Watch Andy Hardy's Double Life

Andy Hardy's Double Life is a 1942 American comedy-drama film from the Andy Hardy series, directed by George B. Seitz and starring Lewis Stone, Mickey Rooney, and Cecilia Parker. The film follows the life of the titular character, a teenage boy played by Rooney, who is beset by a series of conflicting emotions and competing interests as he navigates the challenges of growing up and coming of age.

The story takes place in the fictional Midwestern town of Carvel, where Andy lives with his family, including his father, Judge James K. Hardy (played by Lewis Stone), his mother, Emily (Fay Holden), and his sister, Marian (Parker). Andy is a well-liked and popular high school student who is always looking for new ways to impress his friends and the girls in his life.

At the start of the film, Andy is busy with his latest scheme: playing the field and juggling three different girlfriends. One of these girls, Polly Benedict (Ann Rutherford), is the daughter of the town's richest man, and Andy hopes to win her over so that he can improve his own social status. However, things get complicated when Andy starts to develop genuine feelings for one of the other girls, an aspiring singer named Kay Wilson (Esther Williams).

As the story progresses, Andy finds himself torn between his desire to have fun and his growing sense of responsibility to others. He is forced to confront some hard truths when he is caught in a lie that jeopardizes his father's reputation, and he must come to terms with his own shortcomings and the consequences of his actions.

What sets this film apart from others in the Andy Hardy series is its exploration of more serious themes, including honesty, integrity, and the weight of adult responsibilities. The script allows for greater depth of character development, particularly for Andy, who is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about himself and his choices.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Lewis Stone, who plays Andy's father, Judge Hardy. Stone brings a quiet gravity and wisdom to the character that serves as a counterpoint to Rooney's more frenetic energy. Their scenes together provide the heart of the film, as father and son struggle to find common ground and learn from each other.

The film also benefits from its strong supporting cast, particularly Cecilia Parker as Marian Hardy, Andy's sister. Parker's character serves as a sounding board and confidante for Andy, and her quiet presence and gentle humor provide a welcome respite from the more intense emotional scenes.

Another highlight of the film is the musical numbers, which feature the talents of Esther Williams, who was then a rising star at MGM. The songs are well-chosen and well-performed, adding a layer of charm and romance to the proceedings.

Overall, Andy Hardy's Double Life is a well-crafted and enjoyable entry in the Andy Hardy series, offering a more nuanced and mature look at its characters' lives and struggles. Its themes of honesty and responsibility still resonate today, making it a timeless classic of American cinema.

Andy Hardy's Double Life is a 1942 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.