What is Boys Town like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Boys Town as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Boys Town violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Boys Town as mild.

Where can I watch Boys Town?

In United States, Boys Town streams on Kanopy.

19381h 36mDrama

Boys Town

Name: Boys Town
Genre: Drama
Released: 1938-09-08
Duration: 1 h 36 min
Rating: 6.800000190734863
Cast: Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, Henry Hull, Leslie Fenton, Gene Reynolds

A determined Catholic priest builds a radical home for delinquent boys and risks everything to prove that compassion can defeat criminal destiny.

sincerehopefulupliftingclassic movie nightfamily viewing

Ember's analysis

MoodBright
EnergyEnergetic
PacingMeasured
IntensityModerate
ComplexityEasy to follow
ViolenceMild

More about the film

OverviewA priest's unwavering belief in redemption transforms the lives of troubled boys.

A priest's unwavering belief in redemption transforms the lives of troubled boys.

What critics saidCritics broadly regard the film as an effective, emotionally persuasive biographical drama anchored by Spencer Tracy's performance and its humane reformist message.

Critics broadly regard the film as an effective, emotionally persuasive biographical drama anchored by Spencer Tracy's performance and its humane reformist message.

What sets it apartMay contain story progression spoilers

Father Flanagan's founding and development of Boys Town provide the film's organizing dramatic arc.
Flanagan opposes locking delinquent boys away and advocates a humane educational community instead.
Boys Town faces prejudice and funding shortages while Whitey's alleged involvement in a bank robbery puts the community at risk.
Much of the story follows Flanagan's sustained effort to change Whitey Marsh's path toward becoming a hoodlum.

Films like Boys Town, and whyThe Miracle Worker, Dead Poets Society, The Great Debaters, The Pride of the Yankees

The Miracle Workershared biographical drama structure, reformist social themes, and inspirational moral conflict
Dead Poets Societyshared humanistic drama, youth-centered rehabilitation, and compassionate institutional reform
The Great Debatersshared true-life social reform narrative, principled protagonist, and uplifting emotional register
The Pride of the Yankeesshared classic Hollywood biography, idealistic leadership, and resistance to punitive institutions

Movie DetailsNorman Taurog · 1938 · 96 min

Director: Norman Taurog
Release Date: 1938-09-08
Runtime: 96 min
Rating: 6.8 / 10 (111)

Common questionsWhat is Boys Town about?

What is Boys Town about?: A determined Catholic priest builds a radical home for delinquent boys and risks everything to prove that compassion can defeat criminal destiny.
What is Boys Town like to watch?: Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Boys Town as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
Is Boys Town violent?: Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Boys Town as mild.
What did critics think of Boys Town?: Critics broadly regard the film as an effective, emotionally persuasive biographical drama anchored by Spencer Tracy's performance and its humane reformist message.
Which films are like Boys Town?: Films with a similar feel include The Miracle Worker, Dead Poets Society, The Great Debaters, and The Pride of the Yankees.
How long is Boys Town?: Boys Town runs 96 minutes.
Where can I watch Boys Town?: In United States, Boys Town streams on Kanopy.