Anyone know the name of the movie about a boy who wants to build a
model rocket but is discouraged by his macho father. I think it takes
place in a steel town. It's a true story and, I think, the boy later
goes on to work for NASA.

Hi pairey,
 
I believe the movie you have in mind is, "October Sky". October Sky is
based on the true story of Homer Hickam, whose ambition led to a
career with NASA, training astronauts for shuttle missions. His
hard-nosed father in the film is played by Chris Cooper, (a coal
miner), who tries to discourage his son from wasting time daydreaming
about space.
 
 
Plot Outline:
 
"The true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired
by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's
wishes."
 
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0132477/
 
  
 
Homer Hickam Official Website:
 
http://www.homerhickam.com/movies/
 
 
 
The movie was adapted from the book, "Rocket Boys" --
 
"Rocket Boys" 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0385333218/ref=ase_homhhicjr/002-4741082-5651260?v=glance&s=books
 
 
 
Homer Hickam -- interviews:
 
http://www.post-trib.com/orob2004/author.html
 
http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/au-hickam-homer.asp
  
  
  
Hope this helps.
 
 
search strategy: [ boy rocket nasa movie ]

And here's a nifty piece of trivia:

OCTOBER SKY is an anagram of ROCKET BOYS.  

(The movie studio didn't think the title "Rocket Boys" would appeal to audiences,
but don't you think it's much better than "October Sky?")