DCSIMG
 
 

Boys Town (1938)

Boys Town (1938)
Member Rating:  
Spencer Tracy won his second Oscar for his portrayal of Father Edward J. Flanagan--then promptly turned the statuette over to the real Father Flanagan out of gratitude. The priest's philosophy that no boy will grow up bad if given a chance in life culminates in his formation of Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. Unable to raise funds through "proper" channels, Flanagan finds that his staunchest supporters are the workaday folks who have faith in him; none is stauncher than Jewish pawnbroker Henry Hull, who digs deep into his pockets to help Flanagan realize his dream. The story of the struggle to get Boys Town on its feet paralleled with the regeneration of punkish Mickey Rooney, the younger brother of criminal Edward Norris. At first a wise-guy rebel, Rooney rises to a position of authority, responsibility and respect in Boys Town's self-maintained government. Boys Town, by the way, is the source of the classic line "He ain't heavy--he's my brother." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, (more)
Director(s):
Norman Taurog
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Boys Town

Spencer Tracy won his second Oscar for his portrayal of Father Edward J. Flanagan--then promptly turned the statuette over to the real Father Flanagan out of gratitude. The priest's philosophy that no boy will grow up bad if given a chance in life culminates in his formation of Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. Unable to raise funds through "proper" channels, Flanagan finds that his staunchest supporters are the workaday folks who have faith in him; none is stauncher than Jewish pawnbroker Henry Hull, who digs deep into his pockets to help Flanagan realize his dream. The story of the struggle to get Boys Town on its feet paralleled with the regeneration of punkish Mickey Rooney, the younger brother of criminal Edward Norris. At first a wise-guy rebel, Rooney rises to a position of authority, responsibility and respect in Boys Town's self-maintained government. Boys Town, by the way, is the source of the classic line "He ain't heavy--he's my brother." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
199 mins

Complete Cast of Boys Town


Director(s):
Norman Taurog
Writer(s):
John Meehan, Dore Schary, Eleanore Griffin
Producer(s):
John W. Considine, Jr.
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR(Child Classic)
Boys Town Awards:
  • 1938 - Film Daily - 10 Best Films
  • 1938 - National Board of Review - Best Acting
Looking for special editions of Boys Town?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription
 

IN-STORE

 

ON DEMAND

Blockbuster Instant Video

Watch thousands of movies instantly on your TV, tablet, mobile phone or computer with no monthly subscription. You pay only for what you watch.
 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
    Read all (4)
     
    Marilyn G R.

    Although black and white, its one of our all time favorite movies. It made me laugh and cry. Its a movie to be enjoyed with the whole family! My kids (12 and 13 years old) have not seen it since they were younger, but now that they are older, I am sure that they will enjoy it more.

    Yes   |   No

     
    William M.

    Great family movie. My 5 &6 year old boys loved the sequel "Men of Boys Town" on the back of DVD (a dog figures prominently in the plot), but the original was very much enjoyed by all too.

    Yes   |   No

     
    James S.

    Sure some of the stuff is hokey, syrupy, etc..but this was the writing style in the 30s so go with it. Still holds up after all these years. Men of Boys Town, the sequel is on the other side, so this is a good value for one dvd. A double feature for a Fri or Sat night. Transfer for both films is decent as well.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 4 Reviews
       

      Rating Systems

       

      Blockbuster

      Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

      Email Exclusives

      BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C.
        2013 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

      Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation.   2013 Rovi Corporation.