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Parents' Guide to

The Parent Trap (1961)

By Common Sense Media, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Charming classic has some dated gender roles.

Movie G 1961 124 minutes
The Parent Trap (1961) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • The Parent Trap (1961) Movie: Scene #1
  • The Parent Trap (1961) Movie: Scene #2
  • The Parent Trap (1961) Movie: Scene #3
  • The Parent Trap (1961) Movie: Scene #4

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 8 parent reviews

mlinds
mlinds Parent of 4 and 8-year-old
July 11, 2021
age 7+

I loved this as a kid, but with MY kids... some cringe-worthy moments

I watched this movie a million times with my sister growing up, and was pretty psyched to watch it with my eight-year-old. While she loved it, and was totally astounded that Hayley Mills played both parts (I didn't tell her until after), there was some pretty yucky sexist stuff in this movie. Plus my kids are not used to seeing adults hit each other in the face or make jokes about such a thing. Most disappointing was how the dad told the daughter she wouldn't want to meet her mother because she wasn't pretty, and was fat. Ug. Awful.
1 person found this helpful.
Tylyndah
Tylyndah Adult
May 7, 2020
age 7+

Great movie!

Seen it with my kids a few times.. and of course I know all the songs!
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THE PARENT TRAP, Sharon and Susan (both Hayley Mills) are as different as night and day, and they become instant enemies when they meet at summer camp. Proper Sharon grew up in Boston with mother Maggie, and tomboy Susan lives out west on a ranch with father Mitch. When they unexpectedly discover they're identical twins, Sharon and Susan switch places to try to reunite their parents so they can stay together. Susan goes to Boston, where she gets to know her lonely mother Maggie. Sharon goes to the ranch, where she discovers that Mitch is about to get married to Vicky, a much younger woman who's most interested in the millions he has in the bank. In desperation, Sharon summons Susan and Maggie to the ranch, and the girls hatch a plan to get their parents back together.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (17 ):

Quaintly old-fashioned by today's standards, this classic still charms, thanks to heartfelt performances of stars Hayley Mills, Brian Keith, and Maureen O'Hara. The story line here is virtually the same as in the 1998 remake, with the main difference being Mitch and Maggie's rather dated notions about the war between the sexes. Hayley Mills believably plays both Susan and Sharon and shines in the movie's memorable musical number, "Let's Get Together," which the remake omits.

For kids who are willing to watch a movie that unfolds at a more leisurely pace, The Parent Trap is an entertaining relic from a time when kids were far less knowing. As an added bonus, parents will enjoy the interplay between the movie's adults, which is deeper and more dramatic than in the remake.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the message of The Parent Trap. Do comedies often have messages? Do you think the movie remains relevant today, when kids are more knowing and parents divorce openly rather than hiding it, as these parents did?

  • How are issues such as divorce, sex, and puberty addressed in this movie, and how might that compare to a contemporary movie in which tween characters are prominently featured?

  • What are some of the more timeless aspects to this movie released over half a century ago?

  • How do the twins in The Parent Trap demonstrate communication and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

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