MGM Makes Boys Town

In 1938 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer produced BOYS TOWN, a timelessw classic about Father Flanagan's home for wayward boys. Now you may read how MGM's "Dream Factory" came face to face with a celebrated priest's "Character Factory." New research presents the backstory to fans of the film.

Movie mogul Louis B. Mayer and Father Edward J. Flanagan held winning hands in a high-stakes movie biography. Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney starred. Gene Reynolds (Tony Ponessa), Martin Spellman (Skinny), and Frankie Thomas (Freddie Fuller), explain how a half-dozen proposed scripts created a legendary Oscar-winning movie in exclusive interviews.

From script to film, the book covers all the details of production, post-production, location shooting at Boys Town, and troubles off the set, came together to produce a great film! Drawing on archival information and unpublished manuscripts, including Father Flanagan's private notes, the tale unfolds.

With over 50 amazing photographs, many from private collections!