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A Christmas Carol (1938)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    A gentle, less scary version of the classic.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    This moralistic tale demonstrates that greed and lovelessness can lead to spiritual ruin, and that no one is too old or too hardened to be saved.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.

  • 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 A Christmas Carol (1938)

Parents need to know that younger viewers might still be unnerved by the ghosts.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what Christmas is really about. Families with teens can compare this movie to later versions. The theme that one man's cruelty affects the lives of many is a worthwhile subject for families to discuss. Families may also want to discuss how people survive and deal with unfair circumstances. How do the Cratchits cope?
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