Classic Hollywood of the 1930's: Boys Town

The day after Spencer Tracy won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in this film, an MGM publicist released a statement - without consulting Tracy first - that the actor would donate his Oscar to the real Boys Town in Nebraska. Tracy agreed to make the donation if the Academy would send him a replacement Oscar. When the replacement arrived, the engraving on the award read: "Best Actor - Dick Tracy."

The famous line, "He ain't heavy, he's my brother" comes from this film.

Freddie Bartholomew was considered for the part of Mickey Rooney's best friend, but was not cast because the producers felt he was too associated with Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936) and so would not be believable in this film.

Boys Town (1938) is a biographical drama film based on Father Edward J. Flanagan's work with a group of disadvantaged and delinquent boys in a home that he founded and named "Boys Town". It stars Spencer Tracy as Father Edward J. Flanagan, and Mickey Rooney, Henry Hull, Gene Reynolds, Edward Norris, and Addison Richards.

The film was written by Dore Schary, Eleanore Griffin and John Meehan, and was directed by Norman Taurog.

Legendary MGM Studio head Louis B. Mayer, known privately for his deep reservations regarding the Catholic Church, later called this his favorite film of his tenure at MGM.

In 1941, MGM made a sequel, Men of Boys Town, with Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney reprising their roles from the earlier film.

Cast of Boys Town

Spencer Tracy - Father Flanagan
Mickey Rooney - Whitey Marsh
Henry Hull - Dave Morris
Leslie Fenton - Dan Farrow
Addison Richards - The Judge
Gene Reynolds - Tony Ponessa

Edward Norris - Joe Marsh

Bobs Watson - Pee Wee

Minor Watson - The Bishop

Jonathan Hale - John Hargraves

Martin Spellman - Skinny

Mickey Rentschler - Tommy Anderson

Frankie Thomas - Freddie Fuller

Jimmy Butler - Paul Ferguson

Sidney Miller - Mo Kahn;