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Movies / On DVD / Boys Town
Boys Town

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Boys Town (1938)

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Reviews Counted:14

Fresh:14

Rotten:0

Average Rating:7.1/10

Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: "Boys Town" is a film classic based on the true story of Father Flanagan, a Catholic priest who established a community in Omaha, Nebraska for troubled youths. The film stars Spencer Tracy, who... "Boys Town" is a film classic based on the true story of Father Flanagan, a Catholic priest who established a community in Omaha, Nebraska for troubled youths. The film stars Spencer Tracy, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Father Flanagan, and Mickey Rooney as the young Whitey Marsh. The priest's challenge is to tame Whitey, the incorrigible kid brother of a jailed gangster. When Whitey first arrives at the orphanage, he turns it upside down with his street-tough antics. However, grim reality sets in when he loses a boxing match, sees his best pal injured in a car accident, and has extended contact with his brother's low-life criminal friends. In the end, Whitey falls in line with the program and is living proof of Father Flanagan's belief that there are no bad boys -- just bad environments. [More]

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, Gene Reynolds, Henry Hull

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, Gene Reynolds, Henry Hull, Sidney Miller, Frankie Thomas, Bobs Watson, Tommy Noonan

Director: Norman Taurog

Director: Norman Taurog
Story: Eleanore Griffin
Composer: Edward Ward

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Nov 8, 2005

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • Boys Town
  • Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney both won Oscars(R) in 1938 for their work in this touching and inspirational story of Father Flanagan and his young, delinquent charges.
  • Source: Warner Home Video
  •  
     
     
     

    Reviews for Boys Town

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    1 - 17 (sorted by fresh rating)
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    No review available.

    comment Comment
    11/23/04
    Andy Klein
    Andy Klein
    Los Angeles CityBeat

    A classic with Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney squaring off magnificently.

    comment Comment
    03/13/03
    Beth Accomando
    Beth Accomando
    KPBS.org

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    12/19/02
    Brandon Judell
    Brandon Judell
    PopcornQ

    a watershed film that discusses an important societal development

    Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
    11/12/05
    Christopher Null
    Christopher Null
    Filmcritic.com

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    09/28/05
    Chuck O'Leary
    Chuck O'Leary
    Fantastica Daily

    Shameless but effective weepie about wayward orphans

    comment Comment
    10/28/05
    Daniel Eagan
    Daniel Eagan
    Film Journal International

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    02/08/04
    Daniel M. Kimmel
    Daniel M. Kimmel
    Worcester Telegram & Gazette

    At the time, the real-life Flanagan complained that MGM made Boys Town look so neat, clean, and well managed that he had trouble raising money for the center

    Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com | comment Comment
    11/03/05
    Emanuel Levy
    Emanuel Levy
    EmanuelLevy.Com

    A dated but entertaining tale of friendship

    comment Comment
    08/09/07
    Felix Vasquez Jr.
    Felix Vasquez Jr.
    Film Threat

    Superior high-minded 'quality' movie, but in its heart it's a soap opera.

    comment Comment
    01/21/04
    Ken Hanke
    Ken Hanke
    Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

    Tracy is always good -- was he ever bad in a film in his entire career?

    Full Review Source: Goatdog's Movies | comment Comment
    01/15/05
    Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
    Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
    Goatdog's Movies

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    05/08/03
    Nell Minow
    Nell Minow
    Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    07/29/02
    Philip Martin
    Philip Martin
    Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    07/01/03
    Walter Chaw
    Walter Chaw
    Film Freak Central
    N/R

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
    03/26/09
    Variety
    N/R

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment Comment
    05/24/03
    Channel 4 Film
    N/R

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Dave Kehr
    Dave Kehr
    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic
     
     
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