Boys Town (1938)

Boys Town is a fine 1930s film and a solid Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney vehicle that tells the story of Father Edward J. Flanagan's founding of Boys Town outside of Omaha, Nebraska. (The few who criticize Father Flanagan's vision for his mission -- "There is no such thing as a bad boy" -- are missing the entire purpose of Boys Town, which is teaching trust, honor, and accountability -- that is to say, "Given the chance, every boy wants to become a responsible man.") Tracy is steadfast -- principled yet flexible -- in his role as Father Flanagan while Rooney is stolid but sometimes overacts. The supporting cast of Boys Town "citizens" are commendable in all their roles (esp. Pee-wee, who also adroitly chews into his lines). The movie is at times sentimental and mawkish but this is eight years before the better-balanced It's A Wonderful Life. It's a memorable and well-told story that many classic movie lovers will want to see. 4 stars. Boys Town (the movie) is accompanied on DVD by a documentary, The City of Little Men, that describes the founding principles and practice of self-governance at Boys Town (the place), as well as by a brief presentation by Father Flanagan, who plays himself in the documentary, and a 1939 radio address (audio only) about Boys Town. The flip side of the disc contains the sequel, Men of Boys Town, which is set three years later. Its story is slightly less interesting or dramatic but still memorable and worthy of a view. 3.5 stars.