For all [Spencer Tracy's] homely face and lack of surface charm, he is about the finest figure of a man you’ll meet, and I’m happy that he has finally got a part here to show it off.

Tracy, showing necessary restraint, makes his portrayal of Flanagan sincere and human.

Mickey Rooney is a hard case, but eventually he cracks -- as will you, under the relentless, flat sentimentality of Norman Taurog's direction.

Flanagan’s character is admirable (based on a real man with real accomplishments), though Tracy imparts a rather standard performance.