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Casey's Shadow

(1978, Rated PG, Drama, Starring Walter Matthau, Alexis Smith, Murray Hamilton)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    A complex tale of morals and animal cruelty.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 9–11

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Ultimately the movie takes a strong stance against cruelty to animals, as Lloyd's desire to win leads to the horse's demise. Plenty of wagering on the horses.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    A teenager complains that he will never get "laid" and that he's "horny."

  • Language:

    Some mild swears.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The father drinks a fair bit.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Casey's Shadow

Parents need to know that this is a quite likable story about a man struggling to do the right thing by his horse -- and his sons. The birth of a colt, in all its messiness, may be too intense for younger children. The mare dies in childbirth. The mother has abandoned the family. The greed of trainers and abuse of horses is a strong theme. The father-son relationships are strong, but the pacing is a bit slow. Younger kids or easily-distracted children will lose interest. There's a nice teenage jockey angle that's likely to compel teens. All children interested in horses will enjoy this movie.

Read our full review by Randy White

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  • Families can talk about what they would risk to be a winner.
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