I think some people here are being too sensitive. The drinking just doesn't affect the viewers. I've watched this movie since I was 1 or 2 years old, and I've never drank a drop of alcohol- I steer clear of it. And, the violence from Pete's teacher is normal, even in the 21st century. I'm in a private high school, and teachers have done that before (Of course, they've gotten fired for it, though).
The movie has great role models, notably Nora. She's all for protecting Pete and giving him love and support.
Didn't really care for it - the scene of the teacher caning Pete's hands is inappropriate for this day and age. This is a movie that was OK in its time but not great now.
I remember this movie from when I was young and I loved it. I rented it for my son, age 4 -- he loved it, although I had to fast forward thru quite a bit. Micky Rooney as the town drunk is no longer appropriate, the hillbilly family who purchased Pete was nasty and name-calling, the cruel teacher was over the top, and the con men bad guys were a little violent. Most of this went over his head, but I did not want him to see it anyway. also a little long for young children, so if you can skip through the inappropriate bits, it might be okay for slightly older children.
I don't think my daughter even notices the drinking. The 'dirty people' scare her, but we talked about it and sometimes fast-forward. She loves the songs and Elliot