Judy Garland made only three appearances in the “Andy Hardy” series. However, due to her success in the films, along with her chemistry with co-star Mickey Rooney, and the popularity of the seven other films they made together, most people assume that she was in all of the films in the series or at least more.

Judy played Betsy Booth, the [visiting] girl-next-door whom Andy Hardy (Mickey Rooney) barely notices until the end of the films, excepting her last series appearance in Life Begins For Andy Hardy (1941). The role is really a “throw-away” for Judy and her talents, but it gave her a chance to initially gain more exposure with moviegoers, sing a few popular songs and, more importantly, work with Rooney.  She was able to hone her acting skills as well, assisted by Rooney’s guidance and friendship. The “Betsy Booth” character helped MGM form Judy’s screen image as the sweet and virginal girl-next-door, which would prove to be an important aspect of her connection with audiences.

The series itself was hugely popular, the most popular being the three that Judy appeared in. The quintessential Hardy film, the one that most people remember as the best example of the series, is the one with Judy’s first appearance Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938). All of the elements are there, Andy’s dilemma with girls, the “man to man” talks with Dad, and the happy resolve of all the dramatics at the end of the film, and lessons learned.