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Parents' Guide to

Snoopy, Come Home

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Adventure-filled Peanuts journey has some sad moments.

Movie G 1973 80 minutes
Snoopy, Come Home Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 1 parent review

meydiana.rizki
meydiana.rizki Parent of 18+-year-old
October 25, 2022
age 4+

A sweet little Peanuts entry to see as a kid; good mix of humor and pathos

I remember this Peanuts movie-special, along with A Boy Named Charlie Brown, fondly as a kid, when they replayed these specials on Nickelodeon (or it might have been Disney's channel, can't remember which). Each one had several songs in each pot, all of them catchy to one degree or another, and featuring some of the genuine wit of the comic strips. This film is maybe relying on more sentimentality than the former, as in this one the issue of leaving home and belonging to an master/owner (and the attachment), and the comedy isn't as rampant as in other Peanuts specials. But of the dozens of Peanuts specials- and the short-lived television series- this is one of the better ones, as there are some moments that still stick in my mind many years after seeing it. One of these is the classic "No Dog's Allowed" song, with the perfect bass sounding voice. And the whole sequence where Snoopy is under protest taken in by a very determined little girl is brilliantly done for laughs. For some kids, depending on if they're attached to the Peanuts or not, may feel stronger with this film, with the very conflicting climax with Snoopy and his masters. There's enough fun though, as Woodstock's first appearance in the Peanuts series is well placed and delivered, with as many vaudevillian expressions as Snoopy. Just good, family fun for all.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
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What's the Story?

Snoopy (voiced by Director Bill Melendez) is one frustrated beagle when SNOOPY, COME HOME opens. Signs that say "No Dogs Allowed" seem to be everywhere, even his favorite places, like the beach and the library. What's more, Charlie Brown (Chad Webber) seems to be blaming Snoopy for everything, particularly his own human disappointments. So when Snoopy gets a melancholy letter from his hospitalized first owner (surprise, Peanuts fans!) Lila (Johanna Baer), a charming little miss, asking him to visit, he's a bit relieved, and his sense of duty and loyalty takes over. Snoopy and Woodstock set off on a journey to see Lila. And what a journey it is! A profusion of obstacles is set in the beagle's path -- from way too many "No Dogs Allowed" signs to an alarming stint as the captured pet of Clara (Linda Ercolo), a rambunctious little girl (the film's funniest sequence). Back at home, Charlie Brown and the gang search for Snoopy, worry about him, and nearly give up ever seeing their beloved friend again. To the joy of everyone, Snoopy and Woodstock come home. It's a short-lived relief, however. Snoopy feels conflicted but responsible for Lila and has only returned to pack up his things and move permanently. It's an emotional time for everyone. Will Snoopy really leave them? If he does, will Charlie Brown and company ever recover?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Wit, terrific music, and the classic engaging characters -- even a few who'd never before appeared in Peanuts comic strips -- make this 1972 movie both wonderfully fresh and comfortingly familiar. In Snoopy, Come Home, the iconic beagle's bouts with "No Dogs Allowed" signs and comically hazardous situations as he travels far from home reflect the singular creativity of Charles M. Schulz at his best. Bill Melendez and his team successfully bring the artist's vision to the screen. Woodstock's first film appearance is noteworthy, as well. Unlike most of the Peanuts fare, which deals with the typical trials of growing up and soul-searching, this movie, in a kid-friendly way, reflects on the prospect of loss and abandonment as Snoopy decides whether or not to leave his friends behind. Tears are shed, but not for long. Highly recommended.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the many ways in which Peanuts has been a part of our culture for more than half a century. How close do Charles M. Schulz's cartoon characters come to expressing our most real human traits? What factors continue to keep the franchise fresh and relevant?

  • In Snoopy, Come Home, Snoopy faces a true-life dilemma. What were his reasons for going to see Lila? Why did he consider going back to live with her? Did you agree with his decisions? How was the choice ultimately taken out of his hands?

  • Clara is the little girl who believes Snoopy is a stray and takes him home with her. What were her reasons for wanting a pet? What did she know about being a pet owner? How important is it to have the animal's welfare foremost in mind when caring for a pet?

  • How do the characters in Snoopy, Come Home demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

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