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The Women (1939)

(1939, Rated NR, Classic, Starring Rosalind Russell, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    All-star femmes manage marriage, morals and money.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some of the women are gossipy, selfish, back-stabbing, and seem to enjoy their "friends" being hurt. This behavior is meant to get laughs. Most misconduct is shown to have consequences. African-American women are depicted only as servants.

  • Violence:

    Two dogs growl and bare teeth at each other in opening scene.

  • Sex:

    Philandering husband is referred to as "stepping out" on wife; woman seen in bubble bath, no nudity.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Many of the female characters smoke cigarettes throughout the movie; this was common in 1939. Champagne consumed in moderation within a few scenes, whiskey in one other.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Women (1939)

Parents need to know that this old-fashioned comedy will be appreciated most by filmgoers who delight in the culture, charm, and artistry of old movies. It will not be of interest to most younger kids. Divorce is a core plot device and a young child is shown terribly upset at the prospect of her parents separating. As was typical in 1939, the few visible African-American women are portrayed only as servants. With one exception (a self-professed "old maid writer"), the women at the center of the story have neither careers nor involvement in any activities other than gossiping, shopping, visiting beauty salons, and witty repartee. They're either wealthy, indulged, and defined by their husbands, or they're predators, on the lookout for rich men to marry.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the movie portrays women in 1939. How realistic is this movie compared to female-centered comedies today? Have times and behavior changed? What hasn't changed? Describe how women's lives are different now. In what way do the filmmakers show the distinct social classes of the late 1930s? What does this movie say about friendship?
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