Common Sense Media Review
Faithful, family-friendly adaptation of children's classic.
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Misty
What's the Story?
MISTY is a faithful adaptation of the classic (and fact-based) children's book Misty of Chincoteague, by Marguerite Henry, about two children who fall in love with a wild horse that's descended from the Spanish ponies that escaped from a sinking ship and swam to Asateague, an island off the coast of Virginia. The children are Paul and Maureen, who live with their grandparents on Chincoteague, a neighboring island. Once a year, the residents of Chincoteague go to Asateague to capture ponies.
Is It Any Good?
MISTY does a great job of showing the challenge of teaching Misty independence -- how hard it is for her, but how much love it shows. When Paul has to let the Phantom go back to Assateague, he tells Misty to go, too, but Misty stays and runs after them. Her home is with them, now. Misty provides a good opportunity to talk about showing love by letting go. The brother and sister have a very good, supportive relationship. And their grandfather (Arthur O'Connell) is strict and proud but understanding, as shown by his reaction when Paul goes off to Assateague alone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's important for Misty to learn to be independent. What's the best way to teach her?
Why do you think horse stories in books and movies are popular with kids? What others have you read or seen?
Why does Misty want to stay with the children? Why doesn't the Phantom want to stay? How does Paul know?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 4, 1961
- On DVD or streaming : November 25, 2008
- Cast : Anne Seymour , Arthur O'Connell , David Ladd
- Directors : James B. Clark , Robert Stevenson
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , STEM
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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