In 2011, I announced I was trying to see every film released in 1939. This new series chronicles films released in 1939 as I watch them. As we start out this blog feature, this section may become more concrete as I search for a common thread that runs throughout each film of the year. Right now, that’s difficult.

1939 film: Judge Hardy and Son (1939)

Release date: Dec. 22, 1939

Cast: Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone, Fay Holden, Cecilia Parker, Ann Rutherford, Sara Haden, June Preisser, Maria Ouspenskaya, Henry Hull, Martha O’Driscoll, Leona Maricle, Margaret Early, George P. Breakston, Egon Brecher

Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Director: George B. Seitz

Plot: An older couple (Ouspenskaya, Brecher) come to Judge Hardy (Stone) for help when they are about to be evicted from their home. Judge Hardy enlists the help of his son, Andy (Rooney), to find the couple’s daughter. The Hardys also encounter other troubles: Mrs. Hardy falls ill, Andy is in hock up to his ears and tries to con his way into making money.

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