# Boys Town (1938)

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

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/27378

## Facts

- Runtime: 96 min
- Genres: Drama
- Director: Norman Taurog
- Cast: Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, Henry Hull, Leslie Fenton, Gene Reynolds, Edward Norris, Addison Richards, Minor Watson
- TMDB rating: 6.8/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029942/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: mild
- Mood: sincere, hopeful, uplifting, classic movie night, family viewing

## Synopsis

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

## Movies like Boys Town

- [Soul on Fire (2025)](https://ember.film/movie/1201255)
- [The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958)](https://ember.film/movie/23407)
- [Father Stu (2022)](https://ember.film/movie/575650)
- [Nazarín (1959)](https://ember.film/movie/21879)
- [Going My Way (1944)](https://ember.film/movie/10629)
- [Men of Boys Town (1941)](https://ember.film/movie/70680)
- [Song for a Raggy Boy (2003)](https://ember.film/movie/33616)
- [Lean On Me (1989)](https://ember.film/movie/8669)
- [The Sun Comes Up (1949)](https://ember.film/movie/84583)
- [Sergeant York (1941)](https://ember.film/movie/9971)

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