See more movie reviews

The Three Lives of Thomasina (NR, 1964)

common sense media says

Cat-centric family classic touches on deep topics.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that some children may be upset over the notion that a cat can die and come back; some who have lost a pet (or a family member) may be upset that they don't come back.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Death of a pet -- who comes back.
Sexy stuff: 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 The Three Lives of Thomasina

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what they think about Mary's decision not to talk to her father. Was that a good way to solve the problem? What was her father's reaction? Was that a good way to solve the problem? Why is it harder for some people to talk about their feelings than others? Is it ever hard for you to talk about yours?

What's the story?

What's the story?
THE THREE LIVES OF THOMASINA is set in 1912 Scotland. Mary MacDhui (Karen Dotrice) is a little girl whose mother has died. She loves her cat Thomasina more than anything in the world. Her father Andrew (Patrick McGoohan), a veterinarian, is a very rational man who has a hard time showing Mary how much she means to him, or understanding how much Thomasina means to her. He is unable to cure Thomasina when she is hurt and puts her to sleep, a choice that is rational, but insensitive. Mary's supportive friends help her plan a funeral, which is interrupted by Lori MacGregor (Susan Hampshire), a mysterious woman who cures animals with herbs and affection and is thought to be a witch. Lori finds Thomasina, who is not dead; she has just used up one of her nine lives. In a fantasy scene set in Cat Heaven, Thomasina is reborn, with no memory of her previous life. The townspeople begin to bring their sick animals to Lori, upset because Andrew put his daughter's cat to sleep. Mary sees Thomasina and runs after her in a rainstorm. When she falls ill, Andrew, desperate, goes to Lori for help. Lori tells him that his love is what Mary needs.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This family film delves into some pretty deep topics, such as death, the importance of communicating one's feelings, and of family bonds and love. Andrew represents the head, and Lori the heart. In the beginning of the story, both are isolated. Thomasina and Mary bring them together. Children may be interested in the way that the funeral arrangements are such a comfort to Mary. They may also want to know more about why Andrew had such a problem communicating his feelings.

WARNING: Some children may be upset over the notion that a cat can die and come back; some who have lost a pet (or a family member) may be upset that they don't come back.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Don Chaffey
Cast: Alex Mackenzie, Patrick McGoohan, Susan Hampshire
Genre: Drama
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: June 4, 1964
DVD release: July 6, 2004
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Three Lives of Thomasina

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

Most useful reviews by all members

GrandmaSKAS
adult
10
 
Traumatized me as a 9 year old who's grandmother had just died
If a child has been touched by real death in the family, or of a pet, this film could be devastating. There are very confusing messages about faith/religion. And the adults don't act responsibly in many of the segments of the movie. I was 9 years old when I first saw it in the theater and was traumatized by the death of the cat, and confused by it's supposed trip to cat heaven. I had just lost my grandmother to cancer.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
Poison Ivey
teen, 17 years old
6
 
good movie, nothing bad at all
oh please, CSM, kids aren't that stupid. If you think your kid will be upset that there pet didn't come back, dont let your 2 year old watch it. I haven't seen it in forever, but I do remember it being quite good.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)
Mentoring Mom
adult
 
WHAT?! Only 3 stars????
This is a Disney classic! I still like to watch it (for some fun performances) and I don't even like cats!!!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)

More reviews ...

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

vote now

Will you see The Three Lives of Thomasina?

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 family classics
For kids who love animals
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