The darkest of the Andy Hardy films, "Life Begins" is a startling departure from the usual small-town antics of young Hardy. Andy decides to move to the big city rather than attend college. There, he discovers the harsh realities of finances, unemployment, and lack of a support system. But it's his choice to eschew the support of family and his friend Betsy (Judy Garland). He struggles, but sticks to his principles.Judy Garland's part is smaller than originally intended, but she is splendid in her role. The real surprise of the film is Patricia Dane who plays Jennitt Hicks, an experienced woman of the city who helps him find a job. Miss Dane's striking presence on screen had me wondering why I was not familiar with her film work. A review of her bio revealed that her career was brief and controversial, and unfortunate.The Andy Hardy films often discuss the concept of becoming a man. This film addresses the real meaning of manhood in direct and sophisticated ways. Though Andy retains his boyish charm, he certainly crosses a threshold in this film.As with all the films in this series, there are morals to learn, but they are not as simplistic or obvious. The film suffers from competing concepts that result in a schizophrenic story and unrealized potential, but the remaining elements are still interesting, especially those involving Miss Dane.

Graduation night in Carvel finds Andy (Mickey Rooney) staying out past midnight, but having good clean fun. Calling from New York City, wealthy teenager Judy Garland (as Betsy Booth) wants another chance for romance with Andy. During one of his "man to man" talks with father Judge Hardy (Lewis Stone), Andy says he would like to make his way alone in New York for the summer, and reconsider going to college. The judge reluctantly agrees. His son moves to the city and takes a room vacated by aspiring young dancer Ray McDonald (as Jimmy Frobisher). Andy gets a job as an office boy and begins dating attractive co-worker Patricia Dane (as Jennitt Hicks). It looks like she may provide Andy with a "coming of age" moment...Judy and Judge Hardy team-up to get Andy back in line...This was the last appearance of Ms. Garland in "Judge Hardy's Family" and she is not used well. Having her wealthy character spend hours waiting in the car while Andy unpacks and looks for a job is preposterous. While reported to have recorded songs for her appearance, Garland sings only a few lines of "Happy Birthday". She and Rooney are so good together, it's almost criminal to see her time being wasted. Incredibly, Garland's presence weakens what could have been a much better story. Having Andy struggle in New York City, on his own, is a good story idea. The unemployed dancer played by Mr. McDonald is the film's main strength, and should have been more carefully developed. The "bad heart" addendum was not a good idea.***** Life Begins for Andy Hardy (8/15/41) George B. Seitz ~ Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Lewis Stone, Ray McDonald

This movie is worth seeing just for the advice Judge Hardy gives Andy. He explains beautifully why every unmarried person should be faithful to his or her future spouse, even before they ever meet each other.It is interesting that the Legion of Decency objected to this speech. In 1941 such parental advice was so well known that it was not helpful to hear it in a movie, and it was dangerous to display sexual advice in the public setting of a movie. Keep in mind that the speech is so tasteful that we would not even call it sexual at all. Yet to them it was good, sound advice but far too personal to publicize.In our time we have fallen so far from those wholesome principles that it would be very helpful to publicize them broadly. I am seeking a copy of this movie to show to my children and friends.

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.