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The Bells of St. Mary's

(1945, Rated NR, Classic, Starring Ingrid Bergman, Bing Crosby, Henry Travers)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    A classic of faith and values.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Father O'Malley teaches by example that faith is all well and good, but you still have to take initiative to get things done. The film asks the question, "Is it ever right to lie, even to protect someone's feelings?"
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Undramatic fisticuffs between two boys.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Bells of St. Mary's

Parents need to know that nostalgic guardians will enjoy sharing this one with their children. But parents should be on hand to field a few delicate questions, such as whether it's ever okay to lie to protect someone, and vague allusions to a single mother's fall from respectability. This is a great film for the whole family to curl up to on a rainy day. Teens who are fans of old classics or light musicals will be happy to have this one in their collection.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether it's okay to lie to protect someone, or whether it's every okay to pester an old man into donating to a worthy cause.
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    who3697cares
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    I saw this on Turner Classic Movies a few weeks ago. Well-acted and entertaining, if a tad melodramatic.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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