Classic movies for kids
 

I'm thinking of forcing my kids to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" this year. Do you think they'll like it, or be utterly bored? My son just turned 13 and my daughter will be 11 in a couple of months.

I'm guessing that they'll tolerate it, once they get used to the idea that they're watching an old movie in (shudder!) black and white.

While we're on the topic, what classic movies (i.e., those made before 1960) do you think kids this age would enjoy?

Re: Classic movies for kids
 

I have fond memories of watching The Parent Trap and Mary Poppins with my family when I was young. Feel good movies with fun humor.

If you specifically want pre 60's, try Duck Soup (or any Marx Brothers flick), the over the top, slapstick, zany humor was tailored for children's funny bones.

You could also try some classic Chaplin or Buster Keaton. Specifically, The General. The stunt work alone will have your kids interested. Just make sure to tell them the difference in Stunt-work now days (wires, CG, etc.) and back then (it being, well, real)

Re: Classic movies for kids
 

Hitchcock is a good example of something anyone could enjoy, like North by Northwest.
Film noir is another one that has many movies that can be easily liked, because who doesn't like a story with a detective and a beautiful woman?

Re: Classic movies for kids
 

Three Stooges would be fun.
I fear my kids would be horribly bored by It's A Wonderful Life"

Re: Classic movies for kids
 

"IAWL" bored me as a kid. And still does today.

The ones I remember most fondly are "Robin Hood" (disney animated), Mary Poppins and The Rescuers.

Re: Classic movies for kids
 

[ QUOTE ]

You could also try some classic Chaplin or Buster Keaton. Specifically, The General. The stunt work alone will have your kids interested. Just make sure to tell them the difference in Stunt-work now days (wires, CG, etc.) and back then (it being, well, real)

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes please. The General is like watching live-action Looney Tunes.

Re: Classic movies for kids
 

The Wizard of Oz is an obvious choice (though probably too obvious, OP's kids have almost certainly seen it already.)

IAWL is probably too boring for a pre-teen.

Re: Classic movies for kids
 

Remember, I'm talking about a 13 yr old boy and a 10 yr old girl (who kind of acts like a 12 yr old girl). We are way past Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz, etc.

I've been planning to show them the Marx Brothers for years. I agree that some silent films will be good too, like Modern Times.

I wonder what kids this age were watching and enjoying in the 1940s and 1950s.

Re: Classic movies for kids
 

Make them watch A Christmas Story, it's hilarious to kids, imo.

T
(You'll shoot your eye out!!!)

Re: Classic movies for kids
 

Tough age to crack Wynton. You'll want to get the first choice right or they wont watch the following films.

I know it is much later than what you have in mind, but The Sting could be a good starting point.