“Boys Town” and its sequel, “Men of Boys Town,” are movies loosely based on the famous real-life American charity of the same name. 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, with Father Flanagan’s original vision becoming a model worldwide. 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.
Almost certainly some of this success can be attributed to the positive publicity generated from the movies, making of the charity a kind of vernacular shorthand for progressive social work. Starring industry leading men Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney in charismatic roles, the movies managed to win Oscars for Best Actor and Best Original Story despite heavy competition. The stories depicted had very little to do with any real-life events at the institution, however, being almost entirely fictional events that made much better for drama. On the flip side, 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 belief that there are no bad boys, only troubled ones who need care.