After high school graduation, Andy Hardy (Mickey Rooney) reconsiders going on to college to follow in the footsteps of his father, Judge James Hardy (Lewis Stone). Persuading his parents to allow him to spend the summer in New York City, Andy drives there with wealthy friend Betsy Booth (Judy Garland). Unable to find a job immediately, Andy lets his small allowance be taken by a gold digger, but he writes home that all is well. After Betsy finds Andy sleeping in a park, she reports to the judge.