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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 date)
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    N/R

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 26 2009 03:16 AM

    Variety

    tomato
    3/5

    Felix Vasquez Jr.

    A dated but entertaining tale of friendship

    comment Comment | Aug., 09 2007 04:41 AM

    Film Threat

    tomato
    3.5/5

    Christopher Null

    a watershed film that discusses an important societal development

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Nov., 12 2005 02:38 PM

    Filmcritic.com

    tomato
    B

    Emanuel Levy

    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: | comment Comment | Nov., 03 2005 12:33 PM

    EmanuelLevy.Com

    tomato
    4/5

    Daniel Eagan

    Shameless but effective weepie about wayward orphans

    comment Comment | Oct., 28 2005 01:54 PM

    Film Journal International

    tomato
    3/5

    Chuck O'Leary

    No review available.

    comment Comment | Sep., 28 2005 09:11 AM

    Fantastica Daily

    tomato
    3/5

    Michael W. Phillips, Jr.

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

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 15 2005 10:41 PM

    Goatdog's Movies

    tomato
    3/5

    Andy Klein

    No review available.

    comment Comment | Nov., 23 2004 09:49 PM

    Los Angeles CityBeat

    tomato
    4/5

    Daniel M. Kimmel

    No review available.

    comment Comment | Feb., 08 2004 09:23 AM

    Worcester Telegram & Gazette

    tomato
    4/5

    Ken Hanke

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

    comment Comment | Jan., 21 2004 12:12 PM

    Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

    tomato
    3/5

    Walter Chaw

    No review available.

    comment Comment | Jul., 01 2003 03:24 AM

    Film Freak Central

    N/R

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | May., 24 2003 08:17 AM

    Channel 4 Film

    tomato
    4/5

    Nell Minow

    No review available.

    comment Comment | May., 08 2003 08:21 PM

    Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

    tomato
    5/5

    Beth Accomando

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

    comment Comment | Mar., 13 2003 11:29 PM

    KPBS.org

    tomato
    4/5

    Brandon Judell

    No review available.

    comment Comment | Dec., 19 2002 05:21 PM

    PopcornQ

    tomato
    3/5

    Philip Martin

    No review available.

    comment Comment | Jul., 29 2002 08:36 AM

    Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

    N/R

    Dave Kehr

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 01 2000 12:00 AM

    Chicago Reader

     
     
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