Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British comedy classic despite some problematic language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Billy Liar
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BILLY LIAR, young working-class Billy (Tom Courtenay) escapes into a dream world to avoid his humdrum life. Gradually letting his fantasies spill over into reality, he starts to get caught out by those around him. Could running away from his problems and starting afresh be the answer?
Is It Any Good?
An impressive debut from Oscar-winning director John Schlesinger, and one of Courtenay's most memorable roles, there's no doubting this is a classic of 1960s British cinema. Billy Liar takes what could be a wildly unlikable character and creates an antihero it's possible to root for, his frustration and rage making him more sympathetic than his selfish tendencies should allow. Although the film is very much Courtenay's, the supporting players -- not least Ethel Griffies' grumbling Grandma Florence, Gwendolyn Watts' feisty Rita, and Julie Christie's BAFTA-nominated Liz -- make sure that the scenes in reality don't pale too much in comparison to the fantasy sequences, which play like snippets of movies inside Billy's head. There are some outdated gender stereotypes and racist language that wouldn't escape the cutting room floor now, but overall the movie stands up well as an imaginative and enjoyable piece of filmmaking.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of fantasy and reality in Billy Liar. Why do you think Billy created such a strong fantasy world? How did his fantasies leak out into his actions in the real world, and what were the consequences?
The movie has moments of sexism and racism that were likely deemed more acceptable when it was made. How do you feel watching it now? Discuss the implications of watching older movies that show offensive and outdated views.
How was smoking depicted in the film? Do you think attitudes to smoking have changed since when the movie was set? Why, or why not?
How were sex and relationships portrayed? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
The film is a black-and-white movie from the 1960s. How did it feel watching something in black and white when most films are made in color these days? Did it affect your viewing experience?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 16, 1963
- On DVD or streaming : September 2, 2014
- Cast : Tom Courtenay , Wilfred Pickles , Mona Washbourne , Julie Christie
- Director : John Schlesinger
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Continental Distributing
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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