Life Begins for Andy Hardy (1941): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1941, Life Begins for Andy Hardy is a comedy and romance film directed by George B. Seitz, running about 101 minutes. “Mickey woos! Judy sings! Best Hardy hit yet!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. With his high school graduation behind him, Andy Hardy decides that as an adult, it's time to start living his life. Judge Hardy had hoped that his son would go to college and study law, but Andy isn't sure that's what he wants to do so he heads off to New York City to find a job. Too proud to accept any help from Betsy Booth, Andy finds that living on his own isn't so easy. With perseverance he eventually finds a job and even gets to date the pretty receptionist in his office. He also has to face several of life's lessons leading him to conclude that he may still have a bit of growing up to do.

Who’s in it. Life Begins for Andy Hardy stars Lewis Stone as Judge Hardy, Mickey Rooney as Andy Hardy, Fay Holden as Emily Hardy and Ann Rutherford as Polly Benedict, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.7/10, Life Begins for Andy Hardy has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Life Begins for Andy Hardy page.

If you liked it. Fans of Life Begins for Andy Hardy tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.