The Courtship of Andy Hardy

The Courtship of Andy Hardy

Year: 1942

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: George B. Seitz

Comedy

Andy Goes A-Woo-Woo-Wooing . . . And How That Boy Can Woo ! While Judge Hardy handles a couple’s divorce, Andy takes a shine to their shy daughter.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Courtship of Andy Hardy (1942)

Trace every key event in The Courtship of Andy Hardy (1942) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Andy Hardy and the Car Trouble

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.

Carvel
2

Family Celebrations and Marian’s Return

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’s home
3

Andy Discusses the Misunderstanding

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.

Judge’s study
4

Jeff Invites Marian to the Red Door Inn

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.

Andy’s home
5

The Dance and Melodie’s Crush

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.

Night Local dance hall
6

Emily Orders the Coat and Postal Trouble

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.

Andy’s home
7

Marian Promises to Show Them

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.

Night Andy’s home
8

Melodie’s Transformation and Heartbreak

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.

Night Dance hall and Melodie’s home
9

Marian Returns and Jeff’s Drunken Incident

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.

Next morning Andy’s home
10

Family and Custody Mediation

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.

Justice court or judge’s office
11

Revelation About the Coat and Confidence Men

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.

Andy’s home
12

Melodie Moves On

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.

Melodie’s home and surrounding neighborhoods
13

Andy Reunites Marian and Returns Home

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.

Andy’s home
14

Happy Ending and Future Plans

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.

Andy’s home

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:14

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The Courtship of Andy Hardy Summary

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The Courtship of Andy Hardy Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Courtship of Andy Hardy

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Courtship of Andy Hardy

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The Courtship of Andy Hardy Spoiler-Free Summary

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