Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story

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Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story

Released Oct 8, 2024

1h 45m

Documentary

Biography

Faith & Spirituality

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2 Reviews

98%

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100+ Verified Ratings

Father Edward J. Flanagan is a familiar name to many Americans, often for the Oscar-winning 1938 film starring Spencer Tracy about Flanagan's groundbreaking child welfare organization. But the story extends far beyond that, to a man whose name and legacy are still well-known as far as Germany and Japan. Flanagan gained influence and admiration over the course of his life from Presidents, CEOs, celebrities and more, but none mattered more to him than that of the children for whom he tirelessly worked. A sobering reminder of this was during WWII, as Flanagan saw droves of former Boys Town citizens go off to war. In fact, so many former Boys Town boys named Father Flanagan as their next of kin that the American War Dads Association named him as America's No. 1 War Dad. Father Flanagan was a hero for his times, and for ours, too: his approach to child welfare remains a top influence in the field, and his frequent outspokenness against injustice showed he was always willing to tell the truth, regardless of risk.

Hosea Rupprecht

Pauline Media Studies

Father Flanagan’s vision was that of the Gospel. His philosophy was that there was no such thing as a bad boy. They just need love and guidance and that is just what he gave them, along with family, education, and civic responsibility.

Nov 7, 2024

Full Review

Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

Few movies come close to being as inspirational as 'Heart of a Servant.' Father Flanagan is a literal saint. An absolute must-see.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 17, 2024

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Jody

I liked learning about Father Flanagan. Im a personal friend of Marilyn (Winkie) Fordney Havasi, and have known her story for many years. It was wonderful to learn about the man who helped her family. Also, Ive never been to Nebraska, and to see Boys Town on the big screen was wonderful.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/04/24

Full Review

Mary Kay

The original clips of his life were very informative. Inspiring & uplifting!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/15/24

Full Review

Lauren D

Good and inspiring movie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/14/24

Full Review

Christine

Such a well done documentary. Left me inspired. Such a wonderful person to leave the world better place then when he arrived! I pray I could do an ounce of good like that

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/12/24

Full Review

Sandi

We need more people to think, act and care like Father Flanagan did and this would be a better country.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/11/24

Full Review

Ann M

I learned that Father had the ear oft US Presidents. Additionally, it was new to me that he intervened with Japanese who were interned in camps.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/11/24

Full Review

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Rob Kaczmark

Director

Daniel Gebert

Director

Jonathan Roumie

Narrator

Kelly Cunningham

Screenwriter

Daniel Gebert

Screenwriter

Branden Stanley

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

Father Edward J. Flanagan is a familiar name to many Americans, often for the Oscar-winning 1938 film starring Spencer Tracy about Flanagan's groundbreaking child welfare organization. But the story extends far beyond that, to a man whose name and legacy are still well-known as far as Germany and Japan. Flanagan gained influence and admiration over the course of his life from Presidents, CEOs, celebrities and more, but none mattered more to him than that of the children for whom he tirelessly worked. A sobering reminder of this was during WWII, as Flanagan saw droves of former Boys Town citizens go off to war. In fact, so many former Boys Town boys named Father Flanagan as their next of kin that the American War Dads Association named him as America's No. 1 War Dad. Father Flanagan was a hero for his times, and for ours, too: his approach to child welfare remains a top influence in the field, and his frequent outspokenness against injustice showed he was always willing to tell the truth, regardless of risk.

Director: Rob Kaczmark, Daniel Gebert
Screenwriter: Kelly Cunningham, Daniel Gebert
Distributor: Fathom Events
Production Co: Spirit Juice Studios
Genre: Documentary, Biography, Faith & Spirituality
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 8, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 45m