Common Sense Media Review
Magical, old-fashioned musical still dazzles.
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Hello, Dolly!
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say this is a heartwarming and entertaining musical that's considered one of the best of all time, with great music and lovable characters; however, it includes a few outdated elements, such as a song that reflects historical sexism, which may require parental guidance. While many reviews praise its humor, engaging story, and historical educational value, some note it may be too lengthy and less engaging for very young children.
- best musical
- entertaining story
- historical context
- parental guidance
- humorous elements
- length concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Dolly Levi (Barbra Streisand) is a matchmaker in turn-of-the-century Yonkers, outside of New York. She's hired by Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau) to find him a wife. He also hires her to take his niece Ermengarde (Joyce Ames) to New York City to encourage her to forget about marrying her artist beau, Ambrose (Tommy Tune). Instead, Dolly makes matches for his two clerks (Michael Crawford and Danny Lockin), advises them on how to get promotions from Horace, and helps Ermengarde get permission to marry Ambrose. Finally, after a series of intricate maneuvers, Dolly makes a match for herself, with Horace.
Is It Any Good?
This is one of the last of the big-time, old-fashioned musicals, with lavish production values and a dozen hummable tunes. The very slight story is bolstered by terrific singing and dancing -- staged by two masters of the genre: Gene Kelly, who directed, and Michael Kidd, who choreographed. The elaborate sets, costumes, and musical numbers make this movie a treat for the eyes and ears.
Dolly is almost a magical figure, yet with all the confidence it takes to transform the lives of everyone around her, she still hesitates when it comes to herself. She still mourns her late husband Ephraim, but she wants more out of life "Before the Parade Passes By." Yet when Horace finally proposes, she waits for a sign of Ephraim's approval. What she gets is a sign that Horace has the qualities she is looking for -- that, as she suspected all along, his gruff exterior conceals a warm heart and a wish to help others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Dolly doesn't just tell Horace the truth about what she thinks is right for him and for Ermengarde. How does she help the people in the movie to think differently about themselves, and how does that help them change?
How does the movie address gender roles? How do these expressions mirror the time in which the movie was set?
Why do you think that musicals have such an enduring appeal? What would be the challenges in adapting a hit Broadway musical into a movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 16, 1969
- On DVD or streaming : August 19, 2003
- Cast : Barbra Streisand , Michael Crawford , Walter Matthau
- Director : Gene Kelly
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 146 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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