Devout but iron-willed Father Flanagan leads a community called Boys Town, a different sort of juvenile detention facility where, instead of being treated as underage criminals, the boys are shepherded into making themselves better people. But hard-nosed petty thief and pool shark Whitey Marsh, the impulsive and violent younger brother of an imprisoned murderer, might be too much for the good father's tough-love system.
Acting
Tracy's quiet authority vs. Rooney's feral energy
Direction
Taurog keeps the sermonizing surprisingly kinetic
Production
Real Boys Town location lends documentary weight

Director
Norman Taurog
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Spencer Tracy donated his Oscar to the real Boys Town, where it remains today.
This single film transformed Boys Town from local charity to national institution; donations reportedly jumped 3000% after release.
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