So there really isn't much to say about this film though Spencer Tracy did win his second Oscar for this film and while he is good, delivering a natural performance, the film is nothing special and though it moves quickly, it plays it safe thanks the Hays Code.
While a priest, Father Flanagan (Tracy) doesn't have a parish but rather does good works, charities and the like. Upon discovering that boys (mostly orphaned) need help more than men, he starts a children's home, with the help of his friend and storeowner Dave (Henry Hull) which expands into a fully functional town, complete with its own branch of the post office and elected mayor.
And then the bad apple Whitey Marsh (Mickey Rooney) comes in. He's rude and arrogant but Father Flanagan doesn't let him get away with crap but when he doesn't get what he wants (elected mayor), he tries to leave and tragedy ensues. What I didn't understand is how the town gets saved without an explanation and I don't agree with the tagline that there is no such thing as a bad boy. Sure, every child should have an equal chance at succeeding in life so he can become a functional member of society but still, I cannot abide.
It's a shame that this film was limited due to the ridiculous Hays Code, turning everything into something unrealistic and far too happy as that rarely works (Casablanca is the notable exception), as Tracy and Rooney delivered great performances. Grade: B+
Side Notes:
-While the beginning states that Father Flanagan helps boys of all races, creed and color, only white boys are shown though it appears that a Jewish one is shown.
-Only two women are shown, both nuns and have two lines between them.
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