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You Can't Take It with You (NR, 1938)

common sense media says

Kid-friendly Capra classic stars a quirky family.

parents & educators say
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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.

Positive messages: Overall the movie has extremely positive messages about pursuing your dreams and supporting the people you care about. Reflecting the time in which the movie was made, the two
African-American characters, a maid and her out-of-work boyfriend, are
treated with some affection but also condescension.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
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 You Can't Take It with You

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar
Director: Frank Capra
Cast: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 127 minutes
Theatrical release: August 23, 1938
DVD release: February 13, 2003
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

MovieLover4Lyfe
adult
11
 
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.
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BestPicture1996
teen, 16 years old
10
 
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.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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