One of the more overrated films of its era. Not surprisingly one of MGM tyrant Louis B. Mayer's favorite films, this sentimental wallow dramatizes the real-life story of Father Edward Flanagan, founder of the famous Boys Town for errant youths. What sounds like ideal "truth is stranger
than fiction" material, with inspiration to boot, comes across as stilted, overly sanctimonious moralizing. Father Flanagan's efforts against incredible obstacles vanish with a magic flourish of the scriptwriter's pen, and the generally reliable Tracy, one of the most talented and engaging actors
of his day, compounds these errors with a performance dripping with piety. Tracy always ...
Released:
1938
Rated:
NR
Length:
96 mins