Boys Town

On execution day, a condemned murderer asks to confess to Father Flanagan in an Omaha prison. He recounts a harrowing life as a homeless boy and a ward of the state, detailing neglect and hardship. Flanagan listens, moved by the man's pain and recognizing the humanity behind the label.

After the officials leave, Flanagan offers comfort and words of wisdom to the condemned man. He speaks of dignity, redemption, and the possibility of changing a life, even from death row. The encounter plants the seed for Flanagan's later crusade to help troubled youths.

On the train back to Omaha, the condemned man's litany and suffering crystallize Flanagan's resolve to do more. The experience marks a turning point, convincing him that a sanctuary for wayward boys could redirect lives. Flanagan emerges from the journey with a renewed mission.

Flanagan commits to proving there is no such thing as a bad boy and begins building a sanctuary for indigent youths. He battles indifference, the legal system, and skepticism from the community as he lays the groundwork for Boys Town. The dream grows from a personal vow into a public mission.

Joe, Whitey's older brother, asks Flanagan to take Whitey to Boys Town. Joe escapes custody during transfer to federal prison, while Whitey remains at Boys Town. Flanagan agrees to take Whitey in, setting the stage for his troubled path at the sanctuary.

Whitey quickly integrates into Boys Town life and launches a bid to become mayor with a blunt 'don't be a sucker' campaign. His bold attitude wins attention and stirs curiosity among the residents. The newcomer’s ambitions begin to reshape the town’s dynamics.

Tony Ponessa wins the mayoral election, and Whitey's outburst after the results stirs tension with Freddie Fuller, the outgoing mayor. The clash hints at the rough politics simmering beneath Boys Town's facade. The competition foreshadows further conflicts to come.

A boxing match is staged to settle the rivalry between Whitey and Freddie Fuller. Freddie defeats Whitey in front of Father Flanagan and all the boys, ending Whitey's momentary ascendancy. The loss dents Whitey's confidence and strains his place in the town.

Whitey leaves Boys Town after the defeat; Pee Wee, the mascot, pleads for friendship but Whitey refuses and pushes the child away. Pee Wee wanders onto the highway, where a passing car strikes him in a tragic accident. The event deepens Whitey's guilt and separation from the town.

During an aimless walk in downtown Omaha, Whitey runs into his brother Joe, who mistakenly shoots him in the leg. Joe then takes Whitey to a church and calls Flanagan anonymously, resulting in Whitey being taken back to Boys Town. The incident drags the brothers back into the sanctuary's orbit.

Whitey initially refuses to tell Flanagan about the robbery because of Joe's promise, fearing the consequences for his brother. He realizes that his silence could endanger Boys Town and faces a moral crossroads. The weight of keeping quiet strains his loyalty and the community's safety.

Whitey goes to Joe's hideout to confront the truth, and Joe relents, freeing Whitey from the promise to protect him. Flanagan and the other boys arrive to back him up as the criminals are recaptured. The town's faith in Boys Town surges amid renewed donations and support.

With the criminals caught and donations flooding in, Whitey is elected the new mayor of Boys Town by acclamation. Dave Morris accepts deeper debt to fund expansion, while Flanagan shares plans to grow the sanctuary. The community embraces a broader dream of care and opportunity for its boys.