 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
You Can't Take It with You
- Review Date: January 10, 2005
- NR
- Genre: Comedy
- 1938
Common Sense Media says
Kid-friendly Capra classic stars a quirky family.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Frank Capra classic is delightful family viewing. The only red flag is the slightly condescending treatment of two African-American characters.
What's the story?
In YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU, Tony Kirby (Jimmy Stewart) and Alice (Jean Arthur) have fallen in love. The problem is that they are from drastically different families. Tony's is straight-laced. Alice's is loving but eccentric, presided over by Grandpa (Lionel Barrymore). Alice invites Tony and his parents over for dinner, but they arrive a day early. The chaos that ensues leads Alice to believe she and Tony cannot be married, but it only serves to strengthen his resolve that they can.
Is it any good?
The well-loved play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart is given the Frank Capra treatment, sometimes called "capra-corn." The entire populist subplot about the land being sold and the appearance of most of the characters in court are the additions of Capra and his screenwriter, Robert Riskin, and they make the film seem a bit dated. But children will enjoy the way that everyone in the family joyfully pursues his or her own dreams, and the way they all respect and support one another.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether they would like to live in a family like this one. Which family member is most like you? Why did Tony tell his parents the wrong night for dinner at the Sycamore's? Notice the difference between the way that the Sycamores and the Kirbys react when they get arrested. Why? What does the title mean?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
By today's standards this movie is ab it slow moving. Children may not want to sit through it. Has a very nice story in it though and teens should be able to appreciate it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Charming but slow-moving
Kids won't understand what nearly half of the stuff they're dealing with means. Mature tweens may get it, but I doubt they want to see it. It can be very funny at times and has a very good message that if you have family and friends, that's better than all the wealth in the world.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Frank Capra |
| Cast: | James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 127 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 23, 1938 |
| DVD release date: | February 13, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
