MGM Golden Age classic Captains Courageous is highlighted by a heavily modernized and modified adaptation of Kipling’s novel that provides opportunity for Spencer Tracy and Freddie Bartholomew to shine in the leading roles.
A Yank at Eton (1942) Starring Mickey Rooney with Freddie Bartholomew
All-American boy Mickey Rooney is plucked from his native shores and set loose at Eton where he quickly runs afoul of his British classmates. A Yank at Eton (1942) pairs Rooney with Freddie Bartholomew for the final time.
Remembering Mickey Rooney (1920-2014) on Screen, Especially 1937-1944
Remembering Mickey Rooney with a look at his peak years. From Andy Hardy to Boys Town and the Judy Garland pairings. Plus previewing TCM’s April 13 tribute to Rooney.
The Human Comedy (1943) Starring Mickey Rooney
An old movie I found a bit too old-fashioned, though Mickey Rooney does give one of his best performances in MGM’s The Human Comedy (1943). Story by William Saroyan. Produced and directed by Clarence Brown. Also includes strong acting from Frank Morgan and James Cra
MGM’s Hardy Family Series #8 – Judge Hardy and Son (1939)
The eighth entry in the Hardy family series, Judge Hardy and Son, sees one family member struck down with illness, three Universal horror actors in supporting roles and Andy’s hunt for a girl whose middle name begins with the letter “V.”
Death on the Diamond (1934) – Baseball, Murder and Robert Young
MGM’s baseball murder mystery Death on the Diamond (1934) stars Robert Young and Madge Evans. A decent mystery and a strong baseball movie at the same time. Directed by Edward Sedgwick and also featuring David Landau, Paul Kelly, Nat Pendleton and Ted Healy.
Eric Linden Comes of Age in MGM’s Ah, Wilderness! (1935)
Eric Linden loves Cecilia Parker in Ah, Wilderness! (1935), but his passion threatens to take him down the same road that has doomed Wallace Beery with Aline MacMahon. MGM adapts Eugene O’Neill’s “comedy of recollection.” Directed by Clarence Brown.
MGM’s Hardy Family Series #7 – Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever (1939)
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever (1939) presents a less carefree Andy when he falls in love with his dramatics teacher played by former cellist Helen Gilbert. Starring Mickey Rooney and directed by W.S. “Woody” Van Dyke rather than series regular George B. Seitz.
MGM’s Hardy Family Series #6 – The Hardys Ride High (1939)
In The Hardys Ride High (1939), the sixth movie of MGM’s Hardy Family series, Judge Hardy and family fly to Detroit to claim a two million dollar inheritance. Andy Hardy sets his sights on a showgirl and Aunt Milly may have found love at last.
MGM’s Hardy Family Series #5 – Out West with the Hardys (1938)
The fifth entry of the Hardy Family series, Out West with the Hardys (1938), puts focus on each of the core family members in a Western setting. Virginia Weidler is Mickey Rooney’s sidekick in this one. Sara Haden returns as Aunt Milly.
