Darby O'Gill and the Little People1959Darby O'Gill and the Little People
1959
Darby O'Gill is an aging Irish caretaker who tells tall tales in the village pub, mostly about his run-ins with King Brian of the leprechauns. When Darby finally traps the king and wins three wishes, he discovers just how dangerous a leprechaun's bargain can be, especially where his beloved daughter is concerned.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
An Irish storyteller who has spent his life chasing a leprechaun's gold uses his last wish to offer his life for his daughter's. Wonder, wit, and a father's sacrificial love.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
The wailing banshee and the death coach are genuinely frightening for little ones. Lots of pub drinking (including getting King Brian drunk) and a fistfight are played for comedy, and Darby hides hard news from his daughter, which is worth discussing.
Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- What would you wish for if you caught King Brian?
- Why did Darby make his last wish?
- Was the banshee the scariest part? What else frightened you?
- Who was trickier, Darby or King Brian?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 8+: a frightening banshee and death coach; a fistfight; lots of pub drinking, including a leprechaun gotten drunk; some kissing.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
Darby O'Gill and the Little People Blu-ray (Disney Movie Club Exclusive)
Blu-ray · March 8, 2022
Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.