Parents' Guide to

Candleshoe

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Old-school Disney treasure hunt is fun but dated.

Movie G 1977 101 minutes
Candleshoe Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 3 parent reviews

RonjasMom
RonjasMom Adult
December 6, 2020
age 10+

For older kids and adults

This is an enjoyable and ultimately warmhearted movie, but acts and threats of violence from an adult criminal, committed upon a child, make it inappropriate for the suggested "seven and up" audience. A mature ten year old would be the youngest child for whom I would suggest it.

This title has:

Too much violence
RPaulson
RPaulson Adult
February 23, 2020
age 6+

Fun Family Film with Treasure Hunt

Not really any objectionable content, save for an adult slapping a child on the face at the start of the movie. My daughter asked why the bad guy kept saying “bloody” and I had to explain that it’s a (mild) British curse word. Terrific performances by all actors involved, especially Jodie Foster and David Niven. Of the 1970s era Disney films, this is a rare standout that has held up against time. Our daughter was not bored. She LOVED it and asked to watch it again a week later. I was astonished! I think the treasure hunt is just simple enough for kids 6+ to understand and feel clever about. The interpersonal dynamics of the kids in the movie are relatable and clearly understood. There’s no fluff in the movie - it’s well written and directed. Lots of good messages: honesty, loyalty, friendship, and family are emphasized a lot. So is teamwork to a lesser extent. The hero starts out a thief but gradually learns to be honest and do the right thing because friendship and love of family win over deceit. Really a good movie for the whole family. I remember really liking it as a kid because it had all the stuff I liked back then: pirate treasure hunt, sword fights, mystery solving, trains, comedy, etc.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Casey Brown (Jodie Foster) comes from skid row, a place where her foster parents care more about an envelope of money than about her welfare. When she is traded off to a couple of thugs, her life changes for good. Soon she meets a slippery con man named Harry Bundage (Leo McKern) who cuts a deal with her that goes like this: she poses as the long-lost granddaughter of a countess (played by Helen Hayes), all the while looking for a treasure that the countess's forefather buried on the estate called Candleshoe. Casey agrees -- for a price -- and is swept off to England to take her role in the deal. While at Candleshoe, she is greeted by the versatile butler/gardener/driver, Priory (David Niven) who is doing what he can to keep the estate afloat. But Casey finds she is not alone -- Lady St. Edmund has taken in a handful of local orphans. And after finding clues to the treasure, Casey begins to see the value of being part of a real family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (3):

The acting alone makes this movie worth a look. Jodie Foster shows her prowess as a teenage girl fresh from the streets of L.A.. She does not waver when pressed by more seasoned con artists than herself, and she sure knows how to take care of herself when she's challenged by other kids. But the actor who steals the show is David Niven, as the chameleon-like butler who saves Candleshoe from ruin. Helen Hayes plays the gentle, yet relatable grand dame, creating a nice foil to Jodie Foster's tough American kid.

The plot is catchy and active, and the emotions are real. Plus, finding a treasure is always fun. The whole family should enjoy this fun film, even if it seems a bit dated.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Casey refuses to touch or hold Lady St. Edmund's hand. What is she afraid of? What does trust mean in your family? When is it okay to trust people you hardly know? When should you be cautious?

  • Jodie Foster was a child star and a celebrity at a young age. How does celebrity change a kid? Conversely, how are kids affected by celebrities? Should celebrities be role models?

  • Casey is a kid who acts out in unproductive ways. Why does she do that? Have you ever been tempted to be destructive? What makes you want to break or vandalize things? How did you feel after you did something destructive? What could have been done differently?

Movie Details

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