The news is 'hardly' surprising. = The news is 'hardly' a surprise. [=the news is not surprising at all]
“Is this a new idea for a movie?” “'Hardly'! I've seen dozens of movies just like it.”
I could 'hardly' believe my eyes. [=it was difficult to believe what I was seeing]
(..) It's all right, Hal. It's all right. Hal, watch. Just watch him. Don't come near me, pig fucker. Why do you have so many scars? Who hurt you so badly? Don't hardly remember, ma'am. What's your name? John Coffey, ma'am. Like the drink... ...only not spelt the same. Ma'am? (..)1999 The Green Mile
(..) Neither do I. Now, this here is won'th a look. JERRY: I'm in heaven And my heart beats so That I can hardly speak And I seem to find The happiness I seek When we're out together Dancing cheek to cheek Heaven (..)1999 The Green Mile