Mickey Rooney returns as the All-American teen in this eleventh Andy Hardy film that surpassed each of the previous ten in popularity. Also back are Lewis Stone as Judge Hardy and Judy Garland in her third and final appearance as Andy's pal, Betsy Booth. After graduating from high school, the irrepressible Andy heads for New York, giddy with visions of high finance, chic women and posh nightclubs. But the big city is tough on a small town boy.
Jobs are hard to come by.
Then, too, Judge Hardy isn't just a room away with his ever-present wisdom and moral support. Life Begins for Andy Hardy shines with the wholesome humor, swift pacing and top production values that marked the entire series. Pat Dane, Mickey, Judy, Lewis Stone Musical Program Judy recorded four songs for the film, none of which were used in the final print. The only remaining song is one verse of Happy Birthday to You , which Judy sings a cappella. There is a sharp contrast between the Betsy Booth of Life Begins and the Betsy Booth of the previous Andy Hardy installments.