Boys Town
“"No boy is bad, if given a chance!"”
Synopsis
Devout but iron-willed Father Flanagan leads a community called Boys Town, a different sort of juvenile detention facility where, instead of being treated as underage criminals, the boys are shepherded into making themselves better people. But hard-nosed petty thief and pool shark Whitey Marsh, the impulsive and violent younger brother of an imprisoned murderer, might be too much for the good father's tough-love system.
Part of the Boys Town Collection
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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Boys Town ≣ 1938 ≣ Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-11-02
Top Cast
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Spencer Tracy
Father Flanagan
Mickey Rooney
Whitey Marsh
Henry Hull
Dave Morris
Leslie Fenton
Dan Farrow
Gene Reynolds
Tony Ponessa
Edward Norris
Joe Marsh
Addison Richards
Judge
Minor Watson
Bishop
Jonathan Hale
John Hargraves
Bobs Watson
Pee Wee
Martin Spellman
Skinny
Mickey Rentschler
Tommy Anderson
Frankie Thomas
Freddie Fuller
Jimmy Butler
Paul Ferguson
Sidney Miller
Mo Kahn
Robert Emmett Keane
Burton
Victor Kilian
The Sheriff
Arthur Aylesworth
Tim (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 8, 1938
Wide Cinema Exhibition
June 17, 2022
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Norman Taurog
- Screenplay & Story
- Dore Schary, John Meehan
- Original Score
- Edward Ward
- Original Title
- Boys Town
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 36m
- Production Studios
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Norman Taurog
Dore Schary, John Meehan, Eleanore Griffin
Edward Ward
Sidney Wagner
Elmo Veron
John W. Considine Jr.
Department Leadership Roster
Norman Taurog
Director
Dore Schary
Screenplay
John W. Considine Jr.
Producer
Elmo Veron
Editor
Sidney Wagner
Director of Photography
Edward Ward
Original Music Composer
John Meehan
Screenplay
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Boys Town.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Christian Movies
Catholic Movies
Movies - Live Action
Biographies
Classic Movies Collection
Copy of TMDB public list 8294149 - Classic Movies Collection
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Frequently Asked Questions About Boys Town
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Boys Town about?
Devout but iron-willed Father Flanagan leads a community called Boys Town, a different sort of juvenile detention facility where, instead of being treated as underage criminals, the boys are shepherded into making themselves better people. But hard-nosed petty thief and pool shark Whitey Marsh, the impulsive and violent younger brother of an imprisoned murderer, might be too much for the good father's tough-love system.
Who directed Boys Town?
Boys Town was directed by Norman Taurog.
Who stars in Boys Town?
The principal cast of Boys Town includes Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, Henry Hull, Leslie Fenton, Gene Reynolds.
When was Boys Town released and how long is it?
Boys Town was released in 1938 with a total runtime of 1h 36m.
Who composed the musical score for Boys Town?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Boys Town was composed by Edward Ward.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Boys Town?
Boys Town holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).