Dumbo (G, 1941)

common sense media says

Sweet Disney classic is still lovely, despite stereotypes.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Disney's short-and-sweet tale of a shy little circus elephant with supersized ears is considered controversial, because of its depiction of the black crows. On the one hand, critics claim the crows (who were in fact all voiced by African-American actors) are animated minstrels, whereas Disney apologists say the crows are the only likeable characters besides Dumbo, his mom, and Timothy the mouse. If you're okay with the representation of the crows, there are still a couple of disturbing scenes, particularly when Mrs. Jumbo is captured after defending Dumbo. Plus, Dumbo and Timothy accidentally get drunk and hallucinate the "Pink Elephants on Parade" segment, that's alternately trippy, creepy, and cute. Overall, the message is that we should celebrate and not mock each other's differences.

Educational value: Kids will learn how hurtful bullying can be, and they will be reminded not to make fun of people because of their appearance.

Positive messages: Includes important messages for kids, particularly about how it's wrong to make fun of someone because of the way they look. Our differences are what make us special, the mouse teaches Dumbo. Mrs. Jumbo's actions prove a mother's love is unconditional, and she will defend you no matter what.

Positive role models: There is ongoing controversy about whether the depiction of the crows is racist (originally one of them was called "Jim Crow" in the script, and they are all voiced with Amos 'n Andy-like accents by African-American actors). Despite the criticism, others claim the crows were all confident, free, and the only characters besides Timothy who are sympathetic to Dumbo. Timothy is supportive and encouraging from the first time he meets Dumbo, and Mrs. Jumbo is a loving, protective mother. Dumbo himself doesn't speak, but he manages to overcome his insecurity to fly at the crucial moment.

Violence & scariness: Mean kids at the circus pull on Dumbo's ears, so his mother spanks the boy's bottom with her trunk. As punishment, she's tied and chained and understandably tries to free herself -– throwing various circus workers around as a consequence. She's kept imprisoned in solitary confinement and branded a "mad elephant," leaving poor Dumbo friendless and alone. Dumbo's catastrophic circus act leads to the entire circus top coming down.

Sexy stuff: None, but Dumbo is delivered via stork instead of through a live birth, so some young children may wonder about that.

Language: The gossipy elephant cows make fun of baby Jumbo and call him "Dumbo," later they also take pleasure in Mrs. Jumbo's solitary confinement. The kids at the circus also poke fun of Dumbo's ears.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The clowns, who are shown in silhouette, are obviously drinking. Dumbo and his mouse friend Timothy accidentally get drunk after drinking what they think is water. While drunk, Dumbo has an elaborate (and creepy to some kids) hallucination with the infamously trippy "Pink Elephants on Parade" sequence.

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about empathy by asking kids how they would feel if everyone laughed at them the way the animals laugh at Dumbo. Why do the other elephants laugh at Dumbo's ears? How does that make him feel? What can kids do when they're laughed at or bullied?
Talk about friendship. How important it is to Dumbo to have a friend like Timothy? Why does Timothy tell Dumbo he needs the feather to fly? How does he learn that he does not need it?
Talk about the crows. What is the controversy about the crows? How have depictions of ethnicities and races changed since this movie was made? Can people still enjoy movies that contain dated stereotypes?

What's the story?

Disney's classic animated tale of DUMBO begins when the stork delivers babies to the circus animals, including Mrs. Jumbo's baby, an elephant with enormous ears. The other elephants laugh at him and call him Dumbo, but Mrs. Jumbo loves him very much. When Dumbo is mistreated, she is furious and raises such a fuss that she is locked up. Dumbo is made part of the clown act, which embarrasses him very much. He is a big hit and, celebrating his good fortune, accidentally drinks champagne and becomes tipsy. The next morning, he wakes up in a tree, with no idea how he got there. It turns out that he flew! He becomes the star of the circus, with his proud mother beside him.

Is it any good?

This is a classic family film, with the gorgeous handcrafted animation that's a hallmark of early Disney films. Composers Oliver Wallace and Frank Churchill won Oscars for the film's musical score. The themes in this movie include friendship, tolerance of differences, and the importance of believing in yourself. Some of the characters (particularly the crows) are quite dated by today's standards, but kids will sill appreciate the story of the little elephant who learns to believe in himself.

Movie themes & details

Themes

friendship, wild animals

Movie Details

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Ben Sharpsteen
Cast: Edward Brophy, Herman Bing, Sterling Holloway
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 63 minutes
Theatrical release: October 31, 1941
DVD release: September 19, 2011
MPAA Rating: G

This review was written by Nell Minow

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

angel6757
teen, 14 years old

good movie but....

This beloved family classic is certaitly good. But beware for preschoolers! Some scenes might scare them!

What other families should know

Movie Details

Starring

Genre

Dumbo (G, 1941)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Dumbo

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

Review It

Review Dumbo

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

good movie but....

May not be appropriate for today's audiences.

life is

Just kiddin Just kiddin

Really Good Kids Movie

A true classic

RACIST

Good movie.

Wonderful!

Somewhat outdated but redeemed by important content

The pure epitome of Disney magic

i laughed

Touching

Now I Be Done Seeing About Everything!

Aweful language!

it made me cry

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

I love Dumbo!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)

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