Boys Town

It's hard not to watch this and think of what Child Protective Services could be sputtering about years later, since it really seemed like this was a one-man job in an era without a lot of regulations. I thought Tracy played it a little flat here; it was more than compensated with Rooney's hamming it up. While I'd love to believe in the story, it just felt a little too promotional to be a favorite.

Sappy as hell, and while Tracy brings up to the level of bearable he can't overcome the over the top sentimentality, especially in the second half.

A good part for Spencer Tracy who earned an Oscar for his performance here. Was it deserved? Probable not. Felt like a fairly easy role for him. Just had to be good natured. But his kindness carried this uplifting story from start to end. Mickey Rooney was more dominant on screen. Very over-the-top with his comic rebel kid persona. Looked out of place in a way, but he sure brought the life to this. But to counter him you had Bobs Watson as little Pee Wee. What a kid! He won this movie for me!

tracy could star opposite a sock puppet and still pump out a good movie, so it's no wonder that even with rooney's schmaltzy melodrama this is still a great picture.

Good story with interesting characters. I think Boys Town is something adults can enjoy for being a well-made movie and that kids could watch to learn about reform.

A little too heartwarming for my taste, and Tracy's Flanagan is a tad too self-satisfied. Entertaining, though.

mickey rooney is adorable:)

Classic.