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The Philadelphia Story

(2000, Rated NR, Classic, Starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, James Stewart)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Screwball romance is lots of fun for older kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 11 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Tracy is told she's unfeminine for having high moral standards--women are expected to tolerate alcoholism and adultery.
  • Violence:

    Some fistfights, played for laughs.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Tracy gets very drunk, kisses another man the night before her wedding, and goes for a midnight swim with him.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Philadelphia Story

Parents need to know that this is a very funny comedy of manners, beautifully performed and directed. However, it's a bit risque and the class politics may be lost on younger kids. They may also be confused by the outdated gender roles. Parents should know that alcoholism, divorce, adultery, and lechery are made light of.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how gender roles have evolved since the movie was made.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    A Witty Charmer...

    THE PHILADELPHIA STORY is a charming romantic comedy bursting with colorful performances and clever wit and humor. Katharine Hepburn plays an upper-class daughter of a socialite and his ex-wife, who, on her wedding night, is confronted by three suitors: her fiance (John Howard): a kind but mediocre man, her ex-husband (Cary Grant): a sly and witty charmer, and a young writer (Jimmy Stewart, in an Oscar winning role), who enthralls her with his work and passion. What follows is a delightful comedy of error and mistaken love. The movie should be okay for kids. There is no violence or language, and sex consists of one or two very mild innuendos. However, there is TONS of drinking, mention of alcoholism, and drunkeness.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    Awesome

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Unforgettable

    With Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart starring, you can't go wrong. However, the audience is so fortunate to even experience more than the powerhouse performances from this incomparable trio, what with the delightful wit, romance, and drama peppered throughout. Also, besides a brief scene of drunkenness, there's little objectionable material, and so even preteen film aficionados will be able to enjoy this classic.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Great actors combine to create this wonderful film

    When you mix Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart you get this wonderful romantic comedy! Although it does show quite a bit of drinking, overall this movie is brilliant!

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