You're Only Young Once

You're Only Young Once is the second Andy Hardy movie, but it's the first to try out the pseudo-new cast. Mickey Rooney and Sara Haden stay, but the parents have been replaced by Lewis Stone and Fay Holden. The sister is Cecilia Parker, and while her romantic troubles of the first movie are referenced, and while some of Judge Hardy's business ventures from the first movie with Lionel Barrymore are also incorporated into the plot, this is treated like the start of the franchise. Just as the first Dr. Kildare movie is generally forgotten about once the rest of the series was given a regular cast, A Family Affair is usually swept under the carpet when people watch the Andy Hardy movies.

In this one, Lewis Stone, the new Judge Hardy, takes his family on a vacation to Catalina Island for the summer. He has dreams of catching a swordfish, but he soon finds himself fixing his kids' problems instead, like he did during the first movie. Mickey gets involved with a fast floozy, and Cecilia gets involved with a married man. Lewis knows the way to handle his kids, and even though you might miss Lionel Barrymore if you're watching these in order, you should give him a fair shot. Lewis's most famous role is Judge Hardy, and after fifteen movies, it's easy to see why. He's the upstanding citizen with moral fiber, patience, understanding, and wisdom. Before Donna Reed fixed her kids' problems with milk and cookies, and before Robert Young knew best, there was Lewis Stone. After watching You're Only Young Once, you'll understand why. This one is one of my favorites of the series, so if you've seen them out of order and think they're silly, rent this one for a refreshing take.