101 Dalmatians (G, 1961)

common sense media says

Lovable cartoon classic with cute dogs and a mean villain.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Disney's classic puppy tale is rated G but may contain a few disturbing scenes featuring one the studio's vilest villains, Cruella de Vil. As the song goes, "if she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will." For an animated movie, there's a considerable amount of smoking and drinking (Roger smokes a pipe; Cruella is always shown with her long-stemmed cigarettes; and her two henchman drink wine straight out of the bottle). Language is limited to several insults like "idiot," "imbecile," "fools," mostly said by Cruella. On the bright side, the dog parents and their human pets are relentless in their goal to save the puppies -- all of them, not just their own.

Positive messages: This story shows how evil greed and animal cruelty are, and why it's important to treat our pets well. The dogs are also an example of cooperation and teamwork to save the defenseless puppies.
Positive role models: The dalmatian parents, as well as the human "pets" are fiercely protective of their puppies, and they open their home to 84 extra puppies that have been displaced because of Cruella's evil scheme. The many English dogs in the bark network all put themselves at risk to help their fellow canines.
Violence & scariness: Horace and Jasper make threatening comments to the puppies and dogs. They kidnap the puppies and are prepared to "skin" them to make Cruella a fur coat. There's a couple of high-speed chases as well as close calls with the puppies as they attempt to get away from Cruella and her goons. Two cars crash and plummet off a cliff, but we don't know what happens to the villains.
Sexy stuff: Roger and Anita flirt, as do Pongo and Perdita (they rub noses). Both couples get married and are shown embracing and kissing chastely.
Language: Cruella says: "idiot," "imbecile," "fools". Horace and Jasper say a few threats and insults, including "shut up," "twerps," "clumsy clod," and "bumbling blockheads." Other insults include "witch," "scoundrels," "inhuman beast," and "rascals."
Consumerism: While there are no product placements in the film, Disney movies always generate merchandise and straight-to-DVD sequels, and in this case even a live-action adaptation.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Cruella smokes cigarettes (that emit a foul green smoke) in nearly every scene. She often spreads the ashes and puts them out all over the place. Roger smokes a pipe. Horace and Jasper drink wine straight from the bottle.

More on 101 Dalmatians

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the responsibilities of raising a pet. Do kids think they would be able to maintain enthusiasm for their pet? Would they be responsible for feeding, brushing, playing, and walking it? What kind of commitment is it to raise a pet, particularly a dog?

  • What makes Cruella scary? Can you think of any other villians as scary as her? What similarities do all villains share?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Like Lady and the Tramp, this story is told from the perspective of dogs, this time two dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, the cherished pets of Roger and Anita. Anita's old friend, one of the most notorious villains in movie history, is the aptly named Cruella De Vil. Her henchmen kidnap Perdita's puppies and 84 others so she can make them into a dalmatian fur coat. Pongo and Perdita, with the help of their animal friends, undertake a daring rescue.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The puppies are adorable, and the movie is exciting, funny (with a sly poke at television and the kids who watch it), and fun.

Cruella is one of the most memorable female villains in the history of the movies -- for good reason. She's loud and mean, and she is willing to wear a coat made of 101 puppies -- what could be worse!

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Clyde Geronimi
Cast: Betty Lou Gerson, Cate Bauer, Rod Taylor
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 79 minutes
Theatrical release: January 25, 1961
DVD release: March 3, 2008
MPAA Rating: G

This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

4

Most useful reviews by all members

 
A Dog-gone good time!
Adorable! I have loved this movie for as long as I can remember and still view it occasionally! I think it's a classic that will always stand the test of time :) For the youngest of children I could see how Cruella De Ville might scare them with her wicked ways so depending on the maturity of your child, you may want to withhold this movie until they are ready. But to me the positive influences of Pongo and Purdy are so endearing, that they would save not only their children but so many more. This movie should be viewed by everyone!

ehernandezmn
parent of 6 year old
 
Comedy, action and suspense for the little ones.
Classic movie. There is a fair bit of smoking, and might be a bit scary for sensitive ones. The use of the word 'idiot' might put some off.

magnolia72
parent of 3 and 6 year old
 
"you idiot"
my 4 year old started calling everyone "you idiot" after watching this

robinrunner
teen, 14 years old
 
Sure to make every dogs tail wag.
One of the ultimate disney classics featuring adorable puppies, vile and twisted villains, and millions of spots. The movie is based on perservering through the hardest of times, even when there's a mad woman chasing you for your fur. I would say this film is for all ages, but Cruella De ville is pretty scary at times and some scenes may be too intense for smaller kids. There's also mild but iffy sights when you see Rodger smoking his pipe or Cruella smoking a ciggerate.

NicoleReeves
parent of 3 , 7 , 9 , 12 , 16 , and 18 year old
 
Dalmation Love
I think this movie is wonderful, and any age can watch it. It's timeless! Cruella might be the tiniest bit scary to really younger children, and the thought of turning cute puppies into coats might scare them, but other than that this movie is a classic family film!

BestPicture1996
teen, 16 years old
 
Animated!
Nothing objectionale about this kiddie comedy that revolutionilzed popularity in dalmations. Love Cruella the most.

bubbo
adult
 
A classic, and a must-see for all families.

 
101 Dalmatians
This is a movie that the whole famly can sit down to enjoy. There is a little vilence toward the puppys but not a bunch. I think it is a great movie for little kids to watch.

lilmissfrankie
kid, 12 years old
 
sweet
very cute my bros are watching it over and over agian this very moment cruella devil is really funny

golferme
teen, 13 years old
 

 
woof!
some of the scenes with Cruella might be a little frightening to younger kids..

mannymateo10isback
teen, 14 years old
 
best movie for your family!
i watch this anytime, cause it shows plenty of positive messages, and in one scene, the two thiefs stole 15 puppies, and cruella de ville smokes a long cigarette, and some alcohol drinking, the language they say is "stupid", "idiot", "imbesciles", "hell" and "shut up", but the puppies in this fabolous movie are adorable, and the movie is exciting, funny and fun for the whole family!

D-day
kid, 13 years old
 
Bit scary but great!
Great disney classic that all our family watches, it is a bit scary when cruella devil wants to turn the puppies fur into coats but other than that a lovely family movie!

MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
 
This is a good movie! It is 500 times better than the non-animated one!

chucha
adult
 
a- must-read- book for every 8 year old.
i want to see the movie....

Seven07
parent of 3 year old
 
cute story
My younger brother loved it, but as far as the movies I allow my daughter to watch, I try to limit them to educational as much as possible.

 
One of the best Disney films!
Wish they still made 'em like this classic!

MovieFan777
teen, 16 years old
 
Dalmatians Delightful! Cruella DeVil.... Well.... Nuff Said!
101 Dalmatians is a true Disney Classic that the kidos will love, and also will entertain adults! The story is genuine, the characters are definitely memorable (especially one of the most horrid villians ever, Cruella DeVil), and the animation is like art. This is one dog gone good movie!!!

Ashnak
adult
 
Great Kids Movie

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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