The Courtship of Andy Hardy

Andy Hardy, a Carvel teenager and new tow truck owner, is stopped by a policeman for driving without a license plate. A radio report then implicates him in a car theft related to the vehicle he was towing. This sets off the initial misunderstanding that threatens his reputation.

At home, Andy's family is celebrating Marian’s return from New York, despite her feeling that Carvel is too unsophisticated. Marian is annoyed by her family's concerns about her relationship with Jeff Willis, who is considered a troublemaker in town.

Andy confides in his father, Judge Hardy, about the mistaken car theft charges. The judge promises to resolve the situation if Andy helps him befriend Melodie Nesbit, a teenager involved in a custody dispute, by asking her to a dance.

Jeff announces his plans to take Marian to the notorious Red Door Inn, broadcasting his invitation via loudspeaker. Andy warns Marian about the potential scandal associated with such a place, expressing concern for her reputation.

At the dance, Melodie is happy to attend, even though Andy only asked her out out of obligation. She tries to impress the boys and asks Andy for advice on how to attract them, revealing her developing feelings for him.

Emily secretly orders a costly coat for Andy with their household account, but the postman delivers a bill for an excessive amount, leading to tension as Emily refuses to accept the extra charges on the COD package.

Feeling annoyed by her family’s teasing over her dress, Marian promises she will prove herself, signaling her desire to assert independence and make her own choices during her date with Jeff.

Melodie impresses everyone after changing her appearance, but Andy confesses he doesn’t return her romantic feelings. She then overhears her parents fighting, leaving her feeling devastated and wishing to escape her family troubles.

Andy finds Marian after her night out, towing Jeff’s damaged and drunken car home. Jeff, now sober, apologizes and admits he heard his father's advice, having learned a lesson from his reckless behavior.

Judge Hardy meets with Melodie’s parents to mend their volatile relationship. He successfully persuades Olivia and Roderick to reconcile, understanding the importance of a stable environment for Melodie.

Emily confesses her worries about the expensive coat. The judge reveals that the entire mail-order scam was run by confidence men, easing her fears by explaining the low quality of the purchase was part of a scam.

Having overcome her crush on Andy, Melodie agrees to date Harry, realizing she’s moving forward. She also encourages Andy to invite Polly, her old girlfriend, to a football dance.

Andy successfully finds Marian and brings her home after she had a minor accident while out with Jeff. Jeff, now sober, apologizes for his past behavior, acknowledging his mistakes and lessons learned.

With all misunderstandings cleared and relationships mended, Andy looks forward to future romance, joking that women are 'habit forming' as he heads home after a busy, eventful period.