Song for a Raggy Boy
Seen it?2003 | 94 min | Drama, History
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With a box office flop and little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved The Miracle Worker or Spotlight, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 34 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
William Franklin is a teacher who was born in Ireland and moved to the United States only to repatriate in 1939 after his leftist political views cause him to lose his job. Franklin becomes the first non-cleric instructor at St. Jude's, a school for wayward boys run by Brother John, who is a firm believer in strong discipline.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
67% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$784K worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 34K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
The Miracle Worker
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed historical drama that fewer people know today.
Spotlight Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed historical drama.
The Railway Man Weeknight WatchAnother historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Saturday SpecialAnother historical drama, and a Saturday Special.
Doubt Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Aisling Walsh
- Aidan QuinnWilliam Franklin
- Iain GlenBrother John
- Marc WarrenBrother Mac
- Dudley SuttonBrother Tom
- Alan DevlinFather Damian
- Stuart GrahamBrother Whelan
- Bernard ManningRogers 855
- John TraversLiam Mercier 636
- Andrew SimpsonGerard Peters 458
- Mark ButlerDowney 913