A Kid for Two Farthings
By Kat Halstead,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sweet family-friendly drama has smoking, wrestling scenes.
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A Kid for Two Farthings
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What's the Story?
In A KID FOR TWO FARTHINGS, Joe (Jonathan Ashmore) is inspired by a kind tailor, Mr. Kandinsky (David Kossoff), to buy a young goat with one horn, believing it to be a unicorn that can grant wishes. Concentrating his energy on the dreams of those around him, Joe's wishes start to come true, resulting in the promising fortunes of his nearest and dearest. But can Joe make his own desire -- to be reunited with his father -- a reality, too?
Is It Any Good?
From director Carol Reed -- famous for classics like The Third Man and Oliver! -- this 1955 British drama is a surprisingly sweet, if slightly underwhelming tale of childhood innocence. In A Kid for Two Farthings lead role, Ashmore is warm, thoughtful, and spirited, though his posh English accent is out of place in London's East End markets. Adapted from a book originally set within the Jewish community, its one of a few major castings -- including Celia Johnson as Joe's mother, and Diana Dors and Joe Robinson as young sweethearts -- that step away from the original material and leave Kossoff's wonderfully wise, kind tailor verging on mystical stereotype.
The fantastical element stretches beyond Joe's hopeful imagination, the bustling market streets brought alive with bright colors (this was Reed's first color film) and night scenes imbued with a romantic glow and a magical, almost musical-style energy that is a far cry from the dingy, shadowy realism lurking beneath. Animals packed tightly in cages and the way the "unicorn" is yanked around and manhandled doesn't sit particularly well today. But for those who can look beyond its issues and the slightly slow, episodic pacing, this is a heartwarming and hopeful movie that will inspire as much magic as audiences will allow.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the positive messages in A Kid for Two Farthings. How does Joe use his wishes? What motivates him to behave this way? How does he demonstrate compassion and empathy? Why are these such important character strengths to have?
A number of the characters are seen smoking in the movie. Discuss how attitudes toward smoking have changed since this movie was made in the 1950s.
Discuss the wrestling scenes in the movie. Did any of the violence seem excessive for a movie like this?
How were the animals treated in the film? Do you think their treatment would be different if the movie was made today? If so, in what ways? Why does this matter?
The movie is based on a book. What other movies based on books have you seen?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 17, 1956
- On DVD or streaming: October 21, 2003
- Cast: Celia Johnson, Diana Dors, David Kossoff
- Director: Carol Reed
- Studio: Lopert Pictures Corporation
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Book Characters, Horses and Farm Animals
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Empathy
- Run time: 96 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: August 24, 2022
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