What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that THE PARENT TRAP is the 1961 movie in which reunited twins (both played by Hayley Mills) join forces to try to reunite their divorced parents. The roles men and women play in relationships are more than a little dated, even as the film was ahead of its time in addressing what was then the touchy subject of divorce. An angry woman slaps a tween girl in the face, and there are comedic pratfalls and some slapstick-style violence. Aside from this, adult characters are shown smoking cigarettes and drinking cocktails and wine. However, The Parent Trap has stood the test of time and remains a charming movie that's entertaining for the entire family.
- Families can talk about the movie's message. 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?