“Boys Town” and its sequel, “Men of Boys Town,” are American movies based on the world-famous American juvenile home.. Established by a Catholic priest in 1917, 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. Many local people from civic and religious organizations also turn out to volunteer as they are able to help Boys Town achieve its goals.
Almost certainly some of this success can be attributed to the positive publicity generated from the movies, 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. Having said that, they they were fairly accurate when it comes to certain issues common to institutionalized juvenile care; indeed, the second movie even delved into the subject of reform school abuse and homelessness among the young. Whether onscreen or off, Boys Town works tirelessly on behalf of children and families, driven by Father Flanagan’s insight that there are no bad boys, only troubled ones in need of care.
