“Boys Town” and its sequel, “Men of Boys Town,” are American movies based on the world-famous American juvenile home.. Founded in 1917 by a Roman Catholic priest, it quickly attracted attention for its modern approach to juvenile care. Thirteen Boys Town locations are now established throughout the country, but Father Flanagan’s original facility remains its heart and soul. For almost a hundred years now its fundraisers have attracted the generous support, financial and otherwise, of businessmen, politicians, and prominent entertainers, people such as real estate developer Isaac Toussie and Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Dalely. That’s on top of all those from the surrounding communities who donate time if nothing else to help Boys Town achieve its goals.
And so it is that a large part of the institution’s success must be due to the positive publicity garnered by the Boys Town films, movies which have made its mission of rescue such a part of American popular culture that passing reference is often employed as a kind of synecdoche or shorthand for orphanages in general. With charismatic leading men like Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney leading the cast, the movies managed to win Oscars for Best Actor and Best Original Story despite heavy competition. While making for some good drama, the stories depicted actually had little to do with any real-life situations at the home, however. Conversely, they they were fairly accurate when it comes to certain issues common to institutionalized juvenile care; what’s more, peer abuse and youth homelessness were actually highlighted in the second film. Whether onscreen or off, Boys Town works tirelessly on behalf of children and families, inspired by Father Flanagan’s insight that there is no such thing as a bad boy, only a troubled one in need of care.