See more movie reviews

Strangers on a Train (PG, 1951)

common sense media says

Classic nail-biter is a must for thriller fans.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say violence is an issue
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is solid nail-biting entertainment for those who enjoy stylish, well-crafted suspense. Don't expect a moral here, but do expect a lot of suspense and some dark subject matter that makes it inappropriate for young viewers who should probably stick to Scooby-Doo. The British version devotes slightly more screen time to Bruno's Liberace-like flamboyance, giving that fateful meeting with Guy on the train a vague air of flirtation. Parents concerned about homoerotic content need not be; it's presented discreetly, merely as a character trait.

Positive messages: Pemeditated murder, stalking.
Violence: Graphic murder, and a slug-fest on a high-speed carousel. Stalking.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Strangers on a Train

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the hallmarks of a suspense film, and how continued suspense, especially when the tension and danger continues to increase, is often more thrilling, entertaining, and downright scary than films filled with constant, gratuitous violence.

What's the story?

What's the story?
From the novel by Patricia Highsmith, Alfred Hitchcock's STRANGERS ON A TRAIN takes a seemingly innocent conversation between tennis player Guy (Farley Granger) and well-heeled Bruno (Robert Walker) and turns it, by degrees, into a grueling worst-case scenario. A chance meeting on a train embroils the two men in a shrewd murder scheme that quickly goes awry. Co-scripted by Raymond Chandler, this stylish, suspenseful 1951 Hitchcock classic will have the whole family squirming and second-guessing each other about the outcome as an innocent man is drawn into a lunatic's murder scheme. The master of suspense gives us a dead body, but doesn't leave us asking who, where, when or why. We witnessed the crime. We understand the murderer's motive. If this were a straightforward murder mystery, the end credits would be rolling, but because it's an Alfred Hitchcock picture it's just beginning. So buckle up, because the tension builds relentlessly all the way to the climax.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

In the hands of a less-competent director, the story might not have amounted to much, but Hitchcock builds the suspense relentlessly, almost sickeningly. That's why they call him the master.

This adaptation devotes slightly more screen time to Bruno's Liberace-like flamboyance, giving that fateful meeting with Guy on the train a vague air of flirtation. Parents concerned about homoerotic content need not be; it's presented discreetly, merely as a character trait. There's no great moral to be found here ("Crime doesn't pay" is stretching it a little). This is just solid nail-nibbling entertainment for those who enjoy stylish, well-crafted suspense.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Cast: Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Ruth Roman
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release: July 3, 1951
DVD release: March 27, 1991
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: some violence and tension
This review was written by Scott G. Mignola
 
 

Review It

 

Review Strangers on a Train

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

13
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say violence is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Tsion
parent of 15 year old
13
 
Thrilling and Frightening Suspense...
STRANGERS ON A TRAIN is a great movie. It isn't quite 5-stars, but it is a wonderfully tense and engaging thriller. There is no language or sex, though it is stated that Guy's wife is pregnant by another man. There is an onscreen murder (strangling) but it isn't graphic. Several scenes are tense, but not too tense for family movie night.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (6)
MovieFan777
teen, 16 years old
11
 
A Suspence Filled Feature
This thriller is truly a nail bitter that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Younger children will probably be disturbed by the film.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (6)
Spalko
teen, 15 years old
12
 
May scare younger ones
Great Alfred Hitchcock movie! Some iffy stuff though with Guy and his wife at the beginning. He is getting divorced because she has been having affairs with other men and she is pregnant. But it's a brief moment and really only mentioned once. The violence is very minimum also!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (5)
bubbo
adult
 
A great suspense movie for families! It's definitely suspenseful enough for parents and not too scary for older kids (a mature 9+). One of Alfred Hitchcock's best movies I have seen.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (5)
Plague
parent
12
 
Strangers on a Train
A fantastic thriller, and a Hitchcock classic.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
BestPicture1996
teen, 16 years old
11
 
Excellent cinematography
There is one scene in particular involving glasses that everyone who's seen the movie knows what I'm talking about that is truly genius. Another classic Hitchcock film, keeping you on your toes most of the time. The premise is interesting, and Robert Walker's performance is especially entertaining.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
Spielberg00
teen, 14 years old
12
 
Way too much for a PG. Not the best Hitchcock at all.
My rating: PG-13 for violence/tension including murder scenes, some suggestive content and references, and for smoking and alcohol use throughout.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Strangers on a Train?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More for Hitchcock fans
For kids who love thrills
Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines