Common Sense Media Review
By Tracey Petherick
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dated ghostly hijinks lack panache but have family appeal.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Ghosts of Buxley Hall
What's the Story?
In THE GHOSTS OF BUXLEY HALL, a progressive girls' school merges with Buxley Hall's traditional military academy for boys, much to the horror of its resident ghosts. With the bank threatening to withdraw its funding, the two headteachers must collaborate to make the new school financially viable. But the Hall's founder, the long-dead General Buxley (Dick O'Neill) emerges from a painting with his cohorts, determined to scare off the female imposters and restore the academy to its traditional standing. Meanwhile, wealthy orphan Jeremy (Rad Daly) joins the school bringing hope of a generous donation -- but only if his conniving aunt doesn't get her hands on his money first.
Is It Any Good?
This made-for-TV Disney movie from 1980 takes a while to get going but if you persevere you can't help but be sucked in. A fun cast of characters includes friendly ghosts, plucky school girls, and an entertainingly wicked aunt. While the men are generally portrayed as old-fashioned and sexist, it's all presented with a heavy dose of irony, and the female characters (young and old) make strong, positive role models. The schoolgirls transform the mood at Buxley Hall with loud music, hair styling, and T-shirts with slogans like "Never underestimate the power of a woman" -- pretty forward-thinking for a 40-year-old movie.
Kids will giggle at The Ghosts of Buxley Hall's meager special effects, and there are plenty of weak jokes throughout, but as the pace picks up the story gets more compelling and even the humor improves. After building to a tense but exciting finale -- as the boys and girls work together in a classic Disney-style stand off -- the happy ending is a big shout out for equality (and even a hint of romance).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gender roles in The Ghosts of Buxley Hall. How are the women portrayed in comparison to the men? How do the men treat the women? Do you feel the representations are realistic?
How do the different characters demonstrate the importance of standing up for their beliefs? Why is this a valuable character trait? Can it ever be a negative trait? Can you think of any real-life examples?
Talk about how ghosts are portrayed in movies -- they're not always scary. Can you think of other movies in which the ghosts are friendly? How to choose a scary movie for your kid.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 21, 1980
- Cast : Dick O'Neill , Victor French , Louise Latham
- Director : Bruce Bilson
- Studio : NBC Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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