Films

 

Love Finds Andy Hardy (MGM 1938)

Mickey Rooney, Lana (posing on top of the car), Judy Garland and Ann Rutherford in a publicity photo for 1938's "Love Finds Andy Hardy".

Lana's thoughts on her Andy Hardy wardrobe:

From the start I told Carey Wilson, the producer, that I didn't like the "sweater girl" label. His answer was to put me into a bathing suit.

Production Dates: May 1938-June 1938

Release Date: July 22, 1938.

Credited Cast and Crew:

Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Lewis Stone, Lana Turner (as Cynthia)

Directed by: George B. Seitz

Writing Credits: Vivien R. Bretherton (story), Aurania Rouverol (characters), William Ludwig

Produced by: Lou L. Ostrow and Carey Wilson

Original Music by: Roger Edens, Mack Gordon and Henry Revel

Non-Original Music by: David Snell

Cinematography by: Lester White

Synopsis: Andy Hardy has a dilemma, he really wants to buy a new car, but he can't seem to get a up enough money. In order to make some extra cash, he agrees to date his friend Beezy's girl Cynthia (Lana) for a fee. Teenage angst ensues when Andy tires of Cynthia for being too much in love with him, and the younger next door neighbor develops a crush on him.

My Review: While I usually enjoy a Judy film, I really have to be in the right frame of mind for Mickey Rooney. MGM made about a dozen of these Andy Hardy films and they always turned a profit because they were cheaply made. Some argue that this one is the best of the lot and it's a real treat to see a young Lana in her first MGM film. At 17 she doesn't quite look like the Lana Turner that we are used to seeing. She is red-headed and still has some baby fat to contend with, but when she speaks and she walks, the viewer can see the beginning of what very soon would have women envying and men swooning. (NOTE: Lana's part is small in this film, only four scenes, so if you want to start some serious Lana watching, watch Ziegfeld Girl first, then this one).

Your Review: What are YOUR thoughts on this film. Contact me at Liza@lanaturneronline.com

Highlights and Trivia

*The first film that Lana made under her new MGM contract. Lana would remain a contract player at MGM (save a few loan-outs) for the next eighteen years.

Purchase Love Finds Andy Hardy:

DVD

 

Photo Gallery

Mickey Rooney couldn't be happier to have Lana, Ann Rutherford and Judy Garland surrounding him in 1938's "Love Finds Andy Hardy".    Lana and Mickey Rooney in "Love Finds Andy Hardy", 1938.    A lobby card for 1938's "Love Finds Andy Hardy".    Lana squinting at the sun in 1938's "Love Finds Andy Hardy". Lou Valentino Collection.    Lana doing cheesecake 'Andy Hardy' style. 1938.    Mickey Rooney doesn't know what to make of Lana's kisses in 1938's "Love Finds Andy Hardy".    An apple cheeked Lana holding a pair of gloves in 1938's "Love Finds Andy Hardy".

 

 

 

Please do not take any photographs or content from this sitet without first asking permission. Site content is copyrighted 2006-2007 by Liza Waldman. All Rights Reserved.