Monday, April 30, 2007

Boys Town


I usually don't cry at movies. Sure, I'm moved by them, and tears will often come to my eyes. I can count on one hand the number of movies that have actually turned on the waterworks. Today I saw another one: Boys Town, the 1938 classic with Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney. Oh, man. When Mickey started bawling after Pee-Wee was run over by the car...the tears began to fall. Actually, every time Mickey started bawling, I shed a few sympathy tears myself. Way to act, kiddo.

The story in and of itself is great, not in small part because it's true. Boys Town (now known as Girls and Boys Town) is still in operation today. The real Father Flanagan is buried in the school chapel. A very moving story. This DVD is going on the Amazon wish list, for sure.