Men of Boys Town
A compassionate priest and his young allies confront financial hardship and a failed reform school while fighting to prove that no boy is beyond redemption.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- sincere
- uplifting
- earnest
- classic film night
- family viewing
What critics said
The film was a commercially successful but modestly received sequel, with critics especially highlighting Darryl Hickman's performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Father Flanagan challenges a reform school that offers neither meaningful reform nor education, insisting that boys are not inherently bad.
Boys Town faces financial trouble while the reform school lacks the schooling and reform its residents need.
Edward Flanagan, aided by Whitey and the Boys Town community, works to redirect delinquent boys through guidance and solidarity.
The Boys Town setting presents adoption, education, care, and communal responsibility as alternatives to punitive treatment.
Films like Men of Boys Town, and why
Boys Town
shared themes of juvenile delinquency, institutional reform, compassion, and uplifting social drama
Good News
shared focus on troubled boys, moral mentorship, and reform through humane education
The Miracle of Morgan's Creek
shared classic Hollywood social drama, child welfare concerns, and benevolent institutional leadership
Movie Details
- Director
- Norman Taurog
- Release Date
- 1941-04-11
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (16)
Cast
- Spencer Tracy
- Mickey Rooney
- Bobs Watson
- Larry Nunn
- Darryl Hickman
- Henry O'Neill
- Mary Nash
- Lee J. Cobb
- Sidney Miller
- Addison Richards
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Men of Boys Town about?
- A compassionate priest and his young allies confront financial hardship and a failed reform school while fighting to prove that no boy is beyond redemption.
- What is Men of Boys Town like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Men of Boys Town as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Men of Boys Town violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Men of Boys Town as mild.
- What did critics think of Men of Boys Town?
- The film was a commercially successful but modestly received sequel, with critics especially highlighting Darryl Hickman's performance.
- Which films are like Men of Boys Town?
- Films with a similar feel include Boys Town, Good News, and The Miracle of Morgan's Creek.
- How long is Men of Boys Town?
- Men of Boys Town runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch Men of Boys Town?
- In United States, Men of Boys Town is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.
