Boys Town
by Norman Taurog
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DVD details
Actor: Gene Reynolds, Henry Hull, Leslie Fenton, Mickey Rooney, Spencer TracyDirector: Norman Taurog
Brand: Warner Brothers
Cinematographer: Harold Rosson
Producer: John W. Considine Jr.
Writer: Dore Schary
Writer: Eleanore Griffin
Writer: Jack Mintz
Writer: James Kevin McGuinness
Writer: John Meehan
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 1.0; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 1.0
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 199 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-11-08
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Model: 67714
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Reviews of Boys Town
DVD Review: A little bit of heart goes a long way...
Summary: 4 Stars
While it may at times come across a little overdone, there are lots of things about `Boys Town' that feel beautifully executed. Despite an odd premise (according to today's set of stifled standards, but I'm sure upon it's filming and release there were no `curious' connotations attached to the project), this film pushed through and becomes something to adore and enjoy. It is a sentimental and schmaltzy film, and at times it is overly so, some brilliant performances and an overall air of earnest honesty helps make this film better than it should have been.
The film tells the story of Father Flanagan, a kind hearted man who opens a home of delinquent boys so that they can get every opportunity in life that they deserve. He has spent his life trying to help reform, with mixed results, but this is the biggest undertaking of his life so far, and it isn't one he can do alone. He gets off to a shaky start, but after he sees some rich results from his hard work (results that the community can see as well) he begins to get the support he needs to help his efforts grow. Soon, Flanagan and his boyish counterparts are developing a community all their own.
That is, until Whitey Marsh comes to live with them.
Whitey is rough around the edges and seemingly defiant. Flanagan has always believed that there is no such thing as a `bad boy', but Whitey tests Flanagan's faith in that belief. When Whitey finds himself witnessing a crime, he puts not only his own safety, but the future of Boys Town in jeopardy.
To pick at the films flaws would be quite easy, but also a tad unnecessary. It was a different time back in the 30's, and cinema was different as a result. Yes, the film has some serious plot holes (especially towards the end of the film) and it does seem to layer on the sentiment very heavy, with mixed results (Whitey's breakdown is PERFECT, while the final segment involving the `mayor of Boys Town' scene seemed a tad overdone, even if Rooney sells it). I found that the film went a little preposterous towards the end as well, defying logic (the rushing of the boys was forced and out of sync with the rest of the film) and yet, I can't really complain much.
These flaws don't bother me.
The film is very good, in spite of the flaws. I think a lot of this has to do with the countless `superb' performances captured here. It is rare to find a film this old that sports refined `child' performances. That isn't to knock the child actors of yesteryear, but they just lacked the refinement we see today. Mickey Rooney, Frankie Thomas and Bobs Watson are just a few (the most notable) in a long line of child performances in this film that just got everything right. Now, I have not seen a lot from Rooney, but I have never liked him. He is unbelievably brilliant in this film. The way he conjures up all the right emotions to create an arrogant kid that believably changes his ways is just marvelous. He never rings false; not once. I am a BIG fan of Spencer Tracy. He is one of my favorite actors of all time, and this performance is subtle yet strong. It is one of his Oscar winning performances (although I would have gone with Cagney in '38) and I can see why. The character alone is so likable you can't help but root for him.
In the end I must say that `Boys Town' is a very good film, and one I surely recommend. I don't think it is perfect, and I can't help but notice its flaws, but they are forgivable thanks to the wonderfully committed performances that sell you on everything.
Description of Boys Town
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