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.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

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?

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?

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

Themes

cats, dogs, and mice

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

Most useful reviews by all members

MovieLover4Lyfe
adult

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!

What other families should know

Movie Details

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Genre

101 Dalmatians (G, 1961)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on 101 Dalmatians

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Movie themes & details

Themes

Movie Details

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Review 101 Dalmatians

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

A Dog-gone good time!

Comedy, action and suspense for the little ones.

"you idiot"

Sure to make every dogs tail wag.

Dalmation Love

Animated!

101 Dalmatians

sweet

woof!

best movie for your family!

Bit scary but great!

a- must-read- book for every 8 year old.

cute story

One of the best Disney films!

Dalmatians Delightful! Cruella DeVil.... Well.... Nuff Said!

Great Kids Movie

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