Watch Out West with the Hardys

Out West with the Hardys is a 1938 comedy-drama film directed by George B. Seitz and starring Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone, and Fay Holden. It's the second in a series of Andy Hardy films, a popular franchise centered on the adventures of a mischievous teenage boy and his family. In this installment, the Hardys travel from their hometown of Carvel to a cattle ranch in Arizona, where they hope to spend a relaxing vacation away from the pressures of their daily lives.

The movie opens with Andy Hardy (Mickey Rooney) being reprimanded by his father Judge Hardy (Lewis Stone) for his irresponsible behavior - he has spent all his savings on a guitar and is neglecting his chores and schoolwork. Judge Hardy decides that the family needs a break from their routine and persuades his wife Emily (Fay Holden) to join him on a trip to Arizona, where they have a friend who owns a ranch.

Once they arrive in Arizona, the Hardys are greeted by their friend and his family, who are thrilled to have them as guests. Meanwhile, Andy sets his sights on a local girl named Thelma (Ann Rutherford), who is the daughter of a neighboring rancher. He tries to impress her by playing music and riding horses, but she seems more interested in his older sister Marian (Cecilia Parker), who is also visiting the ranch.

As the days go by, the Hardys discover that life on a ranch is not as relaxing as they thought it would be. Judge Hardy becomes embroiled in a legal dispute between his friend and a neighboring rancher, while Emily tries to mediate a conflict between Thelma and her father. Andy, for his part, gets into trouble when he accidentally causes a stampede of cattle and is forced to make amends.

Despite their various mishaps, the Hardys learn valuable lessons about responsibility, honesty, and family. They also have some memorable experiences, such as attending a rodeo and witnessing a harrowing rescue operation. Along the way, they forge new friendships and strengthen their bonds with each other.

Out West with the Hardys is a charming and heartfelt film that showcases the talents of its young stars, particularly Mickey Rooney, who delivers a tour-de-force performance as the irrepressible Andy Hardy. The movie also benefits from the beautiful Arizona scenery and the warm chemistry between its cast members. Ultimately, it's a testament to the enduring appeal of the Hardy family and their wholesome values, which continue to resonate with audiences today.

Out West with the Hardys is a 1938 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.