Mickey Rooney in the Classic Christmas Movie "Love Finds Andy Hardy"

In honor of the late Mickey Rooney's birthday today, I would like to share my review of Love Finds Andy Hardy, his very entertaining family movie, set a Christmastime in the small town of Carvel.

Love Finds Andy Hardy
(the fourth film of sixteen, in the Andy Hardy film series)

Starring Legendary Actor

Mickey Rooney

You will find yourself completely captivated

with Andy Hardy and all of his wonderful, delightful schemes! 

This timeless tale is from a bygone era of wholesome American values

that hopefully will never completely go out of style.

The Opening credits begin and you are immediately introduced to the Hardy family - Judge Hardy, the Father, and Mother Emily, Sister Marian, and of course, Andy Hardy!

In each of the "Andy Hardy films",

Andy always seems to get himself in a bit of trouble...

First of all, Car trouble...

(Andy owes $8 on the car he put a $12 down payment on!)

and then, Girl Trouble... times two!!!

(Polly Benedict is Andy's girl, but her family is leaving over Christmas to visit her Grandmother... so she won't be able to go to the Christmas Dance with Andy.

And, Cynthia, is Beezy's girl; however, Beezy, who will also be gone over Christmas, is willing to mail Andy that $8, if Andy dates Cynthia, while he's gone and takes her to the Christmas Dance!)

Cynthia is a sweet girl, but Andy soon finds out -

they have nothing in common.

Luckily for Andy, he has an understanding Father,

he can always go to for advice...

 However, Fathers' thoughts are somewhat consumed

with Mother, who has received a telegram...

Emily's Mother has had a stroke and she must go and care for her.

The family vows to take care of the house and each other

while Mother is away...

In the meantime... a new girl has arrived in town... Betsy Booth.

(Yes, it's Judy Garland, the girl next door! (pun intended here for all "Meet Me in St. Louis fans!) This is Mickey and Judy's 2nd film together and just the start to their fantastic on screen duo.)

Betsy and Andy become good friends and she tries to help him

figure out his troubles.

She even offers Andy the money he needs, but he doesn't accept it.

Andy thinks everything will eventually work out.

Until...

Beezy sends him a letter with no money inside

and Polly sends a telegram saying she will be home, after all,

for the Christmas Dance.

Once again... Andy is in trouble

and he takes his problems to his father.

(who always knows best!)

He is understanding and kind,

but he is longing to contact his wife Emily, who is still away.

(Emily's mother doesn't have a telephone and Emily is always

disturbed by telegrams... so, those won't work.)

Andy has an idea...

They send a touching, loving message through Ham Radio:

"Dear Mother,

Send you all our love and hope and trust. We are here praying for you. God bless and keep you and yours.

Father, Marian, Andy"

Judge Hardy says “I never expected to see anything like this in my life”.

 (It's fascinating to see how technology is so different. This may be a comedy, but there are many thoughtful, deep, poignant moments like this one.)

In the end...

Will Mother Hardy return home in time for Christmas?

Will Andy ever get that $8 he needs to buy his car?

and...

Will Andy have a date, after all, to the Christmas Dance?

The image above may be a clue, but

I won't give the end completely away,

except to say -

Love "truly" Finds Andy Hardy...

...the true Love of family, friends, and a pretty girl, too!

It may be a mixed up Wonderful Mess...

but, You will find yourself

Loving every minute of it!

Love Finds Andy Hardy is often shown at Christmastime on TCM and it is also available on DVD.

It is included in the: Andy Hardy Film Collection: Volume Two

I also created this video clip of Love Finds Andy Hardy below.
(It can also be viewed on You Tube)

I hope you have enjoyed this Movie Review of Love Finds Andy Hardy, as my tribute to the late Mickey Rooney, who won our hearts over and over again with his countless, delightful roles.

May Mickey Rooney's magical, mischievous smile live on in our hearts and on the screen for many generations to come...

I will express to you now, through the internet, the same words expressed above to Mother Hardy via ham radio...  "May God Bless and keep you and yours!"

 

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This post is part of The getTV Mickey Rooney Blogathon hosted by Once Upon a Screen, Outspoken & Freckled and Paula’s Cinema Club taking place throughout the month of September. Please visit the getTV schedule for details on Rooney screenings throughout the month and any of the host sites for a complete list of entries.

Remembering Mickey Rooney, who Acted, Sang, and Danced his way up onto the Screen and into our Hearts!

I am sad to share that we have lost another Legendary Movie Actor, the forever delightfully entertaining, Mickey Rooney!

 

Rooney was born to vaudeville actors on September 23, 1920 and named Joseph Yule Jr. As a young boy, his mother had his name legally changed to Mickey Rooney, to further his movie career.

 

After a lifetime in the spotlight, Mickey Rooney has passed away, at the age of 93, on April 6, 2014 surrounded by family, in his home, in North Hollywood, California.

Mickey Rooney will always be remembered as an American Movie Legend! He has appeared in so many wonderful films and movies throughout his lifetime! Mickey began performing on stage at the age of two, and then as a young boy in the "Mickey Series".

Most of us, remember him best in all of those wonderful Movie Musicals with the legendary Judy Garland, and of course those Andy Hardy Movies… and, many more well known Movies, including National Velvet and Breakfast at Tiffanys, plus Christmas Cartoon Voice-overs in: Santa Claus is Comin to Town, The Year Without a Santa Claus, etc… and Christmas Movies: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Home for Christmas, and numerous Box Office Movies, that span his entire lifetime!

 

Mickey could make us laugh, and he could make us cry! He was the goofy boy-next-door, the class clown, a good son, the troublesome little brother, and always a great friend.

 

No role was ever too small or too big for Mickey Rooney. With over 300 Acting Credits, I marvel at all of his magnificent work and performances! My, what a treasure!

 

Mickey Rooney leaves behind his wife Jan Chamberlin, of 35 years, and eight children, from previous marriages. One of his children preceded him in death, in 2006.

 

 

A Veteran of Film and the Military, Rooney served his country by uplifting spirits, at a time in history, when the world was enveloped into the depression and world wars. He was drafted into service in WWII, and went overseas to entertain the Troops for nearly two years.

 

Mickey Rooney won two Academy Awards (a 1939 juvenile award and a 1983 Honorary Award), an Emmy and two Golden Globes.

 

I have adored Mickey Rooney, as an actor, since that very first time I ever watched an Andy Hardy movie... he was sweet, he was innocent, energetic, real, and best of all, fun! He was definitely one-of-a-kind!

 

Forever captured on video, we are blessed we shall always have Mickey Rooney's Movies, to brighten our days!

Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to his dear family and friends.

Farewell Mickey Rooney...

Love may have been hard to find

for your character Andy Hardy, but

You will forever be in our hearts!

 

*Mickey Rooney TV Tribute:

TCM, April 13, 2014:

6:00 AM Broadway to Hollywood
7:30 AM The Devil is a Sissy
9:15 AM A Family Affair
10:30 AM You're Only Young Once
12:00 PM Captains Courageous
2:00 PM The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
3:45 PM The Human Comedy
6:00 PM Killer McCoy
8:00 PM Boys Town
10:00 PM Men of Boys Town
12:00 AM National Velvet
2:15 AM Babes on Broadway
4:30 AM A Midsummer Night's Dream

 

Happy Birthday to the Legendary Actor...

" Mickey Rooney "

 

 

Born on September 23rd, 1920!

 

Though our "Summer Holiday" has just ended...

it's a wonderful occasion to celebrate!

 

 

For the Joy you have brought to Many,

on the Big Screen,

and for your Irresistible Charm...

 

We wish you a very Happy Birthday!!!

 

 

And, since Christmas is just right around the corner,

I thought I would include this delightful You Tube clip

of an Andy Hardy & Family Christmas:

 

 

The Most and Best to You!
God Bless You, Mickey Rooney!May you have a very Happy Birthday!

Movie Marathon to Remember the lovely Esther Williams

TCM will give a Special Movie Tribute,

June 13th and 14th, 

for Actress Esther Williams,

who passed away on June 6, at the age of 91.

TCM will play a 24 hour marathon of 13 films to honor her Acting Career, in which she starred opposite of the likes of Van Johnson, Fernando Lamas, Red Skelton, William Powell, Gene Kelly, and more. Esther's first film was "Andy Hardy's Double Life" in 1942, playing Mickey Rooney's love interest. He was also her first on-screen kiss.


Esther Williams, in first Movie, with Mickey Rooney



Esther Williams, dancing with Van Johnson




Esther Williams, with husband, Fernando Lamas


Esther Williams was known as the bathing beauty in many of her films... swimming her way across the big screen of MGM Musicals into stardom! She had hoped to be in the 1940 Olympic games, but World War II prevented it from happening. She was instead discovered pool side by MGM talent scouts, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Tribute begins Thursday, June 13 at 8pm ET on TCM, Turner Classic Movies.

The 13-film lineup includes the following films:

8:00 PM - Bathing Beauty

10:00 PM - Neptune's Daughter

11:45 PM - Million Dollar Mermaid

1:45 AM - Dangerous When Wet

3:30 AM - Andy Hardy's Double Life

5:15 AM - Thrill of a Romance

7:15 AM - Easy to Wed

9:15 AM - The Hoodlum Saint

11:00 AM - Fiesta

1:00 PM - This Time For Keeps

3:00 PM - On an Island with You

5:00 PM - Pagan Love Song

6:30 PM - Texas Carnival


My favorite of these films would be: Andy Hardy's Double Life, Easy to Wed, and Thrill of a Romance... all three are delightful romantic comedies.

I hope you will enjoy this farewell tribute to Esther Williams, a Hollywood Legend.

Prayers for her dear family and friends...

Happy Birthday Mickey Rooney!

This Sunday, September 23, 2012, marks Mickey Rooney's 92nd Birthday! He was born in 1920 in Brooklyn, NY. and originally named Joseph Yule, Jr. His mother legally changed his name to Mickey Rooney.


Rooney's big break was the Mickey McGuire movie series and the Andy Hardy Movies later on continued to make him a box office favorite!


You can see Mickey Rooney this weekend in two great Movies on TCM...

Sunday, September 23, 2012:

Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942) ... TCM ... 6 AM
Boys Town (1938) ... TCM ... 8 AM

Thank You, Mickey Rooney, for many generations of Wonderful Movies that many of us continue to cherish today.

And Thank You, for serving our Country, during World War II.

God Bless You Mickey Rooney and Happy 92nd Birthday!

Judy Garland Movie Tribute on TCM... Follow the Yellow Brick Road!

Once again, TCM honors one of the most beloved Actresses of all-time, Judy Garland. This time it is on the anniversary of her 90th Birthday! A 24-Hour Movie Tribute / Marathon will be held on TCM from 6 AM - 6 AM! So... "Meet Me at TCM for a "Judy Garland" Movie Tribute" (see Movie List below!)






June 10, 2012 Sunday


Everybody Sing (1938)

Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938)

Strike Up the Band (1940)

For Me And My Gal (1942)

Girl Crazy (1943)

A Star Is Born (1954)

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz : 50 Years of Magic (1990)

The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)

Easter Parade (1948)

Summer Stock (1950)

I Could Go On Singing (1963)


*See the Family TV Schedule for times airing!













So...
Meet us at TCM
and Enjoy the Shows!

"ANDY HARDY" Movie Marathon Day on TCM

December 16, 2010 ~ Thursday:

If you love Mickey Rooney,
then you will love TCM (Turner Classic Movies) Today!!!

Today is ANDY HARDY schemes, girlfriends, money mix-ups, car troubles, friendships, adventures, and the best family movie moments!

They are family friendly movies that can't be beat! And, one is even Christmas, LOVE FINDS ANDY HARDY. Hopefully you can record it - because it airs tonight at 2:30 AM to 4:15 AM.

This movie includes all the joyful and lighthearted antics of Andy Hardy into one film! Andy has trouble with his girlfriend Polly and his friend Beezy, plus trouble buying his car, and well, everything is a mess, but somehow or other... it all works out in the end... because Andy has a very supportive family and very kind father, Judge Hardy. This film also includes the introduction of Judy Garland into the movie series, too... so it really is a gem and a fun Christmas Story of Andy having too many dates to the Christmas Dance! So Cute - you'll adore the ending!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Also, don't forget the premiere of Gift of the Magi - tonight on the Hallmark Channel!

Happy Birthday Mickey Rooney - September 23, 2010!!!

Actor, Mickey Rooney was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 23, 1920!

Happy 90th Birthday, Mickey!!!

He's been acting since he was a very young child and today, TCM honors Mickey Rooney's Movie Career, on his Birthday, with a Movie Marathon! (Two are Andy Hardy films!) See the list below...

Of all the great actors, Mickey Rooney is one of my absolute favorites! In my opinion, he's at the very top with greats like Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, and Van Johnson. I've adored Mickey since the very first time I watched an Andy Hardy movie... he was sweet, he was innocent, he was energetic and real, and best of all, fun! And today, he still lights up the screen in whatever character he portrays!

September 23, 2010 Thursday

Happy Birthday Mickey Rooney!!!

The Life of Jimmy Dolan
... TCM ... 6:15 AM

Broadway to Hollywood

... TCM ... 9 AM

Death on The Diamond

... TCM ... 10:30 AM

A Family Affair (1936)
(Andy Hardy Movie)
... TCM ... 11:45 AM

Down The Stretch (1936)
 ... TCM ... 1:00 PM

You're Only Young Once (1938)
(Andy Hardy Movie)
... TCM ... 2:15 PM

 

Stablemates (1938)

... TCM ... 3:45 PM

Love Is A Headache (1938)
... TCM ... 5:15 PM

He's a Cockeyed Wonder (1950)
... TCM ... 6:30 PM


For Christmas Movie fans...
check out Mickey Rooney's Christmas Movies on DVD -

Love finds Andy Hardy and Home for Christmas!


Thank you, Mickey Rooney, for all of these wonderful and delightful films! You have brought our family and millions of others... such Joy!

God bless you and May you have a very Happy 90th Birthday Celebration!



for your Military Service to our Country...
We Salute You!



And, just like Betsy Booth...

We'll always be Sweet on You!

Happy Birthday Mr. Mickey Rooney!!!


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