Toby Tyler
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Whimsical tale of a circus orphan has a few scary bits.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
The circus has come to TOBY TYLER's town! It's the highlight of the year and Toby (Kevin Corcoran) is more excited than anybody. In love with the animals, the big top, and all things circus, the enthusiastic orphan doesn't have any money to spend, but he's blissfully happy. Harry Tupper, the peanut vendor (Bob Sweeney) makes him a fantastic offer -- Toby can have a job with the circus as a concessionaire. Toby ruefully declines -- his aunt and uncle need him on the family farm. But when Toby gets home and is roundly harangued by his mean-spirited uncle, the boy runs away and catches up with the circus in the nick of time. What follows is a series of comical adventures as Toby befriends an adorable young bareback rider just his age, a clown and a strongman who becomes important allies, and best of all, Mr. Stubbs, a mischievous chimp. Trouble arises only when Toby finds out that Mr. Tupper is not quite as advertised. Ultimately, the circus faces a major crisis and only Toby can save the day.
Is It Any Good?
Even the villains are funny in this nostalgic look at an America long gone. It's an early Disney release with enchanting kids, caring adults, lovable animals as well con artists, meanies, and trouble-makers.
Old-fashioned, heartwarming performances (particularly by the winning Mr. Stubbs -- an adorable chimpanzee), inventive situations, and some extraordinary bareback-riding sequences should be entertaining for everyone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how first impressions aren't always correct. How did both Harry Tupper and Ben Cotter turn out to be different from what they originally seemed? Have you made assumptions about someone that ended up being wrong?
What message does this movie send about honesty?
The traveling circus was an important part of American life many years ago. How have changes in media and technology changed that?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 21, 1960
- On DVD or streaming: August 2, 2005
- Cast: Bob Sweeney, Henry Calvin, Kevin Corcoran
- Director: Charles Barton
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Book Characters, Great Boy Role Models, Wild Animals
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate