hannahma57
One point for Spencer Tracy doing what he can with a bum script. But Mickey Rooney's toweringly awful ham performance sinks the movie. Even in the thirties people must have been exchanging uncomfortable glances or staring up at the ceiling during Rooney's multiple scenes of yelling, outrageously bogus sobbing, defiant bullying and generally chewing the rug. Bar none, the worst acting ever to hit the screen.It would be nice to have a real movie about Boys Town with some other adults besides Flanagan in it, some details about the misery of street kids in those days, and perhaps a word or two about the total lack of any Girls Town back in the day, though the fate of female street kids has always been grim.
gavin6942
Against all odds Father Flanagan (Spencer Tracy) starts "Boys' Town" after hearing a convict's story. Whitey Marsh (Mickey Rooney) comes there, but frequently tries to run away.Although the story is largely fictional, it is based upon a real man and a real place. Boys Town is a community outside of Omaha, Nebraska that was really founded by Father Flanagan. The film was a commercial success, and won Spencer Tracy an Oscar.I think the movie in general is good, and I'm glad it earned Tracy an award and brought more attention to the real Boys Town. However, I feel that Mickey Rooney was just awful in this film and overly exaggerated and hammy. He comes across more like a cheap James Cagney knockoff.
cordaro9418
Spencer Tracy won his second consecutive Academy Award for this turn as Father Flanaghan, the architect and operator of Boys Town.Following up 'Captains Courageous', Tracy cemented himself as an actor's actor.Surrounded by an outstanding supporting cast, and pitching a great script, this film definitely makes the 'Best' list and with little question.Well paced and with excellent delivery, 'Boys Town' is definitely one to watch if you really consider yourself a film buff.Bring popcorn.
wes-connors
A success in its day, "Boys Town" is the story of how a Priest saves his "Home for Juvenile Delinquent Boys". He takes in boys that society can't manage, and operates under the motto: "There is No Bad Boy." Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney star as Priest and head Bad Boy.I was interested in seeing two great stars, Mr. Tracy and Mr. Rooney, work together. They don't. Norman Taurog directs. Rooney fails from going over-the-top, and Tracy sometimes look bored. They each have some moments. You can't fault Rooney for playing a part with the enthusiasm of "Strike Up the Band!" when they give him scenes like the "black face" bit in "Boys Town". Tracy doesn't get to wear any "black face", so he comes off better. It looks like the only Black face in "Boys Town" is the one painted on "Whitey".I like the "candy scenes" scenes. I liked the tribute to FDR by Tracy and Gene Reynolds (as "Tony"). I didn't think the film was as good as its "message"; the ingredients put in to the film do not mix well. It doesn't have to be, but it isn't very realistic, either. A too sentimental presentation (of a worthy message) with some famous performances. ***** Boys Town (9/8/38) Norman Taurog ~ Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, Gene Reynolds
AD
