Parents need to know that one musical number rhapsodizes nostalgically about minstrel shows. But viewers don't see any blackface makeup or overt racist images; it's just verbal gags, and kids who don't know the history won't realize the degrading black stereotypes that gave rise to the patter.
Positive messages:There's a strong sense of the WWII generation's military loyalty and respect.
Positive role models:The two song-and-dance heroes (one usually dragged reluctantly along by
the other) selflessly help two ladies in trouble and invest their
fortune in helping out their old wartime commander, who has fallen on
hard times
Sexy stuff:Somewhere there's a college campus where a wild revisionist could read a homosexual subtext into the showbiz heroes' longtime "bachelor" status (and dressing in drag for one musical number). But in the real world, nothing to worry about.
But it's a musical, and it's here to entertain. This movie is good for Christmas, but I doubt you'd wanna watch it any of the other 364 days of the year.
This movie is one of my all time favorite christmas movies. It is full of random songs and dances, yes, but it also full of heart and joy. Bing Crosby is something this world needs a big dose of:)