returning college daughter Marion who has invited engineer Wayne Trent III. Wayne has come to town to work on the project which is in danger due to the Judge's restraining order. The youngest sibling Andy Hardy (Mickey Rooney) has a crush on Polly Benedict but she has to reject him due to his father's position.
I expected more of Mickey Rooney. The first of the series is actually less about him and he's really only a supporting character. Judge Hardy is a man for all seasons. I actually would like the ending to be different but it's not surprising to do it this way. It's a very standard happy ending. The family's struggles are compelling. I like their relationships. All in all, this is a good family drama.
I expected more of Mickey Rooney. The first of the series is actually less about him and he's really only a supporting character. Judge Hardy is a man for all seasons. I actually would like the ending to be different but it's not surprising to do it this way. It's a very standard happy ending. The family's struggles are compelling. I like their relationships. All in all, this is a good family drama.