 | 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. |
The Parent Trap (1961)
- Review Date: September 30, 2005
- G
- Genre: Comedy
- 1961
Common Sense Media says
Hayley Mills rocks in her dual role as twins.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, beyond a little dated stereotyping of the roles men and women in relationships, kids will see nothing objectionable in this movie. The slow pacing might put off younger viewers.
What's the story?
Sharon and Susan (both Hayley Mills) are as different as night and day, and they become instant enemies when they meet at summer camp. Proper Sharon grew up in Boston with mother Maggie, and tomboy Susan lives out West on a ranch with father Mitch. When they unexpectedly discover they're identical twins, Sharon and Susan switch places to try to reunite their parents so they can stay together. Susan goes to Boston, where she gets to know her lonely mother Maggie. Sharon goes to the ranch, where she discovers that Mitch is about to get married to Vicky, a much younger woman who's most interested in the millions he has in the bank. In desperation, Sharon summons Susan and Maggie to the ranch, and the girls hatch a plan to get their parents back together.
Is it any good?
Quaintly old-fashioned by today's standards, the original PARENT TRAP still charms, thanks to heartfelt performances of stars Hayley Mills, Brian Keith, and Maureen O'Hara. The storyline here is virtually the same as in the 1998 remake, with the main difference being Mitch and Maggie's rather dated notions about the war between the sexes. Hayley Mills believably plays both Susan and Sharon, and shines in the movie's memorable musical number, "Let's Get Together," which the remake omits.
For kids who are willing to watch a movie that unfolds at a more leisurely pace, The Parent Trap is an entertaining relic from a time when kids were far less knowing. As an added bonus, parents will enjoy the interplay between the movie's adults, which is a deeper and more dramatic than in the remake.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's message. Do comedies often have messages? Do you think the movie remains relevant today when kids are more knowing and parents divorce openly, rather than hiding it as these parents did?
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Kid, 12 years old
September 20, 2009
AGE
I'ts great!
You've got to see it ! ! ! ! ! ! !
However if there is a divorce going on this may not be the best choice.
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AGE
Original Parent Trap = success.
Funny, amazing classic shines & has no inappropriate content minus some cruel jokes to a bad role model. Hayley Mills is very cute. A really nice feel-good movie. Remake is much better, but nothing can beat this one either.
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AGE
Very touching!
I liked this movie a lot. For sentimental reasons, I like the Lindsay Lohan version, better but this classic film has better acting better singing and a more wholesome message. A rare treasure
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AGE
a laughed & cried.
THAT MOVIE IS THE GREATEST IN THE WHOLE WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
The original is the best!
We like this better than the remake! Very funny, cute and keeps everyone engaged!
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Kid, 12 years old
October 15, 2011
AGE
Nice!
It was an awesome film, though I did find some parts harsh for young children.
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AGE
A very enjoyable movie!
When I was very little my parents showed me this movie and I liked it a lot! But I saw it hmm a few weeks ago for the first time in like 8 years and found that I understood it much better now and enjoyed it better. Its still an awesome movie and might even be better then the remake!
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AGE
consumerism
fig newton's are mentioned, but great movie
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| Topics: | book characters |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | David Swift |
| Cast: | Brian Keith, Hayley Mills, Maureen O'Hara |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 124 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 21, 1961 |
| DVD release date: | May 7, 2002 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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