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Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story

Play trailer Poster for Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story Released Oct 8, 2024 1h 45m Documentary Biography Faith & Spirituality Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.

Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Read all reviews
Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story

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Cast & Crew

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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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Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story

Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story (2024) Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story (2024) Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story (2024) Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story (2024) View more photos

Movie Info

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