 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Hello, Dolly!
- Review Date: January 10, 2005
- G
- Genre: Musical
- 1969
Common Sense Media says
A magical, old-fashioned musical.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a great classic musical for the whole family.
What's the story?
Dolly Levi (Barbra Streisand) is a matchmaker in turn of the century Yonkers, outside of New York. She is hired by Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau) to find him a wife. He also hires her to take his niece Ermengarde (Joyce Ames) to New York City, to encourage her to forget about marrying her artist beau, Ambrose (Tommy Tune). Instead, Dolly makes matches for his two clerks (Michael Crawford and Danny Lockin), advises them on how to get promotions from Horace, and helps Ermengarde get permission to marry Ambrose. Finally, after a series of intricate maneuvers, Dolly makes a match for herself, with Horace.
Is it any good?
This is one of the last of the big-time, old-fashioned musicals, with lavish production values and a dozen hummable tunes. The very slight story is bolstered by terrific singing and dancing -- staged by two masters of the genre: Gene Kelly, who directed, and Michael Kidd, who choreographed. The elaborate sets, costumes, and musical numbers make this movie a treat for the eyes and ears.
Dolly is almost a magical figure, yet with all the confidence it takes to transform the lives of everyone around her, she still hesitates when it comes to herself. She still mourns her late husband Ephraim, but she wants more out of life "Before the Parade Passes By." Yet when Horace finally proposes, she waits for a sign of Ephraim's approval. What she gets is a sign that Horace has the qualities she is looking for, that, as she suspected all along, his gruff exterior conceals a warm heart and a wish to help others.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why Dolly doesn't just tell Horace the truth about what she thinks is right for him and for Ermengarde. How does she help the people in the movie to think differently about themselves, and how does that help them change? What does Dolly mean when she sings "Before the Parade Passes By"? When the young couples sing "We've Got Elegance," do they really think they are fancy? What would you do if you were Barnaby and Cornelius at the Harmonia Gardens? What is the difference between Dolly's view of money and Horace's view?
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AGE
Anything with Michael Crawford is amazing in my eyes. I love watching this movie whenever I can =)
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AGE
Hello, Great classic!
This is an AMAZING classic that kids will cherish. I love it! My concerns I put are VERY minor (girls in skirts, trying to show off by "Wearing Ribbons Down my Back", People drinking champagne, and two uses of the d--- word.) But, people are always trying to help (especially Dolly) and working hard. (especially Barnaby and Cornelius)It's a wonderful romance classic with great songs (I'm always singing "Put on your Sunday Clothes). You'll love it!
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AGE
great movie but will bore the younger ones
i think this a marvolous movie one of my favorites too but t would probably bore kids under the age of 10 its long too its 149 mins.
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AGE
Now that WALL-E is out there...
You might want to let your kids watch the movie that WALL-E was so taken with.
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AGE
Fantastic
I absolutely loved this movie. The humour is spot on. If you like musicals, you will love this movie. It is too long for very young children. There is also is one song that gives a sexist portrayal of women, but is fitting for the setting.
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AGE
Not good
Interesting only because of the spectacle. Overdone and predictable.
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| Topics: | music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | Gene Kelly |
| Cast: | Barbra Streisand, Michael Crawford, Walter Matthau |
| Genre: | Musical |
| Run time: | 146 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 16, 1969 |
| DVD release date: | August 19, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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